The bill amends Section 42-28-22 of the General Laws to enhance retirement benefits for members of the Rhode Island State Police. It establishes that for members who retire on or after July 1, 2026, "whole salary" for retirement calculations will be defined as the highest compensation earned during any consecutive twelve-month period prior to retirement, which includes base salary, longevity increment, holiday pay, clothing allowance, and overtime pay as specified in the collective bargaining agreement.

Starting July 1, 2026, all retired members of the state police or their beneficiaries will receive an annual benefit adjustment of $1,500, which will be added to their retirement allowance and will replace any previous benefit adjustments.

The bill also outlines specific retirement provisions for members hired after July 1, 2007, allowing them to retire after 25 years of service or upon reaching age 62, with a retirement allowance set at fifty percent of their whole salary after 25 years. For members hired before July 1, 2007, the retirement allowance is set at fifty percent after twenty years of service, with potential accruals capped at sixty-five percent of their whole salary.

Additionally, the bill mandates a prospective recalculation of retirement benefits for members who retired on or after July 1, 2012, and prior to July 1, 2026, to reflect the new benefit provisions, without retroactive adjustments prior to July 1, 2026.

All provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
3152: 42-28-22