law25420

Chapter 420

2025 -- H 5506 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 07/02/2025

A N A C T

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- LABOR RELATIONS ACT -- EMPLOYEE FREE SPEECH RIGHTS

Introduced By: Representatives Craven, O'Brien, Shanley, Dawson, Finkelman, Corvese, and Potter

Date Introduced: February 13, 2025

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 28-7 of the General Laws entitled "Labor Relations Act" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

28-7-50. Employee rights of free speech in the workplace.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Political matters" means topics that are unrelated to the employer's business or

business activities, such as subjects relating to elections for political office, political parties,

proposals to change legislation or regulations which are not directly related to the employer's

business, and a decision whether to join or support any political party or political, civic, community,

fraternal, or labor organization; and.

(2) "Religious matters" means matters relating to religious affiliation and practice and the

decision whether to join or support any religious organization or association.

(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, an employer or the

employer's agent, representative, or designee shall not discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize

or threaten to discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize or take any adverse employment action

against an employee because of the employee's refusal to:

(1) Attend an employer-sponsored meeting with the employer or its agent, representative,

or designee, the primary purpose of which is to communicate the employer's opinion concerning

religious or political matters; or

(2) Listen to speech or view communications, including electronic communications, from

the employer or its agent, representative, or designee, the primary purpose of which is to

communicate the employer's opinion concerning religious or political matters.

(1) An employer or its agent, representative, or designee from communicating to its

employees any information that the employer is required by law to communicate, but only to the

extent of such legal requirement;

(2) An employer or its agent, representative, or designee from communicating to its

employees any information that is necessary for such employees to perform their job duties;

(3) An institution of higher education, or any agent, representative, or designee of such

institution, from meeting with or participating in any communications with its employees that are

part of coursework, any symposia, or an academic program at such institution; or

(4) Casual conversations between employees or between an employee and an agent,

representative, or designee of an employer; provided that, participation in such conversations is not

required.

(d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a religious corporation, entity,

association, educational institution, or society that is exempt from the requirements of Title VII of

the Civil Rights Act of 1964 pursuant to 42 USC 2000e-1(a) with respect to speech on religious

matters to employees who perform work connected with the activities undertaken by such religious

corporation, entity, association, educational institution, or society.

(e) In a civil action to enforce this section, the court may award a prevailing employee all

appropriate relief, including injunctive relief, reinstatement to the employee's former position or an

equivalent position, back pay, and reestablishment of any employee benefits, including seniority,

to which the employee would otherwise have been eligible if the violation had not occurred, and

damages. The court shall also award a prevailing employee reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001622/SUB A

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