Employment Preemption in Providence, RI (2026)
2 verified employment preemption rules for Providence, Rhode Island, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Minimum Wage Preemption
Rhode Island sets the minimum wage statewide under General Laws 28-12, rising from $14 toward $15 plus, and preempts city wage floors. Providence cannot adopt a separate higher minimum wage.
Rhode Island minimum wage in Providence
Heavy RestrictionsR.I. Gen. Laws § 28-12-3
Commencing January 1, 2025, the minimum wage is fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour. Commencing January 1, 2026, the minimum wage is sixteen dollars ($16.00) per hour. Commencing January 1, 2027, the minimum wage is seventeen dollars ($17.00) per hour. Every employer shall pay to each of his or her employees compensation at a rate not less than the minimum wage prescribed by this chapter.
Paid Leave Preemption
The Rhode Island Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act, RI 28-57, requires employers with 18 or more workers to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave annually. Providence cannot legislate higher.
Rhode Island paid sick leave (Healthy Families Act)
Some RestrictionsR.I. Gen. Laws § 28-57-5
All employees employed by an employer of eighteen (18) or more employees in Rhode Island shall accrue a minimum of one hour of paid sick and safe leave time for every thirty five (35) hours worked... Employees employed by an employer with eighteen (18) or more employees in Rhode Island shall not be entitled to use more than twenty four (24) hours of paid sick and safe leave time in calendar yea...
Looking for Providence County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Providence city rules.
Employment Preemption in Providence County →