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SB 2355

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island expands post-retirement jobs for retirees with clear limits and ongoing pension protections, easing reentry while preserving benefits.

05/06/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2355

Summary of bill SB 2355 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

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

Main purpose and intent

This bill expands opportunities for retired state and local employees to be reemployed, particularly by municipalities, without forfeiting existing retirement benefits. It clarifies and broadens post-retirement employment scenarios, and sets specific conditions and limits for various post-retirement roles and compensation. The measure is designed to ease labor force reentry for retirees while preserving their earned retirement allowances.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 36-10-36 (Post-retirement employment)

    • (a) General rule: Since July 7, 1994, a retiree may not be employed or reemployed by any state agency or department unless their retirement benefits are suspended for the duration of the employment. No additional service credits or retirement deductions may be made during post-retirement work. Employers and retirees must notify the retirement board monthly of such employment.
    • (b) Municipal employees (for municipalities that have adopted Chapter 21 of Title 45 and participate in the municipal retirement system):
    • Retirees may be employed or reemployed for up to 75 working days or 150 half-days (with half-day pay) in a calendar year.
    • During this period, there is no forfeiture or reduction of retirement benefits; no additional contributions or service credits are granted. Pension payments suspend if the limit is exceeded. Monthly notice obligations apply.
    • (c) Municipal employment in districts not participating in the municipal system:
    • Retirees may be employed or reemployed under certain conditions (less specific protection compared to (b)); the section implies eligibility even without participation in the municipal system.
    • (d) Exceptions and specific roles with continued eligibility for retirement benefits, without new credits:
    • (1) Elected or appointed local government leaders (mayor, town administrator, city administrator, town/city manager, CAO/CEO, council member, school committee member) and part-time state or municipal boards/commissions may serve without forfeiture or reduction of retirement benefits. No additional service credits for these roles.
    • (2) Retired state college/university teachers, or retirees from state service under Titles 16, 36, or 45, may be employed part-time by a state college/university to teach, advise, or coach, with pay not exceeding the institution's collective bargaining agreement. Part-time pay may not exceed $25,000 in a calendar year. No additional retirement credits; no forfeiture.
    • (3) Retired teachers or driver education-certified state employees may be employed part-time by the Department of Education or the Board of Governors for Higher Education to provide classroom instruction (driver education and related courses). Part-time pay not to exceed $15,000 per calendar year. No additional retirement credits; no forfeiture.
    • (4) Retired registered nurses may be employed on a per-diem basis at state-operated facilities (including nursing program faculty). Part-time definition capped at 75 working days or 150 half-days per year. No forfeiture; no additional service credits; pension suspended if the time limit is exceeded.
    • (5) Retired magistrates serving as general magistrates in the Family Court may be employed by the Family Court for such services without forfeiture or reduction of benefits; no compensation for these services.
    • (6) Retired district court clerks/magistrates assigned as magistrates in the district court, with pay differences between retirement and sitting magistrates; no additional retirement credits; no forfeiture.
    • (7) Any retired member may serve as a municipal employee (at the pleasure of the highest elected chief executive) without forfeiture or reduction of benefits; no additional service credits.

  • Section 2

    • Effective date: This act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Retired members of Rhode Island’s public retirement systems (state employees, teachers, nurses, judges, district court officials, and others covered by Titles 16, 36, and 45) who seek post-retirement employment.
  • Municipalities and state agencies that employ retirees, particularly those that utilize part-time or limited-duration positions in education, nursing, law, and local government administration.
  • Retirement system administrators who must monitor and report post-retirement employment to the retirement board.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date is upon passage (no future legislative enactment delay).
  • Changes require notification and reporting to the retirement board from both the employer and the retiree on a monthly basis for post-retirement employment.
  • Specific time- and money-based limits apply for various types of post-retirement work (e.g., 75 working days; $25,000 or $15,000 annual salary caps).
  • Several categories explicitly prohibit the accrual of additional pension credits for post-retirement service.

Summary of impact

  • Provides broader, clearly defined pathways for retirees to return to work in public roles, particularly at the municipal level.
  • Ensures retirees do not lose benefits abruptly but imposes limits to protect the financial integrity of retirement programs.
  • Creates a framework for governance, reporting, and compliance with post-retirement employment, balancing workforce needs with retirement incentives.

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

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