WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2620

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- MINIMUM WAGES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island SB 2620 would immediately raise the minimum wage schedule, reaching $20.00 per hour by January 1, 2027 for all employers.

05/06/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2620

Summary of Rhode Island SB 2620 (2026)

Purpose

  • Senate Bill 2620 proposes a scheduled, incremental increase of Rhode Island’s minimum wage, culminating in a statewide minimum wage of $20.00 per hour by January 1, 2027, with an immediate effective date upon passage for the act itself.

Key Provisions

  • Current framework repealed/updated: The bill amends Rhode Island General Laws, Section 28-12-3, to redefine the schedule and amounts of the minimum wage across multiple years.
  • Minimum wage schedule (as amended):
    • The bill enumerates yearly wage levels starting from historic amounts and progressing through successive milestones, ending with:
    • January 1, 2026: $16.00 per hour
    • January 1, 2027: $17.00 per hour, and $20.00 per hour (the text presents “seventeen dollars ($17.00) twenty dollars ($20.00) per hour,” indicating a two-tier or clarified step; the explanatory note states the act would set the minimum wage for 2027 at $20.00 per hour.)
  • Effective date: “This act shall take effect upon passage,” meaning the bill would become law immediately upon signature or enactment, with no gradual phase-in beyond the specified wage schedule.
  • Explanatory note: The Legislative Council explains that the act would set the minimum wage for 2027 at $20 per hour.

Who Is Affected

  • All employers in Rhode Island: Required to pay at least the specified minimum wage to each employee, in accordance with the new schedule.
  • Employees: Would see a higher baseline wage over time, with a target of $20.00 per hour in 2027.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 13, 2026
  • Committee referral: Senate Labor & Gaming
  • ** scheduled consideration:** May 1, 2026 (noting a hearing/consideration date listed as May 6, 2026 in the action history)
  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment (no delayed start date)

Potential Impacts to Consider

  • Economic Impact: Substantial wage increases over time could affect business labor costs, pricing, and competitiveness. The rapid escalation to $20/hour by 2027 may have significant implications for employers, particularly in low-margin sectors.
  • Household Effects: Higher minimum wages could raise earnings for low-wage workers and may influence consumer spending, cost of living, and eligibility for certain public benefits.
  • Implementation: Employers would need to adjust payroll systems, budgets, and wage scales to comply with the new schedule.

Bottom Line

SB 2620 aims to accelerate Rhode Island’s minimum wage escalation, establishing a clear path to a $20.00 per hour minimum by 2027 with the act taking effect immediately upon passage. It would replace the existing wage schedule and obligate employers statewide to meet the new, rising wage floor.

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

Sign in to ask a question.