Establishes a maximum hourly workday for all peace officers as defined in § 12-7-21 and a violation rate of pay of double time and a half.

# Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Peace Officer Maximum Workday and Overtime Compensation

This bill would set a maximum number of hours that peace officers in Rhode Island can work in a single day. "Peace officers" is a broad category defined under existing Rhode Island law (§ 12-7-21) that generally includes police officers, state troopers, certain sheriffs, and other law enforcement personnel authorized to make arrests. The bill aims to put a cap on how long these officers can be required or allowed to work during a single shift.

If a peace officer works beyond the established maximum daily hours, the bill would require that they be paid at a rate of double time and a half for those extra hours. This means that for every hour worked beyond the limit, the officer would receive 2.5 times their normal hourly pay. This is significantly higher than the standard overtime rate most workers receive, which is typically time and a half (1.5 times normal pay). The higher penalty rate appears designed to strongly discourage employers from scheduling officers beyond the daily maximum.

This bill would affect peace officers across the state as well as the government agencies and municipalities that employ them. For officers, it could mean more predictable work schedules and substantially higher compensation when they do work extended hours. For cities, towns, and state agencies, it could mean higher payroll costs when staffing needs require officers to work beyond the daily limit. The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Labor Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study, with a hearing scheduled for February 2026.