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Rhode Island Provides Grace Period to Employers Regarding Paid Sick Leave

10/01/18

Author: ADP Admin/Thursday, October 4, 2018/Categories: Rhode Island

Overview: The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) has announced that it will not enforce The Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act (Act) that went into effect on July 1, 2018 until January 1, 2019, if it finds that an employee was mistakenly denied paid sick leave benefits but the employer acted in good faith to comply with the law's requirements.

Details:
The DLT stated in part in its announcement that until January 1, 2019, if the Department finds that an employer has mistakenly denied benefits, but has acted in good faith to comply with the law, the agency will ensure that impacted employees are appropriately compensated, and waive the administrative penalties, as long as corrective action is taken to prevent further issues.

For a copy of the DLT announcement please click on the link provided below.
http://www.dlt.ri.gov/News_Releases/NR062618.htm

Under the Act, Rhode Island employers with 18 or more employees are required to offer paid sick and safe leave for employees to care for themselves, family members and/or members of their household. Employers with fewer than 18 employees must provide sick and safe leave time, although it does not need to be paid.

The sick and safe leave provisions allow covered employees to take up to 24 hours of leave in 2018, up to 32 hours in 2019, and up to 40 hours of paid leave thereafter. Earned sick and safe leave time will begin to accrue at the start of employment or July 1, 2018, whichever is later.

Sick and safe leave can be used for different reasons, including health care for mental or physical illness, injury or preventative care required by the employee, a relative or a member of the employee’s household. Additionally, the law allows employees to take time off when they or someone they are caring for experiences domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking.

For additional information on the Act, please see Rhode Island Paid Sick & Safe Leave is Headed to a Worksite Near You and Rhode Island Sick Leave Law articles in prior Insights & Solutions Newsletter archives.

Action Required: Employers with covered employees should review their policies, forms, and practices to ensure good faith compliance.

As always, please be sure to contact your HR Business Partner if you have any questions.

This content provides practical information concerning the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that ADP is not rendering legal advice.

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