Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire when they have at least twenty-eight (28) years of active service and their retirement age, when combined with the number of their years of service reaches, the number eighty-five (85).

## Rhode Island Retirement Eligibility Bill Summary

This bill would change the retirement rules for Rhode Island public school teachers, state employees, and municipal (local government) employees. Under this proposal, workers in these groups could retire without a penalty once they meet two requirements at the same time: they must have completed at least 28 years of active service, and their age plus their years of service must add up to at least 85. For example, a teacher who is 57 years old with 28 years of service would qualify (57 + 28 = 85).

This type of retirement formula is often called the "Rule of 85" and is designed to give experienced public employees more flexibility in choosing when to retire. Currently, Rhode Island public employees generally must meet different age and service requirements to retire with full benefits, so this bill would create an additional pathway to retirement for those who have dedicated long careers to public service.

The bill would directly affect teachers and government workers who have been in the public workforce for nearly three decades. For some of these workers, the change could allow them to retire earlier than current rules permit, while still receiving their full retirement benefits. It could also have financial implications for the state and local pension systems, which is likely why the bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee for further review.