Provides educators and administrators employed in a charter public school or mayoral academy with prevailing wage and benefits oversight and recourse if found in violation of the same.
Allows retired teachers, state and municipal workers to be employed without the loss of any retirement benefits, as long as they reside in Rhode Island at least 270 days and have an annual income from all sources that is less than $55,000.
Allows any peace officer working in a Rhode Island school as a full or part-time resource officer to work in excess of the 75 working days in a calendar year and not have an interruption in their benefits.
Provides for the right to strike for public sector workers in Rhode Island, including teachers, with exceptions for police officers, firefighters, 911 employees, and correctional officers.
SB 2167 increases the maximum number of days retired municipal employees in towns and cities can work in a calendar year without losing pension benefits, raising the limit to 90 days. This directly affects current retirees employed by local governments who wish to return to part-time work. The key provision replaces the previous work limit with a new 90-day annual cap for maintaining full pension payments. The bill applies specifically to municipal retirement systems covering employees of incorporated towns and cities.
SB 2319 requires all public meetings involving collective bargaining agreements for school teachers to be open to the public. This overrides the standard exception allowing closed meetings for collective bargaining discussions, as specified in Section 1(e) of the bill. The law directly affects public school districts, school committees, and teachers' unions during contract negotiations. It takes effect immediately upon passage, ensuring transparency in school employment negotiations.
SB 2170 would allow workers who are on strike or locked out by their employer during a labor dispute to receive unemployment benefits. This directly affects employees participating in strikes or facing workplace lockouts due to labor disagreements. The bill changes current rules by expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits to cover these specific situations. It aims to provide financial support to workers during active labor disputes, rather than requiring them to exhaust other options first.
SB 2407 would extend the maximum term of employment for school superintendents in Rhode Island from three to five years. This change directly affects school committees, which hire and set terms for superintendents, by allowing them to establish longer contracts. The bill amends Section 16-2-9(12) of state education law to update the term limit from three years to five years. The change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
This legislative resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States founding on July 4, 2026, specifically within the State of Rhode Island. It encourages citizens, schools, and organizations to participate in events that reflect on American history and the principles of liberty and federalism. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor of Rhode Island.
This bill is a House Resolution that formally expresses condolences to the families of numerous Rhode Island officials who have recently passed away. It directly affects the bereaved families of these individuals by offering the House's sympathy and requesting that a memorial be sent to them. The resolution lists the names of the deceased, including representatives, speakers, and other state officials, and instructs the Secretary of State to transmit the memorial.
This bill designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as 'National Police Week' in Rhode Island to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a commemorative resolution to recognize the sacrifices made by police and other officers. The House of Representatives passed the measure, and the Secretary of State is authorized to send copies of the resolution to relevant police organizations and associations.
This House Resolution reaffirms the friendship between Rhode Island and Taiwan while encouraging stronger bilateral relations. The bill urges the state government to promote trade by establishing a Taiwan Caucus in the legislature, potentially opening a trade office in Taiwan, and signing an economic cooperation agreement. It also supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
