Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7053

Introduced
1/9/26  

Caption

Amends the current law on teacher’s creditable service so that a teacher who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year would be given credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 school days.

Impact

The primary impact of H7053 is on the regulations governing service credit for teachers in Rhode Island. The bill seeks to ensure that teachers are not penalized in terms of their retirement benefits due to necessary leaves of absence. By facilitating service credit under these circumstances, it potentially enhances job security and morale among teachers, contributing to overall job satisfaction. The amendment also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of parental and medical leave in the teaching profession.

Summary

House Bill H7053 amends existing laws related to teachers' retirement by allowing teachers who take unpaid parental or medical leave to receive credit for a full year of service, provided they work a minimum of 135 school days within that school year. This proposal is introduced as a supportive measure for teachers who may need to take extended leave due to personal reasons, promoting a more inclusive approach to teacher benefits and work-life balance.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, H7053 could face contention from those concerned about the financial implications for the state’s retirement system. Critics may argue that extending service credit in this manner could lead to increased costs for the retirement system over time, especially if a significant number of teachers opt to take unpaid leave. Additionally, there may be debates on the fairness of extending these benefits relative to other professions where similar provisions may not exist.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5279

Gives teachers who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 days.

RI S0454

Gives teachers who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 days.

RI S0265

Amends the law on nursing home minimum staffing requirements in order that any penalty incurred during calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024 would be abated.

RI S0444

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

RI H6253

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

RI S1153

Amends the current law so that if a magistrate dies during active service, while eligible for retirement under ERSRI, their surviving spouse or domestic partner would receive "ERSRI option #1 – 100% survivor option".

RI S0973

Entitles correctional officers with twenty-five (25) years of service and who are at least fifty-five (55) years of age to a non-Medicare-eligible retiree health care insurance benefit.

RI H5198

Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.

RI S0450

Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.

RI S0021

Extends teacher certifications without fee or penalty for three (3) or five (5) years for teachers who hold certifications as of July 1, 2025.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.