Bill would make biweekly pay legal

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. House of Representatives passed a measure last week that would allow employers the option of paying workers on a biweekly basis, provided the employer gives proof of a surety bond or other security.
According to the American Payroll Association, Rhode Island is the only state that requires weekly wages for nonexempt private-sector employees. Bill sponsor Rep. Joy Hearn, D-Barrington, said many employers use payroll service providers to process their payroll, and those suppliers typically charge flat fees for processing and can charge extra for each direct-deposit transaction and live check-it issues. Paying biweekly rather than weekly cuts down on supplier and processing fees, which according to the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association results in an average of $4 per check per employee.
Additionally, a weekly payroll requires the employer to go through checks issued every week and balance them against those still outstanding. However, a biweekly payroll would mean there will be fewer checks to track. •

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