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SB 2247

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM -- CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Britto and 5 co-sponsors

SB 2247 would modify Rhode Island PERS contributions and benefits, including how benefits are calculated and funded for public employees and retirees.

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2247

Summary of SB 2247 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

SB 2247 is an act relating to public officers and employees—retirement system—contributions and benefits. The bill appears focused on modifying aspects of the Rhode Island Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) regarding contributions and benefits for eligible public sector workers. The available information indicates a regulation of how contributions are calculated and/or allocated, and adjustments to retirement benefits, with the aim of addressing funding, sustainability, and/or fairness within the retirement system. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

Key provisions and changes (as outlined by bill title and context)

  • Retirement system governance and financing: The bill likely modifies financial mechanics of the retirement system, potentially altering:
    • Employee and/or employer contribution rates
    • Calculation methods for retirement benefits
    • Eligibility criteria for certain benefit types
    • Funding status or amortization requirements for the retirement system
  • Contributions: The bill may specify new contribution requirements or adjustments to existing rates for public officers and employees enrolled in the retirement system.
  • Benefits: Possible changes to benefit calculations, including the formula used to compute monthly retirement benefits, cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), or other post-employment benefits.
  • Administrative/operational changes: Revisions to administrative procedures for administering the retirement system, reporting, actuarial valuations, or oversight.

Note: The exact text of SB 2247 would provide precise numeric changes (percentages, dollar thresholds, eligibility years, COLA formulas, etc.). The summary above reflects the typical scope of “Contributions and Benefits” amendments to public retirement statutes.

Who would be affected

  • Public officers and employees enrolled in Rhode Island’s retirement system (PERS): Active, inactive, and possibly future members depending on the bill’s effective date.
  • Employers/policymakers within state and participating local governments: Those who fund and administer the retirement system and thus would be responsible for any changed contribution requirements or funding strategies.
  • Retirees and beneficiaries: Depending on benefit adjustments, current retirees could see changes in benefit calculations or COLAs if applicable.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and referred: The bill was introduced on January 23, 2026, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee, signaling initial review focused on fiscal impacts.
  • Scheduled hearing/consideration: A hearing and/or consideration was scheduled for May 14, 2026, indicating the bill will be discussed by the committee with potential amendments before moving to floor action.
  • Sponsors: A bipartisan slate of co-sponsors includes Bob Britto, Ryan Pearson, Bridget Valverde, Alana DiMario, Victoria Gu, and Sue Sosnowski, suggesting cross-chamber or cross-ideological interest.

Additional considerations for readers

  • The fiscal impact will be a principal factor in deliberations, given the involvement of the Senate Finance Committee. Actuarial analyses, employer contributions, and public budget implications are likely to be central topics in hearings.
  • If you are a PERS member or a local government employer, monitor the hearing outcomes for specifics on contribution rate changes, benefit formulas, or transitional provisions (e.g., grandfathering of current members, phase‑in periods).

For precise details, including exact numerical changes and any transitional provisions, the bill’s text and accompanying fiscal analyses released by the Rhode Island General Assembly should be consulted.

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

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