Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7961: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7961 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- PAYMENT OF WAGES. Primary sponsor: Evan Shanley (Democratic), Lauren Carson (Democratic), Raymond Hull (Democratic), Arthur Handy (Democratic), Joseph McNamara (Democratic), June Speakman (Democratic), David Morales (Democratic), Carol McEntee (Democratic), Doc Corvese (Democratic), David Bennett (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 18, 2026): 03/18/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Shanley | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 24 |
| Lauren Carson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 75 |
| Raymond Hull | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 6 |
| Arthur Handy | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 18 |
| Joseph McNamara | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 19 |
| June Speakman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 68 |
| David Morales | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 7 |
| Carol McEntee | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 33 |
| Doc Corvese | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 55 |
| David Bennett | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 20 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 03/18/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/13/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/18/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Labor