Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7964: AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- THE RHODE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7964 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 -- THE RHODE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT. Primary sponsor: Susan Donovan (Democratic), Teresa Tanzi (Democratic), Carol McEntee (Democratic), Jenni Furtado (Democratic), David Morales (Democratic), Megan Cotter (Democratic), Rebecca Kislak (Democratic), Cherie Cruz (Democratic), Brandon Potter (Democratic), Jennifer Stewart (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 30, 2026): 03/30/2026 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.
Establishes an opportunity for employee ownership where the owner notifies all current full-time and part-time employees and provides them with a 30-day window in which to initiate a process to potentially purchase the business as a workers' cooperative.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susan Donovan | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 69 |
| Teresa Tanzi | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 34 |
| Carol McEntee | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 33 |
| Jenni Furtado | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 64 |
| David Morales | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 7 |
| Megan Cotter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 39 |
| Rebecca Kislak | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 4 |
| Cherie Cruz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 58 |
| Brandon Potter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 16 |
| Jennifer Stewart | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 59 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 03/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/26/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/30/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Labor