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HB 5879

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island must use the IHRA definition to evaluate antisemitic discrimination, applying it consistently with other civil rights claims in state enforcement and training.

02/28/2025 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
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Bill Summary · HB 5879

Summary of HB 5879 – Addressing antisemitic discrimination (Rhode Island)

Purpose and intent

This bill adds a new provision to Rhode Island’s Fair Employment Practices law to address antisemitism explicitly. It directs state agencies and related authorities to apply a defined standard for antisemitic discrimination when reviewing, investigating, or determining whether discriminatory acts have occurred. It aims to ensure that antisemitic motives are recognized and treated consistently with other civil rights protections.

Key provisions

  • Section added: 28-5-7.5, Addressing antisemitic discrimination.

    • Definition of antisemitism (a)(1): Uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, including contemporary examples, as adopted May 26, 2016, and as incorporated by reference in Presidential Executive Order 13899 (Dec 11, 2019).
    • Definitions (a)(2)-(3): Clarifies government and state law to include state agencies, subdivisions, and their actions under color of state law.
    • Investigations and determinations (b): When evaluating discriminatory acts, government entities must consider the IHRA antisemitism definition to assess whether alleged acts were motivated by antisemitic intent.
    • Standard of review for courts (c): Courts/authorities must apply the same civil rights standard to antisemitism discrimination claims as to other discrimination claims under state law.
    • Training (d): The antisemitism definition may be used as an educational tool in state anti-bias training for personnel.
    • Protections for constitutional and legal rights (e): Ensures nothing reduces First Amendment rights or conflicts with federal/state discrimination law.

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • State agencies, departments, instrumentalities, political subdivisions, and officials acting under color of state law (“government”) in Rhode Island.
  • Courts and other relevant authorities adjudicating discrimination claims.
  • State personnel involved in discrimination-related training and enforcement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 28, 2025.
  • Initial referral: January 22, 2025, to a joint committee (Education), with the bill subsequently referred to the House State Government & Elections.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage (no delayed start date indicated).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Aligns Rhode Island discrimination enforcement with the IHRA definition of antisemitism, potentially affecting investigations and determinations of antisemitic discrimination.
  • Enhances anti-bias training content for state personnel by incorporating a formal antisemitism benchmark.
  • Ensures antisemitic discrimination claims are treated consistently with other civil rights claims in both enforcement and judicial proceedings.
  • Constitutional and legal safeguards: explicitly preserves First Amendment rights and avoids conflict with federal/state discrimination law.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s text and stated intent as introduced; it may be amended during the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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