Rhode Island § 36-16-1 - Termination of Employment Contracts
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 36-16-1 — Termination of Employment Contracts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-16-1. Termination of Employment Contracts
R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-16-1
§ 36-16-1. State employment contracts — Prohibitions.
(a) No state agency, department of government, commission, board, authority, public corporation, governmental or quasi-governmental body, autonomous or otherwise, which is created by authority of the general assembly, executive order, or state law, shall enter into any contract or agreement with any individual, firm, or partnership which provides for any of the following upon termination of employment:
(1) Termination damages or benefits, including continuation of salary or other compensation for more than six (6) months from the date of termination;
(2) Severance pay, excepting accrued vacation pay, sick leave benefits, or health care benefits, for more than one year from the date of termination;
(3) Mandatory hiring, payment, or compensation for work performed or services rendered as a consultant or in any other capacity following termination; or
(4) Which provides for a contract term in excess of three (3) years.
(b) This section shall not apply to collective bargaining agreements entered into between an employer and a labor organization as defined in § 28-7-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 341, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 36-16-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 36-16-1 cover?
Section 36-16-1 ("Termination of Employment Contracts") 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 § 36-16-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 36-16-1" (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 § 36-16-1 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.