R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-14-3.2: Deductions not authorized.

(a) No employer shall deduct or withhold from the payment of wages owed to an employee for the performance of work or other reason set forth in this chapter, any monies not authorized by federal or state law or by court order, without first getting written or electronic approval from the employee. However, a deduction shall never be authorized by an employee or deducted by an employer from an employee’s wage for:

(1) Spoilage or breakage;

(2) Shortages or losses; or

(3) Fines or penalties for tardiness, misconduct, or quitting by an employee without notice.

(b) In addition to any other penalty or enforcement provision set forth in this chapter, any employer violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to treble damages, payable to the employee, of the amount not authorized to be deducted or withheld.