Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to §§ 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.

## Plain-English Summary

This bill would allow retired Superior Court magistrates in Rhode Island to come back to work for the court on a temporary or assigned basis without losing any of their retirement benefits. Under current rules, retired state employees who return to work can face reductions or loss of their pension payments. This bill would create an exception specifically for retired magistrates, letting them collect their full retirement benefits while also being paid for their returned service.

The people most directly affected are retired Superior Court magistrates — judicial officers who handle certain legal proceedings and assist judges in the court system. The bill would make it easier for the court to call on experienced, retired magistrates to help manage caseloads, fill in during staff shortages, or assist with specific types of legal matters outlined in state law. Essentially, it removes a financial penalty that might otherwise discourage retired magistrates from returning to help the court.

More broadly, this bill could benefit Rhode Islanders who use the court system if bringing back experienced magistrates helps the court operate more efficiently and reduce backlogs. The bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the House Finance Committee, which will likely examine the potential cost to the state of paying both retirement benefits and a working salary to returning magistrates at the same time.