The bill amends Section 16-16-26 of the General Laws concerning benefits for spouses, former spouses, and domestic partners of deceased members of the teachers' retirement system. It clarifies that benefits are payable to spouses, former spouses, or domestic partners upon the member's death.

The bill increases the monthly minimum death benefits for eligible individuals based on the deceased member's highest annual salary. Specifically, the minimum benefit for a spouse or domestic partner with a salary of $17,000 or less is raised from $825 to $1,025; for salaries between $17,001 and $25,000, the benefit increases from $963 to $1,200; for salaries between $25,001 and $33,000, it rises from $1,100 to $1,375; for salaries between $33,001 and $40,000, the benefit increases from $1,238 to $1,550; and for salaries over $40,001, the benefit is raised from $1,375 to $1,725.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a yearly adjustment of the base benefit and a yearly cost-of-living adjustment. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2678: 16-16-26