Rhode Island § 28-14-24 - Payment of Wages

§ 28-14-24. Setoff of money owed by employee to employer.

(a) In any action for unpaid wages brought under the provisions of this chapter, the employer-debtor shall not deduct as a setoff or counterclaim:

(1) Any money allegedly due the employer as compensation for damages caused to the employer’s property by the negligence of the employee;

(2) Any money allegedly due the employer as rent; or

(3) Any money allegedly owed to the employer by the employee;

(b) Provided, that any employer granting the employee a loan or advance against future earnings or wages may deduct the loan as a setoff or counterclaim if evidenced by a statement in writing signed by the employee. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or restrict in any way any rights which the employer now has to recover, by a separate legal action, any money owed the employer by the employee.