Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 465 - Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board
Here’s a detailed overview of Title 465 – Rhode Island Code of Regulations (RICR): State Labor Relations Board, as last updated in March 2025:
📘 Title 465 – State Labor Relations Board (Chapter 10: General Rules & Regulations)
🧩 Structure Overview
Subchapter 00 – N/A includes fundamental Parts 1–4, covering policy, ethics, records, and hearings.
📌 Part 1 – Policy & Procedures (465‑RICR‑10‑00‑1)
Authority & Purpose
Promulgated under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 28‑7, emphasizing support for collective bargaining and protection of employee rights (rules.sos.ri.gov).
Composition & Jurisdiction
Defines Board membership (per R.I. Gen. Laws § 28‑7‑4).
Board jurisdiction generally covers municipal, state, and quasi-governmental employers, excluding federal/state preempted entities (rules.sos.ri.gov).
**Unfair Labor Practice Filing Procedures**
Any person, employer, or labor union may file a charge—union-member filings must first ask their union; if declined, they may file directly with an affidavit.
Charges must be typed on legal-size paper, signed in blue ink, and filed within six months of the alleged act.
Charges must include identification of parties, alleged statute violations, dates, locations, and desired remedies (law.cornell.edu).
🛡️ Part 2 – Board Members: Code of Ethics (465‑RICR‑10‑00‑2)
Authority
Based on R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 36‑14 (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
**Standards & Conflict Disclosure**
Board members must uphold ethical duties (public trust, impartiality, no private gain).
Must recuse and publicly document conflicts, and file written recusal notices in proceedings (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
📁 Part 3 – Public Records (465‑RICR‑10‑00‑3)
Authority under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 38‑2 (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
Records Maintenance
Defines records for representation, unit clarification, and unfair labor practice cases (e.g., petitions, pleadings, stenographic reports, exhibits, orders) (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
**Access Procedures & Fees**
Public inspection allowed; requests must be in writing at least 10 business days in advance.
Fees capped at $15/hour for search, free for first hour (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
🏛️ Part 4 – Public Hearings (465‑RICR‑10‑00‑4)
Authority under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42‑35‑2(a)(4) (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
Definitions & Participation
Defines key terms like "Member of the Public" and "Presiding Official."
Outlines how to participate orally/written, with rules against disruptive behavior (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com, casemine.com).
**Transcription & Rulemaking Process**
Hearings are transcribed and added to the rulemaking record.
Board initiates rulemaking annually (effective Jan 1), or by petition.
Any person may petition, with forms and deadlines (July 31 for annual consideration).
Also provides process for declaratory rulings (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
🛠️ Why It Matters
| Area | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Labor Policy | Title supports collective bargaining protections and broad jurisdiction. |
| Filing & Charging | Specifies detailed format, deadlines, and eligibility for ULP charges. |
| Ethical Governance | Ensures Board integrity through conflict rules and recusals. |
| Transparency & Access | Public can access hearing records, with process and fee guidelines. |
| Rulemaking & Oversight | Public and annual input is structured and documented. |
📄 Access & Further Info
Official RICR Portal — full text of Title 465, including current amendments (law.cornell.edu, risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com, rules.sos.ri.gov, rules.sos.ri.gov).
Board’s Board Website — published rule text (effective Feb 1, 2021) and policies (rislrb.ri.gov).
Justia / Cornell LII — helpful for searching specific sections like 1.1 (authority) and 1.22 (procedures) (law.cornell.edu).
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