Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5766

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Reinstates the cost of living adjustments for retirees, when the annual investment return of the retirement system, exceeds ten percent (10%).

Impact

The bill's primary impact is on the financial structure of state retirement benefits, particularly how adjustments are made based on the investment performance of retirement funds. By linking COLA reinstatement to investment returns exceeding a specified threshold, the legislation aims to create a sustainable system for adjusting benefits that does not overextend the resources of the state or the respective retirement funds. This change comes in light of previous suspensions of COLA adjustments when funding ratios were insufficient, thus directly affecting the financial planning of both current and future retirees.

Summary

House Bill 5766 aims to reinstate cost of living adjustments (COLA) for retirees of Rhode Island's state employee retirement system, contingent on the annual investment returns exceeding ten percent. The bill modifies the existing law that dictates the funding levels necessary for benefit adjustments to occur, aiming to improve the financial welfare of retirees while ensuring that the funding obligations remain manageable for the state. The proposed adjustments aim to ensure retirees' benefits can keep pace with inflationary pressures, thus enhancing their financial security in retirement.

Contention

The introduction of HB 5766 might generate debate among stakeholders regarding the financial implications of reinstating COLA based on market performance. Supporters argue that reinstating adjustments is crucial for retirees to maintain their purchasing power and to honor the commitments made to state workers. Critics may express concerns about the sustainability of the retirement fund if the required funded ratios are not achieved, cautioning against potential future liabilities for the state. Additionally, discussions surrounding the threshold percentage for investment returns may arise, focusing on achieving a balance between fair benefits for retirees and the fiscal constraints of state funding.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0514

Requires the state retirement board to publish online all archived video or audio recordings and all future recordings of meetings of the board.

RI H5715

Requires the state retirement board to publish online all archived video or audio recordings and all future recordings of meetings of the board.

RI S0661

Adds probation and parole officers to the list of state law enforcement professionals, for purpose of retirement on service allowance.

RI H5765

Adds probation and parole officers to the list of state law enforcement professionals, for purpose of retirement on service allowance.

RI S0449

Requires a reamortization of the state pension fund for 2026.

RI H5764

Requires a reamortization of the state pension fund for 2026.

RI H6075

Allows private employees at nursing homes, developmental disability and home care providers whose salaries are 90% funded with federal or state monies to be eligible to opt into the state healthcare plan.

RI H6166

Creates a new law to address the issue of "sexual harassment" involving those individuals that are actively involved in legislative business.

Similar Bills

RI H5525

Exempts teachers and state employees who have been retired for more than three (3) full calendar years, from having their retirement benefit adjustment reduced based upon the funded ratio of the employees' retirement system of Rhode Island.

RI S0777

Requires that present and former employees, active and retired members, and beneficiaries receiving any retirement, disability or death allowance receive a $2,000 increase per year.

RI H6238

Effective January 1, 2025, an annual cost-of-living increase, based upon the yearly Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U), to the retirement allowance for all state employees and all beneficiaries to be reinstated.

RI S0249

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

RI H5472

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

RI S0459

Amend a provision in the general laws relative to additional benefits payable to retired judges and their surviving spouses.

RI H5737

Amend a provision in the general laws relative to additional benefits payable to retired judges and their surviving spouses.

IN HB1221

Pension matters.