Rhode Island § 37-13-16 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 37-13-16 — Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 37-13-16. Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors

R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-13-16

§ 37-13-16. Termination of work on failure to pay agreed wages — Completion of work.

(a) Every public works contract within the scope of this chapter shall contain the further provision that in the event it is found by the director of labor and training that any employee employed by the contractor or any subcontractor directly on the site of the work covered by the contract has been or is being paid a rate of wages less than the rate of wages required by the contract to be paid as aforesaid, the awarding party may, by written notice to the contractor or subcontractor, terminate his or her right as the case may be, to proceed with the work, or the part of the work as to which there has been a failure to pay the required wages, and shall prosecute the work to completion by contract or otherwise, and the contractor and his or her sureties shall be liable to the awarding party for any excess costs occasioned the awarding authority thereby.

(b) Every school transportation service contract within the scope of this chapter shall contain the further provision that in the event it is found by the director of labor and training that any employee employed by the provider to provide services within the area covered by the contract has been or is being paid a rate of wages less than the rate of wages required by the contract to be paid as aforesaid, the awarding party may, by written notice to the vendor, terminate the vendor’s right as the case may be, to proceed with the contract.

History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 3; P.L. 1981, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 130, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 293, § 3, effective July 9, 2021.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 37-13-16

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 37-13-16 cover?

Section 37-13-16 ("Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 37-13-16?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 37-13-16" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 37-13-16 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.