The State of Rhode Island – the smallest state in the nation – is not often thought of as a trendsetter for legal issues.
But in July 2025, the Ocean State set off the latest trend in employment protections by becoming the first state to enact employment-related legislation meant to support women who experience menopause.
Since then, a number of jurisdictions have considered adopting laws that address menopause, perimenopause, and/or women’s health issues more generally. While many of these legislative proposals focus on healthcare plan coverage mandates and benefits programs, several suggest broader implications for employers by requiring reasonable accommodations, mandating leaves, and/or categorizing the status of experiencing menopause or related conditions as a protected class under anti-discrimination laws.
Employers covered by the Fair Employment Practices law (generally, those with four or more employees) should be sure to post a required notice published by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
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