Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5230

Introduced
1/29/25  

Caption

Affords an option for police and firefighters to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, who seek retirement after twenty (20) years of service upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).

Impact

The enactment of HB 5230 is expected to provide considerable benefits for police and firefighter personnel in Rhode Island. By permitting an earlier full retirement option, the bill aims to improve retention and recruitment within these vital public safety roles, which have faced challenges in recent years. Moreover, it recognizes the physical and emotional demands placed on these professionals, thereby enhancing their overall job satisfaction and well-being as they transition into retirement.

Summary

House Bill 5230, introduced in January 2025, focuses on enhancing retirement options for police officers and firefighters in Rhode Island. The bill allows members of these professions to retire at age fifty-seven with at least twenty years of service without a reduction in their retirement allowance. This is a significant change from prior regulations, where retirement allowances could incur penalties based on age at retirement, thus directly influencing the financial security of retiring first responders.

Contention

Although the bill has been largely supported within law enforcement and firefighting communities, there could be fiscal concerns regarding its impact on pension funds and the long-term sustainability of retirement systems. Critics may argue that earlier retirement could result in a larger number of beneficiaries over time, potentially straining existing retirement benefits budgets. Additionally, discussions on the appropriateness of public funds supporting such initiatives could arise, especially amidst ongoing budget constraints in various municipalities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6179

Requires the Rhode Island housing authority to update the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Tiverton two (2) times per year.

RI H6180

Ensures that minimum egress requirements for conventional subdivisions in Tiverton apply equally to comprehensive permit applications and cannot be waived, modified, or reduced for such applications.

RI H6184

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

RI H5692

Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.

RI H5022

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

RI H6182

Requires any person who applies to rent or purchase a residence located in Town of Tiverton which qualifies as low and moderate income housing, shall require proof of Rhode Island residency or employment by a local, state or federal entity.

RI H6215

Requires the town of Tiverton to require a minimum number of affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

RI H5371

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

Similar Bills

RI S0411

Affords an option for police and firefighters to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, who seek retirement after twenty (20) years of service upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).

RI H5471

Provides an option for members to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, after twenty (20) years of service upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).

RI S0093

Allows police and firefighters to retire with 20 years of service and attained 57 years of age based on their highest 3 years consecutive compensation.

RI H6124

Allows the division of motor vehicles to make special motor vehicle registration plates for the not-for-profit entity Cranston Cares provided they meet the minimum order requirements.

TX SB1991

Relating to the administration of federal funds under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.

TX SB544

Relating to the administration of federal funds under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.

TX HB1586

Relating to the administration of federal funds under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.

RI H5789

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 FOR THE MESHANTICUT LAKE PAVED WALKING PATH IN CRANSTON (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $1,000,000 for the Meshanticut Lake paved walking path in Cranston.)