§ 9-1-54. Civil action against employer by employee under subpoena.
(a) An employer shall not discharge, threaten, or otherwise take any adverse action against
an employee regarding the employee's compensation, terms, conditions, location, or
privileges of employment:
(1) When an employee has been duly served with a subpoena, to give evidence or testify
before any court, within or without the state of Rhode Island, or before any judicial,
quasi-judicial, or other administrative body or entity with the authority to issue
subpoenas.
(2) When the employee, upon
Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI
§ 9-1-54. Civil action against employer by employee under subpoena.
(a) An employer shall not discharge, threaten, or otherwise take any adverse action against
an employee regarding the employee's compensation, terms, conditions, location, or
privileges of employment:
(1) When an employee has been duly served with a subpoena, to give evidence or testify
before any court, within or without the state of Rhode Island, or before any judicial,
quasi-judicial, or other administrative body or entity with the authority to issue
subpoenas.
(2) When the employee, upon being duly served with a properly issued subpoena, promptly
provides notice to their employer of being served and of the requirement to attend
court or other duly constituted hearing.
(b) Any employer who violates this section may be liable for damages which may include
actual damages, compensatory damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the
employee.
(c) Any cause of action under this section shall be commenced within three (3) years from
the date of violation.
(d) Nothing herein shall prevent an aggrieved employee from pursuing any other cause of
action under federal or state law.
(e) Nothing herein shall require an employer to compensate an employee for time missed
from work for complying with a subpoena.