reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-10.3 - Defined Contribution Retirement Plan › Section 36-10.3-10. - Rollover contributions and distributions.

§ 36-10.3-10. Rollover contributions and distributions.
(1)
An employee entering the plan may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the administrator, to have all or part of a direct rollover distribution from an eligible retirement plan owned by the member paid directly into the member’s individual account.
(2)
Rollover contributions do not count as a purchase of membership service for the purpose of determining years of service.
(3)
A distributee may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the administrator, to have all or part of an eligible rollover distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee in the direct rollover.
(4)
In this section:
(a)
“Direct rollover” means the payment of an eligible rollover distribution by the plan to an eligible retirement plan specified by a distributee who is eligible to elect a direct rollover;
(b)
“Distributee” means a member, or a beneficiary who is the surviving spouse or domestic partner of the member, or an alternate payee:
(c)
“Eligible retirement plan” means:
(i)
An individual retirement account described in 26 U.S.C. § 408(d)(3)(A);
(ii)
An annuity plan described in 26 U.S.C. § 403(a);
(iii)
A qualified trust described in 26 U.S.C. § 401(a);
(iv)
An annuity plan described in 26 U.S.C. § 403(b);
(v)
A governmental plan described in 26 U.S.C. § 457(b);
(vi)
An individual retirement annuity defined in 26 U.S.C. § 408(b); or
(vii)
On or after January 1, 2008, a Roth IRA described in 26 U.S.C. § 408A;
(d)
“Eligible rollover distribution” means a distribution of all or part of a total account to a distributee, except for:
(i)
A distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal installments payable not less frequently than annually over the life expectancy of the distributee or the joint and last survivor life expectancy of the distributee and the distributee’s designated beneficiary, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9);
(ii)
A distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal installments payable not less frequently than annually over a specified period of ten (10) years or more;
(iii)
A distribution that is required under 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9);
(iv)
The portion of any distribution that is not includable in gross income; however, a portion under this paragraph may be transferred only to an individual retirement account or annuity described in 26 U.S.C. § 408(a) or (b), to a qualified plan described in 26 U.S.C. § 401(a) or 403(a), or to an annuity contract described in 26 U.S.C. § 403(b), that agrees to separately account for amounts transferred, including separately accounting for the portion of the distribution that is includable in gross income and the portion of the distribution that is not includable in gross income; and
(v)
Other distributions that are reasonably expected to total less than two hundred dollars ($200) during a year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 9; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-10.3 - Defined Contribution Retirement Plan › Section 36-10.3-11. - Annual report and statement.

§ 36-10.3-11. Annual report and statement.
The retirement board shall submit to the governor, the general treasurer, the auditor general, the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate, on or before the first day of December of each fiscal year, an annual report including a financial statement of the plan for the fiscal year of the state next preceding said date. The retirement board shall cause to be published for distribution among the members of the system a financial statement summarizing the results of operations for the fiscal year. The report and financial statement shall also be posted electronically on the retirement board’s website.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 9; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-10.3 - Defined Contribution Retirement Plan › Section 36-10.3-12. - Severability.

§ 36-10.3-12. Severability.
The holding of any section or sections or parts hereof to be void, ineffective, or unconstitutional for any cause shall not be deemed to affect any other section or part hereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 9; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-10.3 - Defined Contribution Retirement Plan › Section 36-10.3-13. - Waiver of administrative fees.

§ 36-10.3-13. Waiver of administrative fees.
Any plan administration fees assessed to members of the plan after July 1, 2015, shall be reimbursed by the state for any member whose annual compensation is thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) or less, said dollar amount to be indexed annually in the same percentage determined under § 36-10-35(h)(1)(B).
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 21, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-1. - Right to organize — Bargaining representatives.

§ 36-11-1. Right to organize — Bargaining representatives.
(a)
State employees, except for casual employees or seasonal employees, shall have the right to organize and designate representatives of their own choosing for the purpose of collective bargaining with respect to wages, hours, and other conditions of employment. State employees, as used in this chapter, shall include employees and members of the department of state police below the rank of lieutenant.
(b)
The representatives of state employees are hereby granted the right to negotiate with the chief executive or his or her designee (appointed, elected, or possessing classified status) on matters pertaining to wages, hours, and working conditions.
(c)
The chief executive or his or her designee (appointed, elected, or possessing classified status) is hereby authorized and required to recognize an organization designated by state employees for the purpose of collective bargaining as the collective bargaining agency for its members.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 178, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 356, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-1.1. - Definitions.

