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 effective July 1, 2024, where certain state employees, 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.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 36-10.3-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 36-10.3 entitled "Defined Contribution Retirement Plan" to exclude the aforementioned state employees from the definition of "employee" effective July 1, 2024. It also adds a new section, 36-10-9.8, to Chapter 36-10, which provides that these state employees will be entitled to the benefits provided by various sections of the municipal retirement system, effective July 1, 2024. Service credits earned prior to this date will be determined by the laws in effect on June 30, 2024. The act is set to take effect upon passage and aims to provide state employee public safety professionals with parity to public safety employees of the municipal retirement system.

Statutes affected:
2963: 36-10-1, 36-10.3-1