Expands the benefit definitions to include a grandchild and care recipient and increases benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and 12 weeks for 2028 and provides a TDI/TCI opt-in option for self-employed workers.

Rhode Island Temporary Disability & Caregiver Leave Expansion Bill

This bill would make several changes to Rhode Island's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) programs, which are state-run programs that provide workers with partial pay when they need to take time off due to a serious illness, injury, or to care for a family member. First, the bill expands who qualifies as a family member under the caregiver program by adding grandchildren and a broader category of "care recipients" — meaning workers could use paid leave benefits to care for a wider range of people beyond the current list of covered relatives.

The bill also increases the maximum number of weeks workers can receive caregiver benefits. Currently, eligible workers can receive up to a certain number of weeks of paid leave; this bill would raise that to 10 weeks starting in 2027 and 12 weeks starting in 2028, giving families more time to handle serious caregiving situations without losing income entirely.

Additionally, the bill creates a new opt-in option for self-employed workers. Right now, people who work for themselves — like freelancers, contractors, or small business owners — are not covered by TDI/TCI because they don't pay into the system through a traditional employer. This bill would allow self-employed individuals to voluntarily choose to participate and pay into the program, making them eligible for benefits if they need them.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the House Labor Committee and is scheduled for a hearing, but the committee has recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process.