Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8353

Introduced
3/25/26  

Caption

Clarifies that the three-year final average compensation provision for retiring members of the state police applies to the superintendent and all members eligible and who retire on or after July 1, 2024.

Impact

The passage of H8353 will modify existing laws pertaining to the retirement benefits of state police officers by enhancing the structure under which retirement benefits are calculated. This amendment is particularly significant for ensuring that the calculation for retirement allowances is clear and consistent across different ranks within the state police. Ultimately, it aims to provide equitable retirement compensation to those who have served in varying capacities, thereby reinforcing the stability of benefits during their retirement years.

Summary

H8353 is a legislative act aimed at clarifying retirement benefits for members of the state police of Rhode Island. Specifically, it delineates that the three-year final average compensation provision applies to both the superintendent of state police and all members who retire on or after July 1, 2024. The bill seeks to standardize the retirement calculation process and ensure that all eligible members receive a predictable retirement benefit based on their highest earnings during the final three years of service.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a necessary adjustment to improve retirement clarity, some contention may arise regarding its financial implications on the state budget, particularly around the funding ratios required to support these benefits. Critics may point out that increasing clarity and predictability in retirement benefits could place a strain on state resources if the funded status of the respective retirement systems does not meet the required thresholds, thus laying the groundwork for future financial scrutiny and debate about budget allocations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5318

Changes the teacher and state employees' retirement benefit calculations' cutoff date from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2012, for all retirement members eligible to and who retire on or after the new July 1, 2012, cutoff date.

RI S0257

Changes the teacher and state employees' retirement benefit calculations' cutoff date from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2012, for all retirement members eligible to and who retire on or after the new July 1, 2012, cutoff date.

RI H5999

Amends the pension benefits for both current and former Rhode Island state police members, and would extend the time period a member may serve in the Rhode Island state police.

RI S0428

Amends the pension benefits for both current and former Rhode Island state police members, and would extend the time period a member may serve in the Rhode Island state police.

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 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 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 H6002

Permits retired state employees to receive mileage and wages, if applicable, equal to that of full-time members of the board or commission; provided, however, in no event shall the amount be greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per year.

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.

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