The bill amends Chapter 36-10 of the General Laws, titled "Retirement System — Contributions and Benefits," to adjust the contribution rates for certain state employees and to redefine the term "employee" in the context of the retirement system. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that, effective July 1, 2024, state employees who are employed as environmental police officers by the department of environmental management will contribute an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of their compensation to the retirement system. This is an insertion into the existing law. Additionally, the definition of "employee" is amended to exclude these environmental police officers, effective the same date.

Furthermore, the bill adds a new section, 36-10-9.8, to Chapter 36-10, which grants environmental police officers employed by the department of environmental management the same retirement benefits as those provided in chapter 21.2 of title 45, which pertains to optional retirement for members of the police force and firefighters. This entitlement will also take effect on July 1, 2024. The bill is set to take effect upon passage. The explanation by the Legislative Council clarifies that the purpose of the act is to extend certain retirement benefits to environmental police officers.

Statutes affected:
7672: 36-10-1, 36-10.3-1