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HB 7041

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- FIREFIGHTERS' ARBITRATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

The bill preserves all terms of current firefighters’ CBAs during negotiations or arbitration, unless a written change is proposed within 30 days.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 7041

Overview

HB 7041 (Rhode Island, 2026) addresses the duration of contractual provisions in firefighters’ collective bargaining agreements. The bill aims to ensure that all provisions within a firefighters’ agreement remain in effect until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is issued, subject to a 30-day window for proposing changes.

Main purpose and intent

  • To provide continuity of all contractual provisions in a firefighters’ collective bargaining agreement (CBA) during the negotiation process for a successor agreement.
  • To prevent gaps or interruptions in terms, benefits, and working conditions while negotiations or arbitration proceed.

Key provisions

  • Section 28-9.1-17 (amended): Continuance of contractual provisions
    • All contractual provisions contained in a CBA entered into under Rhode Island’s firefighters’ arbitration framework shall continue in effect.
    • Continuation lasts unless, within a 30-day period specified in § 28-9.1-7, the bargaining agent or the corporate authority proposes a change in any contractual provision in writing.
    • The parties may also agree in writing to continue all contractual provisions until they enter into and have ratified or arbitrated a successor agreement, or until an interest arbitration award is rendered.
    • In practical terms, the bill allows the current CBA to remain operative during negotiations for a successor or during the arbitration process, with the option to modify terms if both sides agree or if a change is proposed within the 30-day window.

Affected parties and scope

  • Primary: Firefighters' unions/collective bargaining agents and their employer authorities (often municipal or corporate authorities) within Rhode Island.
  • The provision affects all contractual terms in the current firefighters’ CBA, ensuring no automatic lapse in provisions during ongoing negotiations or arbitration.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Trigger for changes: Either side can propose changes in writing within 30 days after the relevant 30-day period described in § 28-9.1-7.
  • Continuation: Absent a timely written proposal to modify provisions, the current CBA provisions continue.
  • Negotiation/arbitration process: The continuation applies until a successor agreement is ratified or arbitrated, or until an interest arbitration award is issued.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Stability: Reduces risk of contract lapse or disruption in pay, benefits, or working conditions for firefighters during bargaining.
  • Negotiation leverage: The 30-day proposal window creates a defined period for parties to signal desired changes.
  • Administrative clarity: Provides a clear rule on whether provisions remain in force during ongoing negotiations or arbitration.
  • Budget and planning: Municipalities and fire departments can plan with continuity of terms while pursuing a new agreement.

Status and schedule (as of document)

  • Introduced January 9, 2026; referred to House Labor.
  • Scheduled for consideration in May 2026 (action history shows a timeline through May 28, 2026).
  • Sponsors: Ten representatives, with several co-sponsors listed.

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

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