Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7158

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- INSURANCE BENEFITS

Impact

The proposed amendments to the existing laws underline a significant shift in the treatment of adjunct faculty, who historically have faced disparities in compensation and benefits compared to their full-time counterparts. By allowing them access to the same medical benefits, HB 7158 could improve the overall welfare of adjunct instructors, potentially attracting more qualified individuals to these positions. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the state's commitment to providing equitable healthcare benefits across different employment classifications within public education.

Summary

House Bill 7158, introduced in January 2026, aims to extend medical benefits to adjunct faculty members at state colleges and universities in Rhode Island. Specifically, it defines eligibility for these benefits for adjunct faculty who teach at least fifty percent of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester. This legislative move seeks to align the health coverage of adjunct faculty with that of full-time state employees, thereby enhancing their financial security and access to necessary healthcare services.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various stakeholders advocating for adjunct faculty rights, it may also encounter resistance from budget-conscious legislators concerned about the financial implications of expanding benefits. Questions around the funding sources for these extended benefits and their sustainability in the state budget could emerge as key points of debate among lawmakers. Additionally, the bill's passage could prompt discussions about the broader implications of healthcare access in educational institutions and how it fits into the state’s priorities for educational funding and employee welfare.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5418

Amends the definition of "small employer" for purposes of the small employer health insurance availability act to mean a business employing less than one hundred (100) employees rather than fifty (50) employees.

RI H5472

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

RI S0249

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

RI S0070

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

RI H5679

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

RI H5283

Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.

RI H5762

Recalculates the retirement allowance related to early retirement and pension benefits for teachers, state employees and municipal employees.

RI S0659

Recalculates the retirement allowance related to early retirement and pension benefits for teachers, state employees and municipal employees.

RI S0973

Entitles correctional officers with twenty-five (25) years of service and who are at least fifty-five (55) years of age to a non-Medicare-eligible retiree health care insurance benefit.

RI H5367

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC (Creates a 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans and traditional employer provided benefits are given to Uber and Lyft drivers, and others providing services to the public, and would report by January 5, 2026, and expire March 5, 20206.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.