RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S0093

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0093

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed changes in S0093 are expected to have substantial ramifications for the retirement benefits of police officers and firefighters. By allowing these members to determine their retirement benefits based on their three highest earning years, the law is designed to enhance the financial security of police and firefighters upon retirement. Furthermore, the bill permits members to retire after reaching the age of fifty-seven, provided they have at least twenty years of service. This provision supports public safety personnel in transitioning to retirement earlier, addressing their unique job-related stress and risks.

Summary

S0093 is a legislative act concerning the optional retirement for members of police forces and firefighters in Rhode Island. The bill proposes significant amendments to existing laws, particularly altering the definition of 'final compensation' for retirement benefits. Under the new provisions, starting from July 1, 2025, the 'final compensation' will now be determined based on the highest three consecutive years of an employee's salary, compared to the prior requirement of five years. This change aims to provide fairer retirement benefits to these public service employees, reflecting their highest earnings in a shorter evaluation period.

Conclusion

As S0093 moves through the legislative process, it embodies key discussions about public safety, retirement security, and budgetary responsibilities. Its successful passage could set a precedent for how retirement benefits are structured for not only police officers and firefighters but could also influence pension policies for other state employees. The impact of this bill will likely be felt for years to come as it alters the framework through which public sector retirements are evaluated and executed.

Contention

Discussions surrounding S0093 indicate mixed feelings among lawmakers and public safety advocates. Proponents argue that this bill is essential for ensuring that officers and firefighters receive adequate retirement benefits reflective of their service and sacrifices. Conversely, some opponents raise concerns regarding the cost implications of such changes on state budgets and public pension funds. They fear that increasing retirement benefits could lead to financial strains that impact other critical services and operations funded by the state.

Latest S0093 Activity

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 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 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 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 H5230

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 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 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.)