Rhode Island Employment Law Changes for 2026 - HR ALERTS

Rhode Island Employment Law Changes for 2026

Effective: January 1, 2026

Rhode Island has enacted several employment law changes for 2026 that expand paid leave entitlements, privacy obligations, training requirements, and employee notices. These changes apply to any employer with Rhode Island employees, including remote workers, regardless of where the employer is headquartered.

Key 2026 Rhode Island Updates

Paid Family and Medical Leave (High Priority)

• Expanded qualifying reasons and covered family members under the state’s Paid Family Leave program

• Further extension of the maximum paid family leave period

Privacy and Data Transparency

• New Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act requirements affecting employee data handling and disclosures

Training and Workplace Notices

• Mandatory human trafficking awareness training

• New pay-related employee notification requirements for new hires

What Employers Should Do Now

Rhode Island employers should review paid leave policies, employee data practices, training programs, and onboarding notices ahead of the 2026 effective date to ensure compliance.

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Get day-to-day updates on Rhode Island Employment Law Changes for 2026 visit the Vida HR Knowledge Center (Vida HR Clients Exclusive).