The bill amends Section 45-21-24 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-21, which pertains to the "Retirement of Municipal Employees." The amendment includes new language that adjusts the provisions for disability allowances when a beneficiary returns to work. Specifically, it allows beneficiaries who retire under the provisions of chapter 21.2 of title 45 to earn an amount that, when combined with their disability allowance, does not exceed five times the rate of earnable compensation for the classification they held prior to retirement. This is an increase from the previous allowance, which was limited to an amount that did not exceed the rate of earnable compensation for their prior classification.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a disability annuitant under the minimum age of retirement refuses to submit to a medical examination by a physician designated by the retirement board, their retirement allowance may be discontinued until they agree to the examination. If the refusal continues for one year, the annuitant's rights to the retirement allowance may be revoked by the retirement board. The bill also clarifies that a disability annuitant who is reinstated to active service will participate in the benefits of the retirement system to the same extent as any other member. The act is set to take effect upon passage, and it specifically authorizes retired police officers and firefighters to earn additional income within the set limits.

Statutes affected:
5271: 45-21-24