The bill amends Section 8-16.1-7 of the General Laws regarding the tenure of justices in various courts, specifically establishing a mandatory retirement age of seventy-five (75) for justices and magistrates of the superior court, family court, district court, workers’ compensation court, and traffic tribunal who are initially appointed after July 1, 2025. The justices will hold office during good behavior, but upon reaching the age of seventy-five, they will be required to retire. The bill also clarifies that this mandatory retirement does not prevent justices and magistrates from serving after retirement under certain conditions, nor does it affect existing laws regarding retirement benefits.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for justices who reach the mandatory retirement age but have not completed the necessary tenure for retirement benefits. In such cases, the Supreme Court is tasked with recommending that their pension rights be accelerated to take effect upon retirement, with the recommendation forwarded to the General Assembly for legislative action. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
289: 8-16.1-7