2013 -- H 5428

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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A N A C T

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- REMEDIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Ferri, Abney, Ajello, Walsh, and Williams

     Date Introduced: February 13, 2013

     Referred To: House Judiciary

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 28-5 of the General Laws entitled "Fair Employment Practices" is

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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     28-5-43. Employee unavailable to pursue remedies. -- (a) Notwithstanding any other

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provision of law, in the event that an employee or applicant for employment becomes unavailable

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to pursue a complaint alleging a violation of any provision of title 28, the director of the

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department of labor and training may pursue the complaint on behalf of the employee or applicant

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and seek all appropriate remedies.

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     (b) In the event that an employer takes action against an employee, applicant for

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employment, witness, complainant or other individual with the intent of rendering the person

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unavailable to assist the director in prosecuting a violation of title 28, the employer shall be liable

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for treble damages for any violations he or she is found to have committed.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- REMEDIES

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     This act would authorize the director of the department of labor and training to pursue a

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complaint on behalf of any employee or job applicant for violations of the state labor laws and to

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seek appropriate remedies.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC00888

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