The bill amends Section 5-23-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-23, titled "Holiday Business," to establish new regulations for retail establishments operating on holidays. It provides that retail establishments with fifteen (15) or more employees engaged in work during Sundays or holidays must pay their employees no less than time and a half for the work performed and guarantee a minimum of four (4) hours of employment. The provisions of this section shall not apply to individuals covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that retail businesses may only open on holidays if they obtain a license from the appropriate town council, with specific exceptions for pharmacies, food retailers with fewer than six employees, and certain other types of businesses. It allows city or town councils to set licensing fees, which cannot exceed $100, and exempts non-profit organizations from these fees. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
857: 5-23-2