Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7156

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to §§ 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.

Impact

If passed, H7156 would modify the current legal framework governing retired magistrates in Rhode Island, providing a mechanism for reemployment that does not affect their existing retirement benefits. This could potentially streamline court operations by leveraging the experience and knowledge of retired magistrates, enhancing the efficiency of the judiciary during periods where there may be a deficit of active judicial officers.

Summary

House Bill H7156 is a legislative act that allows retired superior court magistrates to be assigned back to perform judicial services while retaining their retirement benefits. Introduced by Representative Joseph J. Solomon, the bill has several sections that amend existing laws pertaining to the powers and duties of magistrates in the Rhode Island superior court. The primary aim of the bill is to address staffing shortages in the judiciary by allowing experienced retired magistrates to return to active service without the usual penalties associated with post-retirement employment.

Contention

Despite the apparent benefits of H7156, there may be areas of concern among stakeholders related to judicial quality and the implications of re-employing retired magistrates. Some may worry that this practice limits opportunities for new attorneys and judges seeking to advance their careers within the judicial system. Furthermore, the bill also compels the presiding justice to ensure that the retired magistrate's physical and mental competence is assessed, which could prompt discussions on the standards of capability expected from these reemployed magistrates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0732

Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to §§ 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.

RI H6138

Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to §§ 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.

RI S0289

Sets a mandatory retirement age of 75 for all justices and magistrates of the superior, district, workers’ compensation, family and traffic tribunal courts and provide that no pension or retirement benefits be affected thereby.

RI S0949

Permits grand juries to issue reports and provides for a process for review and acceptance by the superior court for dissemination to the public.

RI S0414

Permits paid members on the state labor relations board to continue to receive their retirement benefits.

RI H6369

Allows the health care advocate to petition the superior court for the appointment of a receiver as deemed necessary or appropriate by the court.

RI H6096

Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 9/1/25, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.

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 S0800

Allows retired state employees who worked for the unified judicial system as certified or qualified court interpreters to be employed or reemployed for a limited period in a given year.

Similar Bills

KY HB6

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.

KY HB422

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations.

KY SB23

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.

KY SB20

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations and declaring an emergency.

KY HB494

AN ACT relating to administrative regulations.

HI SB3182

Relating To Administrative License Revocation.

KY HB81

AN ACT relating to governmental accountability and declaring an emergency.

HI HB2417

Relating To Administrative License Revocation.