Under Rhode Island's Parental and Family Medical Leave Law, employees who have worked 30 or more hours a week for the same employer for 12 consecutive months are entitled to 13 weeks of unpaid parental leave in any two calendar years. Under the state law, leave may be taken for the birth or adoption of a child; serious illness of a spouse, parent, child, parent-in-law; or serious ailment of the employee. For state employees, covered family members also include domestic partners.
Upon returning to work, the employee is entitled to the same or equivalent job with the same benefits and status. Health benefits are to be maintained during the leave period. The law applies to all private employers with 50 or more employees, municipal or town agencies with 30 or more employees, and all state employers (RI Gen. Laws 28-48-1et seq.).