Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8352

Introduced
3/25/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, H8352 would impact state laws by expanding the healthcare benefits available to certain state employees, specifically correctional officers. By defining the eligibility criteria for this class of retirees, the bill seeks to ensure that those who have served in demanding roles are supported during their retirement. The significance of this bill lies in its potential to improve the standard of living for eligible retirees by easing their healthcare costs, thereby reflecting a commitment to support public employees after their years of service.

Summary

House Bill H8352 proposes amendments to the existing legislation concerning insurance benefits for retired employees, particularly focusing on non-Medicare-eligible individuals. The bill aims to entitle correctional officers who have completed a service period of twenty-five years and are at least fifty-five years old to receive a health care insurance benefit that is not dependent on Medicare. This provision is intended to offer enhanced support for a specific group of state employees, acknowledging their service and necessity for health coverage in their retirement years.

Contention

Despite its supportive framework for correctional officers, there could be points of contention arising from the bill's specificity. Opponents may argue that focusing benefits solely on correctional officers could lead to disparities among other state employee groups who might also be in need of similar benefits. Furthermore, questions regarding the fiscal implications of covering an expanded group of retirees may also surface, particularly regarding the sustainability of the subsidy provided by the state for these healthcare benefits, which could shape the discourse surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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 H5524

Includes the deputy chief of inspection and inspector within the provision of law related to retirement on service allowance relating to correctional officers.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.