The bill amends Title 42 of the General Laws by adding Chapter 56.4, which establishes regulations regarding the maximum workday and overtime compensation for peace officers employed by the state. It declares a public policy aimed at safeguarding the health, efficiency, and general well-being of these employees and those they serve. The chapter defines key terms, including "employee" (peace officers employed by the state), "employer" (the State of Rhode Island department of corrections), and "unforeseeable emergent circumstance" (an unpredictable occurrence requiring immediate action).

The bill stipulates that peace officers cannot be required to work beyond a predetermined shift of eight hours or ten hours for correctional officer stewards, except in cases of unforeseeable emergent circumstances. It prohibits discrimination against employees who refuse to accept overtime work under these conditions. The provisions allow for voluntary overtime but clarify that the employer must exhaust reasonable efforts to obtain staffing before mandating overtime, except in declared emergencies or disasters.

The bill outlines penalties for violations, requiring the state to pay employees double time and a half for any mandated overtime that contravenes the established provisions. It also clarifies that the new regulations do not negate existing rights or benefits under applicable collective bargaining agreements and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the chapter is deemed invalid, the remainder remains effective. The act is set to take effect upon passage.