Amends the current law on teacher’s creditable service so that a teacher who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year would be given credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 school days.

## Summary of Rhode Island House Bill on Teacher Retirement Credit

This bill would change how Rhode Island calculates retirement credit for teachers who take unpaid parental or medical leave during a school year. Under current law, teachers generally need to work a full school year to receive a full year of credit toward their retirement. This bill would allow teachers who take unpaid leave for parental reasons (such as the birth or adoption of a child) or for medical reasons to still receive credit for a full year of service, as long as they worked at least 135 school days during that school year.

The bill directly affects public school teachers in Rhode Island who participate in the state's teachers' retirement system. Without this change, a teacher who takes several weeks or months of unpaid leave might not receive full retirement credit for that year, potentially delaying their retirement eligibility or reducing their retirement benefits. By setting the threshold at 135 school days — roughly three-quarters of a typical school year — the bill ensures that teachers who take reasonable periods of unpaid leave for major life events like having a child or dealing with a serious health issue are not penalized in their long-term retirement planning.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Finance Committee, which is the first step in the legislative review process. No further action has been taken at this time.