2014 -- H 7466

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LC004342

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- REMEDIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Ferri, Almeida, Diaz, Ajello, and Williams

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2014

     Referred To: House Labor

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 28-5 of the General Laws entitled "Fair Employment Practices" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     28-5-43. Employee unavailable to pursue remedies. -- (a) Notwithstanding any other

provision of law, in the event that an employee or applicant for employment becomes unavailable

to pursue a complaint alleging a violation of any provision of title 28, the director of the

department of labor and training may pursue the complaint on behalf of the employee or applicant

and seek all appropriate remedies.

     (b) In the event that an employer takes action against an employee, applicant for

employment, witness, complainant or other individual with the intent of rendering the person

unavailable to assist the director in prosecuting a violation of title 28, the employer shall be liable

for treble damages for any violations he or she is found to have committed.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004342

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- REMEDIES

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     This act would authorize the director of the department of labor and training to pursue a

complaint on behalf of any employee or job applicant for violations of the state labor laws and to

seek appropriate remedies.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004342

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