The bill amends Chapter 8-2 of the General Laws, which governs the Superior Court, to introduce new provisions regarding the roles and reemployment of retired magistrates. It permits 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. These assignments will be prescribed by the presiding justice of the superior court, and while performing such services, the retired magistrate will have all the powers and authority of a magistrate, but will not be authorized to perform any judicial duties. Additionally, retired magistrates will not be counted in the number of judicial officers provided by law for the superior court.

The bill also allows retired superior court magistrates who are assigned to perform services under specific sections (8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1, or 8-2-39.2) to be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of their retirement benefits. For any services performed after retirement, these magistrates 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 act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6138: 36-10-36