Senate won’t consider ‘equal pay’ bill passed by the House

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The state Senate doesn’t plan to consider a revised version of an “equal pay” bill that passed the House.

Senate spokesman Greg Pare said Friday the House version doesn’t reflect the Senate’s commitment to ensuring equal pay for comparable work and meaningful change for women’s economic security.

The Senate passed its bill in April to strengthen protections against wage disparities.

The House bill, passed Thursday, replaces the words “comparable work” with “equal work.” Workers’ advocates and some female lawmakers say that’s an ineffective standard that requires the work to be exactly the same.

The House version also reduced the fine for violations and removed a provision to allow workers to file civil lawsuits.

The House speaker says it extends protections without burdening businesses.

Lawmakers hope to adjourn Friday.