Sen. John Burke

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Hospital Week" in Rhode Island to honor the state's hospitals and healthcare workers. The measure acknowledges the vital role these institutions play in providing essential services, supporting the local economy, and employing thousands of residents. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, recognizing the group's leadership in the field.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Julie Leddy, the Executive Director of the Coventry Housing Authority, as she retires after twenty-nine years of service. The measure formally congratulates her and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her. It acknowledges her leadership in maintaining the authority's status as a high-performing agency and expanding affordable housing opportunities for residents. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official recognition of her contributions to the community.

Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.

Provides that retirees in the state pension system receive cost of living adjustments compounded into the retiree’s total retirement benefits each year beginning January 1, 2026. This act would be prospective only.

Maddy summarySB 2446 adds probation and parole officers to the list of state law enforcement professionals eligible for retirement benefits under Rhode Island's retirement system. This change, effective January 1, 2027, ensures these officers receive the same retirement benefits as existing groups like deputy sheriffs and firefighters. The bill amends specific retirement statutes to include probation and parole officers in the defined category of eligible employees. Service credits earned before 2027 will follow the retirement rules in place before the change.

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.

Authorizes an annual two and one-half percent (2.5%) escalation for all active and retired police and firefighter's retirement pension allowance, compounded each year on January 1 following the year of retirement and continuing yearly, on that date.

Maddy summarySB 2027 adjusts compensation limits for retired teachers returning to work in specific educational roles. It maintains a $15,000 annual pay cap for retired teachers providing driver education instruction (as specified in subsection d)(3)), while establishing a separate $25,000 annual cap for retired teachers teaching general classroom instruction at state colleges/universities (subsection d)(2)). The bill directly affects retired educators certified in driver education or classroom teaching who return to part-time work. Key provisions require no reduction of retirement benefits during such employment, prohibit additional service credits, and mandate monthly reporting to the retirement board. The change does not alter existing retirement benefits but sets clear annual pay limits for these specific post-retirement roles.

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.

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.