Section 28-50-1. – Short title.

§ 28-50-1. Short title. This chapter may be cited as the “Rhode Island Whistleblowers’ Protection Act.” History of Section.P.L. 1995, ch. 308, § 2.

Section 28-50-2. – Definitions.

§ 28-50-2. Definitions. As used in this chapter: (1) “Employee” means a person employed by any employer, and shall include, but not be limited to: at-will employees, contract employees, applicants, prospective employees, and independent contractors. (2) “Employer” means any person, partnership, association, sole proprietorship, corporation, or other business entity, including any department, agency, commission, committee, […]

Section 28-50-3. – Protection.

§ 28-50-3. Protection. An employer shall not discharge, threaten, or otherwise discriminate against an employee regarding the employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment nor shall an employer report or threaten to report an employee’s immigration status to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other immigration agency or law enforcement agency including […]

Section 28-50-4. – Relief and damages.

§ 28-50-4. Relief and damages. (a) A person who alleges a violation of this chapter may bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief, or treble damages, or both within three (3) years after the occurrence of the alleged violation of this chapter. (b) An action commenced pursuant to subsection (a) may be brought in […]

Section 28-50-5. – Reinstatement.

§ 28-50-5. Reinstatement. A court, in rendering a judgment in an action brought under this chapter, shall order, as the court considers appropriate, reinstatement of the employee; the payment of back wages; full reinstatement of fringe benefits and seniority rights; actual damages; or any combination of these remedies. A court may also award the complainant […]

Section 28-50-6. – Collective bargaining.

§ 28-50-6. Collective bargaining. This chapter shall not be construed to diminish or impair the rights of a person under any collective bargaining agreement. History of Section.P.L. 1995, ch. 308, § 2.

Section 28-50-7. – Exemption.

§ 28-50-7. Exemption. This chapter shall not be construed to require an employer to compensate an employee for participation in an investigation, hearing, or inquiry held by a public body in accordance with § 28-50-3. History of Section.P.L. 1995, ch. 308, § 2.

Section 28-50-8. – Notices posted.

§ 28-50-8. Notices posted. An employer shall post notices and use other appropriate means to keep the employer’s employees informed of their protections and obligations under this chapter, including posting in prominent locations in all languages known to be spoken by employees. History of Section.P.L. 1995, ch. 308, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 393, § […]

Section 28-50-9. – Severability.

§ 28-50-9. Severability. If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional, the invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid or unconstitutional provision or application, and to this end the provisions […]