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SB 3137

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' TENURE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou DiPalma

The bill requires teachers suspended for good cause to repay suspended salary if they are later convicted of a felony, after due process and while benefits continue.

05/13/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 3137

Overview

SB 3137, introduced in Rhode Island’s 2026 session by Senator Louis P. DiPalma, would modify provisions related to teachers’ tenure by addressing suspension for cause and, in particular, the financial consequences if a suspended teacher is later convicted of a felony. The act takes effect upon passage.

Main purpose and intent

  • Clarify and adjust the handling of teacher suspensions for good and just cause.
  • Establish a policy requiring repayment of salary by teachers suspended pending criminal proceedings if they are later convicted of a felony.
  • Preserve existing rights to pre-suspension hearings, appeals, and benefits during suspension, with specific conditions for repayment if criminal conviction occurs.

Key provisions and changes

  • Suspension process (Section 16-13-5):

    • A school committee may suspend a teacher for good and just cause, but must hold a pre-suspension hearing to determine whether suspension is warranted.
    • The teacher or their counsel must be afforded an opportunity to respond to evidence at the pre-suspension hearing.
    • If a teacher is suspended before a presuspension hearing, they must be paid their regular salary during that period.

  • Notice and hearing rights (Section 16-13-5(b)):

    • Upon suspension, the school committee must provide the teacher with a complete statement of the suspension causes.
    • The teacher may request a hearing and appeal under the procedures in § 16-13-4.
    • If the teacher is vindicated, they must be paid in full for the suspension period, and medical and insurance benefits must continue during suspension.

  • Repayment upon criminal conviction (Section 16-13-5(b)):

    • If a teacher is suspended pending criminal investigation or prosecution and is convicted of a felony, the teacher must repay the salary received during the suspension.
    • Repayment is reduced by amounts already paid to satisfy taxes and any employee benefits.

  • Arbitration option (Section 16-13-5(c)):

    • The act does not preclude, via collective bargaining, arbitration of disputes arising from suspensions, for municipalities/districts with elected or appointed school committees.

Who is affected

  • Teachers who are suspended for good and just cause.
  • School committees and school districts in Rhode Island.
  • District employees (through oral and written notice, benefit continuation during suspension, and potential repayment obligations if felony conviction occurs).
  • Collective bargaining units that may negotiate arbitration of suspension disputes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Pre-suspension hearing required before suspending a teacher for cause.
  • If suspension occurs before the presuspension hearing, salary continues during that period.
  • Complete statement of suspension causes must be provided at suspension.
  • Opportunity for a hearing and appeal exists under § 16-13-4.
  • If convicted of a felony after suspension pending criminal proceedings, repayment of suspended salary is required (net of taxes and benefits already paid).
  • Effective date: takes effect upon passage.

Practical impact and considerations

  • The bill creates a clearer financial consequence for teachers convicted of felonies after a suspension, aligning with accountability expectations.
  • It emphasizes due process by mandating pre-suspension hearings and continued benefits during suspension, with repayment only in the event of felony conviction.
  • Arbitration remains a possible mechanism for resolving suspension-related disputes through collective bargaining.

Note: The explanation section indicates the act would also make a minor typographical correction, but the substantive change centers on the repayment provision for felony convictions during suspension.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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