§ 36-11-1.1. Definitions.
The following terms as used in this chapter shall have the following meaning:
(1)
“Casual employees” shall mean those persons hired for an occasional period to perform special jobs or functions not necessarily related to the work performed by the regular employees in the collective bargaining unit.
(2)
“Seasonal employees” shall mean those persons employed in positions which are part of an annual job employment program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 356, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-2. - Discrimination because of membership in employee organization prohibited.

§ 36-11-2. Discrimination because of membership in employee organization prohibited.
(a)
There shall be no discrimination against any state employee because the employee has formed, joined, or chosen to be represented by any labor or employee organization.
(b)
Supervisory employees shall not endorse any particular labor or employee organization or by reason of membership in any organization, show prejudice or discriminate against any individual employee.
(c)
Membership in any labor or employee organization may be determined by each individual employee and each individual member. Membership dues or fees are established in amounts as determined by the organization.
(d)
The state controller shall hereby be directed, upon certification of the exclusive bargaining organization, to deduct biweekly membership dues from the employee’s salary and remit the amount to the treasurer of the exclusive bargaining organization.
(e)
Any employees in the bargaining unit, who are not members of the exclusive bargaining representative organization, may be required by the labor or employee organization to pay a reasonable charge for grievances and/or arbitrations brought at the nonmember’s request.
(f)
The employer shall notify the exclusive bargaining unit representative organization of the hiring of any employee in the bargaining unit. The notice shall be given promptly after the hiring decision is made but in no event later than the fifth business day following the employee’s start date.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 178, § 2; P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 256, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 95, § 4; P.L. 2019, ch. 146, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-3. - Action on grievances.

§ 36-11-3. Action on grievances.
It shall be the responsibility of supervisors at all levels to consider, and commensurate with authority delegated by the head of the state department or agency, to take appropriate action promptly and fairly upon the grievances of their subordinates. To this end, appropriate authority shall be delegated to supervisors by the heads of all state departments or agencies. It shall be the duty of the chief executive or his or her designee (appointed, elected, or possessing classified status) to exert every reasonable effort to settle disputes involving hours, wages, and working conditions, by collective negotiations with designated employee organizations, and to reduce any and all agreements to writing in the form of signed collective bargaining agreements. The agreements shall be deemed lawful documents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 178, § 3; P.L. 1966, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-4. - Applicability.

§ 36-11-4. Applicability.
The provisions of this chapter and the procedures established hereunder shall be applicable in any state department or agency to conditions which are in whole or part subject to the control of the head of the department or agency and which involve conditions of employment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 178, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-5. - Repealed.

§ 36-11-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 178, § 5; Repealed by P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-6. - Powers of representative organizations.

§ 36-11-6. Powers of representative organizations.
Organizations representing state employees, firefighters as defined in § 28-9.1-3, and police officers as defined in § 28-9.2-3, shall enjoy all the benefits of and be subject to all the provisions of chapter 7 of title 28, except that those employees shall not have the right to strike.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 147, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 230, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-7. - Obligation to bargain.

§ 36-11-7. Obligation to bargain.
It shall be the obligation of the chief executive or his or her designee (appointed, elected, or possessing classified status) to meet and confer in good faith with the representatives of the state employees’ bargaining agent within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice from the bargaining agent of the request for a meeting for collective bargaining purposes. This obligation shall include the duty to cause any agreement resulting from negotiations to be reduced to a written contract.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-7.1. - Unresolved issues submitted to mediation.

§ 36-11-7.1. Unresolved issues submitted to mediation.
(a)
In the event that the bargaining agent and the chief executive or his or her designee are unable, within thirty (30) days from and including the date of their first meeting, to reach an agreement on a contract, either of them may request mediation and conciliation upon any and all unresolved issues by the director of labor and training or from any other source. If mediation and conciliation fail or are not requested, at any time after the thirty (30) days either party may request that any and all unresolved issues shall be submitted to arbitration by sending such request by certified mail, postage prepaid to the other party, setting forth the issues to be arbitrated.
(b)
In the event that the negotiating or bargaining agent and the employer are unable to reach an agreement on a contract ninety (90) days before the last day on which money can be appropriated by the state to cover the first year of the contract period, then any and all unresolved issues shall be submitted to the director of labor and training for compulsory mediation until the date upon which the money is scheduled to be appropriated. The director of labor and training or his or her designee may waive this requirement upon the mutual agreement of the parties.
(c)
In the event that the negotiating or bargaining agent and the employer are unable, within ten (10) days of the expiration of the contract, to reach an agreement on a contract, any and all unresolved issues shall be submitted to the director of labor and training for compulsory mediation.
(d)
If the parties cannot mutually agree upon a mediator within twenty-four (24) hours, the director of labor and training shall select a mediator from a panel previously established by the director comprised of persons knowledgeable in the field of labor management relations to mediate the dispute. The department of labor and training is hereby empowered to compel the attendance of all parties to any and all meetings it deems necessary until the dispute is resolved.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 100, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-8. - Unresolved issues — Conciliation or fact finding.

