R.I. Gen. Laws
Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-5-16 (2026)

Power to prevent unlawful practices — Preference for informal methods

✓ current as of July 2026
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The commission is empowered and directed, as subsequently provided, to prevent any person from engaging in unlawful employment practices, provided that before instituting the formal hearing authorized by §§ 28-5-18 — 28-5-27, it shall attempt, by informal methods of conference, persuasion, and conciliation, to induce compliance with this chapter.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases, 1984–2020 · leading case: Power v. City of Providence, 582 A.2d 895 (R.I. 1990).
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Power v. City of Providence, 582 A.2d 895 (R.I. 1990). “See § 28-5-16; see also Providence Firefighters Local 799 v.”
Paulo v. Cooley, Inc., 686 F. Supp. 377 (D.R.I. 1988). · cites it 2× “” R.I.Gen.Laws § 28-5-16. If these informal methods are unsuccessful, the Commission may issue a complaint against an employer within one year after the alleged unfair employment practices were committed.”
In Re Rhode Island Comm'n for Human Rights, 472 A.2d 1211 (R.I. 1984). “*1213 The commission is empowered and directed by the terms of § 28-5-16 to prevent any person from engaging in any of the unlawful employment practices set forth in the act, but before a formal hearing can be conducted pursuant to the provisions of §§ 28-5-18 to 28-5-27…”
Kriegel v. Rhode Island, Dep't of Corr., 266 F. Supp. 2d 288 (D.R.I. 2003). “…of §§ 42-87-1 — 42-87-4, the commission may proceed in the same manner and with the same powers as provided in §§ 28-5-16 — 28-5-26, and the provisions of §§ 28-5-13 and 28-5-16 — 28-5-36, as to the powers, duties and rights of the commission, its members, hearing…”
Rosalino v. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (D.R.I. 2020). “General Laws §§ 11-24-1 through 11/24/3, the RICHR proceeds per §§ 28-5-16 through 28/5/26. Section 28-5-17 mandates a one-year statute of limitations on claims for discrimination under the public accommodations law.”
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