On July 2, 2025, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee signed House Bill No. 5506 SUB A into law, making Rhode Island the latest state to prohibit mandatory employer-led meetings on religious and certain “political matters.”

Overview of the Law
The new Section 28-7-50 of the Rhode Island General Laws is titled to reflect its stated purpose—protecting “[e]mployee rights of free speech in the workplace.” However, a close reading reveals it primarily targets “captive audience” meetings, in which employees are required to listen to an employer’s views on topics unrelated to business operations.

Under the law, “political matters” include subjects such as elections, political parties, and legislative proposals not directly related to the employer’s business. Importantly, the definition also covers decisions about whether to join or support any political party, civic group, or labor organization.

Union-Related Restrictions
As of July 2, 2025, employers in Rhode Island may not discharge, discipline, penalize, or threaten adverse action against employees who refuse to attend mandatory meetings—or consume employer communications—conveying the employer’s stance on union membership or support. This prohibition applies to speeches, in-person discussions, and electronic communications.

Enforcement and Penalties
Employees who believe they faced retaliation for declining to participate in such communications may file a private lawsuit. Courts may grant injunctive relief, award back pay, restore lost benefits (including seniority), and order monetary damages. Prevailing employees are also entitled to attorney’s fees and court costs.

This law significantly limits how Rhode Island employers can communicate their views on unionization and other non-business political topics to employees, and violations carry serious legal and financial consequences.