The bill amends Section 16-16-5 of the General Laws regarding teachers' retirement and service credit. It introduces provisions that allow teachers who take unpaid parental or medical leave during the school year to receive credit for a full year of service, provided they serve at least one hundred thirty-five (135) school days during that school year. This change aims to ensure that teachers who experience such leaves are not penalized in their retirement benefits, as long as they meet the specified service requirement.

The bill also maintains existing regulations regarding service credit for teachers, including the stipulation that credit for leaves of absence is limited to a total of four years and that teachers can receive prior service credit for service before July 1, 1949. The retirement board is tasked with determining the conditions for payments, and the bill emphasizes that no member can purchase service credit for any time already credited. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
454: 16-16-5