The bill amends the General Laws of Rhode Island to include state employees in the temporary disability insurance program, effective January 1, 2027. It introduces new legal language that defines the State of Rhode Island as an employer under the temporary disability insurance program, ensuring that all state employees are covered and eligible for benefits under the same conditions as other covered employees. The state will be responsible for remitting both employer and employee contributions to the temporary disability insurance fund, and payroll deductions for employee contributions will be made in the same manner as required of other employers.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the director of the department of labor and training to promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of these provisions. It specifies that the provisions of this section will apply notwithstanding any existing collective bargaining agreements, although nothing in the bill prohibits the negotiation of supplemental disability benefits through collective bargaining. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to wages earned on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
2927: 28-39-2