The bill amends Section 16-16-5 of the General Laws concerning teachers' retirement, specifically addressing the calculation of service credit for teachers. The new legal language inserted clarifies that a teacher who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the school year will still receive credit for a full year of service, provided they serve at least one hundred thirty-five school days. This change aims to ensure that teachers who may need to take leave for significant personal reasons are not penalized in their retirement calculations, as long as they meet the specified minimum days of service.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding service credit for teachers who have served full school years, as well as those who have had to resign for maternity reasons. It also stipulates that credit for leaves of absence is limited to a total of four years throughout a teacher's career. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reflecting a commitment to support teachers' rights and benefits in the retirement system while ensuring that the integrity of service credit calculations is upheld.

Statutes affected:
5279: 16-16-5