Reduces the current varying percentages for early retirement penalty for teachers, municipal and state employees to a cumulative annual reduction of 3% and monthly reduction of .25%.
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.
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.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 659 proposes to revise how retirement allowances are calculated for teachers, state employees, and municipal employees. The bill introduces new formulas and percentage allowances based on an employee's years of service and the date their membership in the retirement system began. It also modifies the period of compensation used to determine a retirement allowance, shifting between three and five highest consecutive years depending on the employee's retirement eligibility and date. These changes would apply to different groups of employees based on their service dates and retirement timelines, with some provisions taking effect as late as July 1, 2025.
Gives teachers who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 days.
Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.
Maddy summarySB 165 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by including them under the definition of third-party administrators. It requires PBMs to file annual reports detailing their financial arrangements with insurers and their organizational structure if affiliated. The bill specifically prohibits "spread pricing," which means PBMs cannot charge health benefit plans and covered persons more for a prescription drug than what they pay the pharmacy, less an administrative fee. This aims to ensure fair pricing practices for prescription drugs, directly affecting PBMs, health benefit plans, and individuals covered by those plans.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1030 is a commemorative resolution that celebrates Rhode Island Independence Day on May 4, 2025. It recognizes the historical significance of Rhode Island's early renunciation of allegiance to the British crown and directs a copy of the resolution to be sent to the Nathanael Greene Homestead Association, Inc.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1031 honors and celebrates Councilman Andrew J. Annaldo, Jr. and the community members for their efforts in saving the Wanskuck Library. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies to Councilman Annaldo and the Wanskuck Library Manager.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1028 proclaims May 5th through May 9th of 2025 as "Teacher Appreciation Week" in the State of Rhode Island. This resolution acknowledges the hard work and dedication of teachers in the state and directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies to the presidents of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals and the National Education Association of Rhode Island.
