Rhode Island Midyear Legislative Changes - Effective Now - HR ALERTS
- Regina Dyerly, SHRBP, PHR
- Jul 29
- 1 min read
Rhode Island Midyear Legislative Changes - Effective Now
Effective: July 2025
Rhode Island recently passed several new employment laws that took effect immediately. These changes apply to employers with four or more employees, unless otherwise noted.
Groundbreaking Protections for Menopause
Employers must now provide reasonable accommodations for menopause and related medical conditions, unless it would cause undue hardship. Examples include allowing personal fans or slight dress code adjustments. Employers must also update their written notice explaining employees’ rights to accommodations and freedom from discrimination related to pregnancy and related conditions to include menopause.
Expanded Protections for Race and Hairstyles
The state now defines race to include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like Afros, twists, and cornrows. This change could also influence how other cultural traits, like dialect or dress, are treated under anti-discrimination policies.
Captive Audience Restrictions
Employers may not require or retaliate against employees for attending, or choosing not to attend, meetings that primarily communicate religious or political opinions, including discussions about labor organizing.
Get day-to-day updates on Rhode Island Midyear Legislative Changes — Effective Now visit the Vida HR Knowledge Center (Vida HR Clients Exclusive).
Comments