STATUS: Enacted

This bill builds on wage discrimination protections by allowing broader comparisons of work, applying the law to other protected classes in addition to sex, prohibiting retaliation for discussing pay, and expanding the scope of remedies available to employees who have experienced wage discrimination.

This bill comprehensively addresses wage discrimination by: changing the standard from “equal work” to “comparable work;” expanding equal pay protections to other protected classes in addition to sex, including race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin. The bill also protects employees from retaliation for discussing their pay. Finally, the bill closes loopholes in employer defenses and increases the available relief for employees who experience pay discrimination.

Full Bill or Law Text

RI S 270