The bill amends Section 36-10-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 36-10 entitled "Retirement System — Contributions and Benefits" to adjust member contributions to the retirement system. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that, effective July 1, 2024, state employees in certain public safety roles, including deputy sheriffs, capitol police officers, environmental police officers, juvenile program workers, shift coordinators, firefighters, crew chiefs, assistant chiefs, fire investigators, fire safety inspectors, fire safety training officers, explosives and flammable liquids technicians, and campus police officers employed by the state of Rhode Island and executive military staff, will contribute an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of their compensation to the retirement system. This change is an insertion into the existing law.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 36-10.3-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 36-10.3 entitled "Defined Contribution Retirement Plan" to redefine the term "employee" to exclude the aforementioned state employees effective July 1, 2024. It also adds a new section, 36-10-9.8, to Chapter 36-10, which grants these state employees the same retirement benefits as public safety employees of the municipal retirement system, effective July 1, 2024. The bill would take effect upon passage and aims to provide state employee public safety professionals with parity to their municipal counterparts regarding retirement contributions and benefits.

Statutes affected:
7341: 36-10-1, 36-10.3-1