HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY INSURANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS ARE ACCORDED TO UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS, SELF-DIRECTED PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS, SELF EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC (Creates 5 member commission to study the way insurance plans/traditional employer-provided benefits are given to Uber/Lyft drivers, self-directed personal care attendants and others providing services to public, and reports back 1/5/27 and expires 3/5/27.)

Plain-English Summary

This resolution would create a five-member special commission in Rhode Island to study how workers who are not traditional employees — such as Uber and Lyft drivers, self-employed individuals, and personal care attendants who manage their own work schedules — access benefits that most full-time employees receive automatically. These benefits include health insurance, disability insurance, unemployment insurance, and retirement plans. Because these workers are typically classified as independent contractors rather than employees, they generally do not receive these protections through an employer.

The commission's job would be to examine what benefits these workers currently have access to, identify gaps in coverage, and look at how things could potentially be improved. The goal is to better understand the situation before any new laws or policies are considered. The commission would be required to report its findings back to the Rhode Island legislature by January 5, 2027, and the commission itself would officially expire on March 5, 2027.

This resolution affects a growing segment of the workforce sometimes called "gig workers" or self-employed service providers — people who earn income outside of traditional employer-employee relationships. It also affects personal care attendants, who help people with disabilities manage daily living and are often in a unique employment situation. The resolution does not change any laws or require new benefits — it simply creates a study group to gather information and report back to lawmakers.

Currently, this resolution has been referred to the House Labor Committee and has been recommended to be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process.