The bill amends Section 16-16-5 of the General Laws regarding teachers' retirement and service credit. It establishes that a teacher who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the school year shall be given credit for a year of service for that school year, provided they serve at least one hundred thirty-five (135) school days. This change aims to ensure that teachers who experience such leaves are not penalized in their retirement benefits, as long as they meet the specified service requirement.

The bill also maintains existing regulations regarding service credit for teachers, including the stipulation that credit for leaves of absence is limited to a total of four years and that teachers must pay the full actuarial cost for any service credit they wish to claim. The retirement board is tasked with determining the conditions for payments related to service credit. This act will take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
5279: 16-16-5