This bill amends various sections of the General Laws related to longevity payments for non-classified employees in the higher education system, elementary and secondary education, state employees, and 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 in effect on June 1, 2011.

Additionally, the bill introduces a significant change that allows state employees to negotiate longevity payments in their collective bargaining agreements beginning on July 1, 2026. This provision applies across various sectors, including the legislative and judicial branches, as well as quasi-public corporations. The bill aims to provide a structured approach to longevity payments while addressing the ability of state employees to negotiate these payments in future agreements.

Statutes affected:
2501: 16-59-7.2, 16-60-7.2, 36-6-22, 36-16.2-1