Sets the minimum wage for 2026 at $16 per hour, 2027 at $17 per hour, 2028 at $18 per hour, 2029 at $19 per hour and for 2030 at $20 per hour.
Summary
S0310 would amend Rhode Island’s minimum wage law to create a scheduled series of annual increases after the existing 2025 rate of $15 per hour. Under the bill, the minimum wage would rise to $16 per hour on January 1, 2026, then increase by $1 each year to $17 in 2027, $18 in 2028, $19 in 2029, and $20 in 2030. The measure is written as a direct amendment to the state’s minimum wage statute and would take effect upon passage.
The bill does not change the structure of the minimum wage law beyond the wage amounts and effective dates. It would update Rhode Island General Laws § 28-12-3, which governs the statewide minimum wage applicable to employers and employees covered by the statute. If enacted, employers would need to comply with the higher wage floor on the specified dates, and workers covered by the law would receive the benefit of the staged increases.
Impact
This bill would amend Rhode Island’s minimum wage statute to establish a multi-year wage schedule through 2030, replacing the current statutory progression with higher future rates. The practical effect would be to raise labor costs for covered employers and increase earnings for low-wage workers subject to the state minimum wage. It would also provide a predictable timeline for future wage adjustments, which may affect payroll planning, pricing, staffing, and wage compression across affected industries.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, amendments, or recorded support/opposition. Based on the bill’s sponsorship and subject matter, the measure appears to be a straightforward minimum wage increase proposal, which typically draws support from labor advocates and worker-focused lawmakers. At the same time, such proposals often face concern from employer groups and business advocates over cost impacts, though those positions are not documented in the materials provided.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is the size and pace of the scheduled wage increases, particularly the move from $15 in 2025 to $20 by 2030. Supporters would likely emphasize higher pay for low-wage workers and keeping wages aligned with cost-of-living increases, while opponents would likely focus on the burden on small businesses, restaurants, and other labor-intensive employers. Because no hearing transcript or vote history is available, these positions are inferred from the bill’s subject matter rather than from recorded testimony.