$15 minimum wage
It took several years, but the state is finally fully phasing in its $15 minimum wage, which was first approved in 2021 and then increased gradually in the following years. Rhode Island and Massachusetts have the same minimum wage, while Connecticut increases to $16.35 per hour on Jan. 1. The federal minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour.
Policing the police
In 2024, Rhode Island lawmakers approved a series of changes to the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, which is designed to provide police officers with due process if they are accused of serious misconduct but has faced criticism for offering too much protection to troubled cops. Under the amended law, police officers can be suspended for up to 14 days before triggering a LEOBOR hearing, and a five-member panel will review LEOBOR cases, up from three members.
A boost for retirees
Beginning on Jan. 1, the exemption for taxable retirement income increases from from $20,000 to $50,000 for those who earn less than $101,000 (as a single head of household) or less than $126,250 (for joint tax filers).
Medical debt
Health care providers, health care facilities, EMT services, and debt collectors are no longer allowed to report your debt to credit bureaus.
Ban on flavored vaping products
As of Jan. 1, it will be illegal to sell flavored vaping products in Rhode Island. There is also a new tax on electronic nicotine delivery system products.
Cutting red tape on housing
Another round of laws aimed at making it easier to build housing in Rhode Island takes effect Jan. 1, including legislation that allows municipalities to combine their zoning and planning boards. The goal is to expedite the review process for new projects.
Nursing home cameras
Beginning Jan. 1, nursing home residents can choose to have cameras installed in their rooms for their families to monitor.
This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you’d like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, you can sign up here.
Dan McGowan can be reached at dan.mcgowan@globe.com. Follow him @danmcgowan.
