The bill amends existing laws regarding the inspection of personnel records, significantly expanding the obligations of employers. It requires employers to allow employees to inspect their personnel records upon a written request and during normal business hours at the place of employment. Employers must provide a copy of the records within ten business days of the employee's request. The definition of "personnel records" is broadened to include various documents related to an employee's qualifications, performance evaluations, and employment history. Additionally, employers are mandated to retain these records for three years after an employee's termination.

The bill also introduces stricter penalties for violations, increasing the civil penalty for non-compliance from a maximum of $100 to between $1,500 and $3,000 per violation. Each instance of refusal to allow inspection or destruction of records constitutes a separate violation. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training is tasked with enforcing these provisions, and the penalties collected will be shared equally between the department and the aggrieved employee. This act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.