Rhode Island House Bill H5702

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Increases the number of days a retired municipal employee could work in a calendar year without interruption of pension benefits to ninety (90) days.

Impact

The impact of this amendment could be significant for local municipalities. By allowing retired employees to work for a longer period without penalty, municipalities can tap into a skilled workforce that can help address staffing shortages or assist in seasonal work. This is especially relevant for public service roles that require specialized knowledge, where retired employees can quickly be reintegrated as they are already familiar with the workings of the municipality.

Summary

House Bill 5702, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, seeks to amend the existing legislation regulating the retirement of municipal employees. The primary change proposed in this bill is the increase in the number of calendar days that retired municipal employees can work without losing their pension benefits, raising the limit from 75 to 90 days. This adjustment is designed to provide greater flexibility for both retired employees and municipal services that may benefit from their experience and expertise.

Contention

While the bill appears to be beneficial in providing municipalities with more staffing options, there may be underlying concerns regarding budget implications for pension systems. Critics may argue that allowing more retired employees to return to work could strain fund reserves if the number of retirees actively working increases significantly. Ultimately, there may be discussions regarding the balance between providing employment opportunities for retirees and the financial sustainability of municipal pension systems.