2026 -- H 7969

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LC005489

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL

SAFETY

     Introduced By: Representatives Fellela, Serpa, Hull, Edwards, and Corvese

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House Labor

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 28-20 of the General Laws entitled "Division of Occupational

Safety" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     28-20-36. Workers’ rights and worker safety.

     (a) Upon a determination by the director of the department of labor and training that the

federal government has taken action to materially diminish the scope, enforcement capacity, or

regulatory authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, whether through repeal,

defunding, reduction in force, rulemaking, executive order, or any other federal action that

substantially curtails the protections afforded to workers under the Occupational Safety and Health

Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.) and its implementing regulations, the occupational safety and

health standards codified in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1900 through 1990,

as in effect immediately prior to such federal action, shall be deemed adopted as the law of the

State of Rhode Island and shall be administered and enforced by the department of labor and

training.

     (b) The director shall promptly notify the governor, the speaker of the house of

representatives, and the president of the senate upon making such determination. The general

assembly shall, during the legislative session in which such determination is made or, if the general

assembly is not in session, during the next regular session, appropriate such funds and authorize

such additional full-time equivalent positions as are necessary to enable the department of labor

and training to effectively administer and enforce the standards adopted pursuant to this section.

     (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the general assembly from

subsequently amending, supplementing, or repealing any standard so adopted through the ordinary

legislative process.

     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 -- DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL

SAFETY

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     This act would ensure that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under

the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005489

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