The bill amends Section 16-16-24.2 of the General Laws concerning the employment of retired teachers, administrators, and staff members in Rhode Island. It allows these individuals to exceed the current ninety-day cap on post-retirement employment if a local education authority determines there is a specialized need for temporary staffing to address shortages. The local authority must notify the state retirement board of this necessity and must have made a good-faith effort to fill the position with a non-retired employee before offering employment to a retiree. Additionally, retirees employed under this provision will not earn additional service credits or be required to contribute to the pension system, although the local educational authority will make the employer contribution as if hiring a new employee.

Furthermore, the bill extends the sunset provision for this employment allowance from June 20, 2025, to July 1, 2026, thereby providing an additional year for retired educators to serve in temporary roles without the limitations previously imposed. This act will take effect upon passage, ensuring that local education authorities can continue to address staffing shortages effectively through the employment of qualified retired personnel.

Statutes affected:
5322: 16-16-24.2