The Slow Start Continues
The 2024 Rhode Island General Assembly Session continues at its slow pace. However, do not be deceived as well over 2000 bills will be introduced by the February 15, 2024 first deadline. In 2023, almost 2700 bills were introduced of which a few hundred were enacted. Additional bills can be introduced after the initial deadline.
The 2024 session could present legislators with new difficulties. This is due, in part, to the dwindling prior federal funds allocated to the state from the federal COVID-19 relief package (both ARPA and CANES ACT money). This has created a more challenging budget process and their issues will be further addressed in the following months.
Resurfacing Issues
Several issues are expected to resurface and be debated. This includes expansion of access to childcare and expanded family leave; the state’s public transit system, gun control, the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, access to health care, primary care physicians’ shortage, and countless other mandates, many of which if enacted will add to health insurance costs. Already over 40 health insurance-related bills have been introduced.
Housing will be at the top of the list because of the housing shortage and especially the lack of affordable housing. Let us not forget the $250 million in COVID money and many permitting reform bills were enacted in years 2022 and 2023 to jump-start construction. Housing Secretary Stephen Prior has asked for the largest state housing bond to fund the construction of more homes. Proponents are also seeking funds to be allocated to improving aging public housing authorities.
All worthy causes!
Also, the need for qualified primary care physicians; strengthening hospitals; addressing Medicare rates; expanding Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI)programs from six to twelve weeks, and the definition of those eligible for TCI; and increasing the minimum wage will all be considered.
Labor and Employment Legislation
(S-2236) Legislation has been proposed for wages, workers compensation, temporary disability and unemployment insurance benefits i.e. creating a new and more difficult definition for the term “employee.” It would deem a worker to be an employee and not an independent contractor, unless the so-called A<B<C tests are satisfied. They are (A) The person is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under contract for the performance of the work and in fact; (B) The person performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; (C) The person is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature, as that involved in the work performed.
(H7106) proposes and protects employee’s free speech in the workplace. Unfortunately, it also severely limits the same First Amendment rights of the employers. It would prohibit employers from requiring non-managerial employees to attend meetings relative to legislative/ regulatory proposals together with information that would pertain to labor and organizing efforts. Employers too have a right to free speech in their place of business and also to allow employees to hear all sides of matters that could have an impact on the workplace. This is an election season so anything can be expected as both Business and the Progressives have different agendas!