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H 7497Civil Rights

Labor and Labor Relations - Fair Employment Practices

This bill establishes a specific legal definition of antisemitism to help the government identify, investigate, and prevent discrimination against Jewish people.

Introduced
Population
Affected
25
Email Legislator
Introduced Feb 4, 2026Committee House State Government & Elections

Plain-English Summary

This legislation formally defines "antisemitism" within Rhode Island's general laws by adopting the working definition established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). This definition, along with its contemporary examples, must be used by state government entities when reviewing or investigating claims of discrimination to determine if an act was motivated by antisemitic intent. Furthermore, the bill mandates that this definition be used as an educational tool for training state personnel on discrimination and anti-bias issues. It explicitly states that this adoption does not infringe upon First Amendment rights.

For younger readers

This bill creates a rule for the government to help protect Jewish people from unfair treatment. It uses a specific explanation, called a definition, to describe exactly what "antisemitism" means. Antisemitism is when people are mean to or hate Jewish people just because they are Jewish. The bill says that government workers must use this definition when they are checking to see if someone broke the rules by being unfair to Jewish people. It also says that government workers will be taught this definition so they can recognize it better and help stop it.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups
Jewish communityState government employeesCivil rights activistsEmployersEducational institutions
Impacted communities
All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Moderate risk

There is a moderate constitutional risk regarding the First Amendment. While the bill includes a savings clause, the adoption of the IHRA definition, which includes "contemporary examples" often involving criticism of Israel, has been legally challenged elsewhere. Opponents argue this conflates political speech with hate speech, potentially creating a "chilling effect" on protected expression regarding geopolitical matters. Courts may need to decide if using this definition for investigation impermissibly targets specific viewpoints.

Estimated cost
Amount unknown
Estimated revenue
None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints
For Progressives
  • Strengthens civil rights protections for a historically marginalized and vulnerable minority group by providing a clear, standard definition for identifying hate and discrimination.
  • Enhances the ability of the state to track, investigate, and address hate crimes and discriminatory acts, ensuring that systemic bias is recognized and penalized.
  • Mandates education and training for state personnel, fostering a more inclusive and informed government workforce capable of recognizing subtle forms of prejudice.
  • Raises significant concerns about free speech, as the IHRA definition's "contemporary examples" are often interpreted to label legitimate political criticism of the Israeli government as antisemitic.
  • May create a chilling effect on student activism and human rights advocacy regarding Palestine, potentially weaponizing anti-discrimination laws against political dissent.
  • Could lead to the prioritization of specific group protections over intersectional approaches to hate speech, potentially complicating broader civil rights enforcement.
For Conservatives
  • Codifies definitions aligned with federal moves, specifically referencing Presidential Executive Order 13899, reinforcing a strong stance against religious persecution.
  • Provides law enforcement and courts with clear, objective standards to adjudicate claims, reducing ambiguity in the legal system regarding discrimination cases.
  • Demonstrates strong support for Jewish communities and traditional allies, addressing rising antisemitism often seen in academic and institutional settings.
  • Expands government oversight into speech and intent, which some may view as an infringement on individual liberties and First Amendment rights.
  • Creates new administrative burdens and training mandates for state agencies, potentially increasing the size and cost of the state bureaucracy.
  • Establishes a precedent for the government to define specific types of "hate speech," which could lead to a slippery slope of further speech regulations.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 26 additions

SECTION 1. Chapter 28-5 of the General Laws entitled "Fair Employment Practices" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 28-5-7.5. Addressing antisemitic discrimination.

(a) As used in this section the term:

(1) "Antisemitism" has the same meaning as provided for in the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) on May 26, 2016, including the "contemporary examples of antisemitism," and as incorporated by reference in Presidential Executive Order Number 13899, 84 F.R. 68779 December 11, 2019. Discriminatory practices based upon race, religion, and country of ancestral origin shall include acts of antisemitism throughout the Rhode Island general laws.

(2) "Government" means and includes a branch, department, agency, instrumentality, political subdivision, official, or other person acting under color of state law.

(3) "State law" means and includes without limitation a state law or ordinance of a political subdivision.

(b) In reviewing, investigating, or determining whether there has been a violation of any relevant policy, law, or rule prohibiting discriminatory acts, the government shall take into consideration the definition of "antisemitism" in this section for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by discriminatory antisemitic intent.

(c) A court or other relevant authority shall apply the same legal standard to a claim of discrimination because of antisemitism as applicable to claims of discrimination arising under state laws protecting civil rights.

(d) For the purposes of training of state personnel related to discrimination and anti-bias training, the definition of "antisemitism" contained in this section shall be used as an educational tool to familiarize state officials with identifying and addressing antisemitism.

(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:

(1) Diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Rhode Island Constitution; or

(2) Conflict with federal law or state law concerning discrimination.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.