The bill amends several sections of Chapter 8-2 of the General Laws, which governs the Superior Court, to establish new provisions regarding the assignment and reemployment of retired superior court magistrates. It introduces the position of "administrator/magistrate" and clarifies the roles of "general magistrate," "special magistrate," and "drug court magistrate," each with specific responsibilities as prescribed by the presiding justice of the superior court.

The bill allows retired superior court magistrates to request, at the direction of the chief justice of the supreme court and subject to their physical and mental competence, to be assigned to perform services as a magistrate of the superior court for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days per calendar year. While serving in this capacity, retired magistrates will have the same powers and authority as active magistrates but will not be counted among the official judicial officers of the superior court.

Additionally, the bill modifies provisions regarding post-retirement employment, allowing retired superior court magistrates who are reemployed to perform services in accordance with specified sections (8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1, or 8-2-39.2) to do so without any forfeiture or reduction of their retirement benefits. They will receive, in addition to their retirement pension, the difference in pay and fringe benefits between their retirement pension and that of a sitting magistrate with comparable state service time. No additional contributions will be taken, and no additional service credits will be granted for this service. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
732: 36-10-36
732  SUB A: 36-10-36