This bill amends various sections of the General Laws related to longevity payments for non-classified employees, state employees, and employees of quasi-public corporations. It establishes that non-classified employees of the Board of Governors for Higher Education and the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education are entitled to a longevity payment of 5% of their base salary after ten years of service, increasing to 10% after twenty years. However, it also stipulates that no further longevity increases will be granted starting July 1, 2011, for these employees, with specific provisions for those under collective bargaining agreements.

Importantly, the bill introduces a significant change effective July 1, 2025, allowing state employees to negotiate longevity payments in their subsequent collective bargaining agreements. This provision applies across various sectors, including the legislative and judicial branches, and quasi-public corporations, thereby providing a pathway for future negotiations regarding longevity payments that were previously restricted. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5530: 16-59-7.2, 16-60-7.2, 36-6-22, 36-16.2-1