Rhode Island House Bill H7769

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/26
• Refer: 2/12/26

Caption

RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES

Summary

H7769 amends Rhode Island’s minimum wage law to increase the scheduled minimum wage for January 1, 2027 from $17.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour. The bill leaves the existing wage schedule in place through 2026, including the $16.00 rate beginning January 1, 2026, and then replaces the 2027 step with the higher amount. The measure would directly affect employers subject to Rhode Island’s minimum wage law and would raise the baseline hourly pay for covered employees statewide. Because the bill is written as an amendment to the existing minimum wage statute, it changes state law in Chapter 28-12 rather than creating a separate wage program. It would take effect upon passage, meaning the statutory change would become effective immediately, even though the wage increase itself is scheduled for 2027.

Impact

The bill would amend Rhode Island General Laws § 28-12-3, the state minimum wage statute, by changing the 2027 minimum wage from $17.00 to $20.00 per hour. This would increase labor costs for employers covered by the statute and raise earnings for employees paid at or near the minimum wage. The bill does not alter earlier scheduled increases, exemptions, or other wage-law provisions; it only changes the final scheduled rate in the current wage ladder.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, there is no documented debate or formal sentiment in the provided materials. The bill’s introduction by multiple representatives suggests active legislative support for a substantial wage increase, but no committee or floor record is available here to show whether the proposal was broadly supported, opposed, or amended in discussion.

Contention

The central point of contention is likely the size and timing of the increase: moving the 2027 minimum wage from $17.00 to $20.00 per hour is a significant jump that would be welcomed by labor advocates and low-wage workers but could raise concerns among employers, business groups, and policymakers focused on labor costs, staffing, and inflationary effects. Because no transcripts or votes are provided, specific arguments from supporters or opponents are not available, but the issue is the magnitude of the wage hike and its impact on businesses and workers.