Rhode Island Minimum Wage Preemption Under RIGL 28-12

RIGL Chapter 28-12, the Minimum Wage Act, establishes Rhode Island's statewide minimum wage, which rose to $16.00 per hour effective January 1, 2026 and is scheduled to reach $17.00 on January 1, 2027. The Department of Labor and Training administers the law, which applies to most private and public employees with limited exceptions for tipped workers, full-time students, and certain agricultural employees. Tipped employees have a separate cash wage with tip credit provisions under RIGL 28-12-5. Rhode Island's comprehensive statewide framework has historically prevented municipalities from setting separate local minimum wages, and the General Assembly retains primary authority over wage rates.

Employers paying below the statutory minimum wage face civil penalties, owe back wages with interest, and can be subject to liquidated damages and attorney fees under RIGL 28-12-19 enforcement.