Senate approves President Lawson bill to expand paid family leave

State House — The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Senate President Valarie J. Lawson to expand paid family leave through Rhode Island’s Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program from eight weeks to 12.

“Rhode Island was once a national leader in providing paid time off for workers to spend with a new child or a sick loved one, but we have fallen behind other states. This bill would make us competitive with our neighbors again, giving us an advantage when competing for talent and giving workers the time they need to care for loved ones at the most critical periods of their lives,” said President Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence). “A society in which people have the time to bond with their babies and care for their loved ones is a healthier society, in every sense of the word. This program, which is funded not through employers but through a modest assessment on the workers themselves, is a proven investment in our workforce and in our children that will pay off for generations.”

The legislation would phase in the increase, providing 10 weeks to workers beginning Jan. 1, 2027 and 12 weeks beginning Jan. 1, 2028. It would also clarify eligibility, ensuring that workers can use the time to care for a seriously ill grandchild or “care recipient” for whom the worker is responsible for providing or arranging healthcare.

President Lawson’s legislation (2026-S 2737A) builds on successful efforts to increase TCI wage replacement rates during the 2025 legislative session and to extend the duration of paid leave during the 2024 legislative session. In 2013, Rhode Island became one of the first states in the nation to offer paid parental leave through the creation of the TCI program, which is funded through payroll deductions. The program also allows individuals to take this time to care for a seriously ill family member. In the years since TCI’s creation, however, Rhode Island’s program has fallen behind those of other states.

President Lawson’s bill would also direct the Department of Labor and Training to conduct a study on the feasibility of extending the TCI program to self-employed Rhode Islanders, who are not currently eligible. The report would be due to the General Assembly by March 31, 2027.

The bill now goes to the House, where Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) has introduced similar legislation (2026-H 7968).