§ 36-11-8. Unresolved issues — Conciliation or fact finding.
In the event that the bargaining agent and the chief executive or his or her designee are unable, within thirty (30) days from and including the date of their first meeting, to reach an agreement on a contract, any and all unresolved issues shall, within three (3) days, be submitted to the state labor relations board for conciliation or fact finding. The board shall immediately appoint one of its conciliators to meet with the parties and assist in a voluntary resolution of impasses. If within ten (10) days of the conciliator’s appointment all impasses are not resolved, the conciliator shall make written findings of fact and recommendations with a view toward the voluntary settlement of unresolved issues, and the findings and recommendations shall be sent to the board and the parties. The parties shall have five (5) days in which to consider the recommendations of the conciliator and settle the unresolved issues, and any issues remaining unresolved shall be referred to binding arbitration in accordance with § 36-11-9.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 3; P.L. 1984, ch. 135, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-9. - Binding arbitration — Procedure.

§ 36-11-9. Binding arbitration — Procedure.
(a)
All issues remaining in dispute after the procedures for voluntary resolution of issues provided in § 36-11-8 are exhausted shall be referred to final and binding arbitration and decision. An arbitrator shall be selected within fifteen (15) days from lists of certified arbitrators submitted by and in accordance with the rule of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that all names so submitted shall be of Rhode Island residents.
(b)
The arbitrator shall call a hearing to be held within ten (10) days of his or her appointment and shall give at least seven (7) days written notice in writing to the bargaining agent and chief executive of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing shall be informal, and the rules of evidence prevailing in judicial proceedings shall not be binding; provided, however, that a stenographic record of the proceedings shall be kept and transcribed. Any and all documentary evidence and other data deemed relevant by the arbitrator may be received in evidence. The arbitrator shall have the power to administer oaths and to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, the production of books, records, and other evidence relative or pertinent to the issues presented to them for determination.
(c)
The hearing conducted by the arbitrator shall be concluded within twenty (20) days of the time of commencement, and, within ten (10) days after the conclusion of the hearings, the arbitrator shall make written findings and a written opinion upon the issues presented, a copy of which shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to the bargaining agent or its attorney or other designated representative and the chief executive. The decision of the arbitrator shall be binding upon both the bargaining agent and the chief executive as to all issues and matters other than an issue which involves wages and as to that issue, the decision shall be advisory in nature.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-10. - Factors to be considered by the arbitrator.

§ 36-11-10. Factors to be considered by the arbitrator.
The factors, among others, to be given weight by the arbitrator in arriving at a decision shall include:
(1)
Comparison of wage rates or hourly conditions of employment of the state employees involved with the prevailing wage rates or hourly conditions of employment maintained for the same or similar work of employees exhibiting like or similar skills under the same working conditions, in this state and neighboring states in private industry and public employment on state and local levels;
(2)
Interest and welfare of the public;
(3)
Comparison of peculiarities of employment in regard to other industries, trades, or professions, specifically:
(i)
Hazards of employment;
(ii)
Physical, educational and mental qualifications;
(iii)
Job training and skills.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-11. - Fees and expenses of arbitrator.

§ 36-11-11. Fees and expenses of arbitrator.
Fees and necessary expenses of arbitration shall be borne equally by the bargaining agent and the chief executive except that the transcript of proceedings required to be kept of the arbitration hearing shall be borne solely by the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 277, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-12. - Retirement system matters excluded from collective bargaining.

§ 36-11-12. Retirement system matters excluded from collective bargaining.
Any and all matters relating to the employees’ retirement system of the state of Rhode Island are excluded as negotiable items in the collective bargaining process.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 160, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-11 - Organization of State Employees › Section 36-11-13. - Affirmative action provisions.

§ 36-11-13. Affirmative action provisions.
(a)
The director of the department of administration shall direct the associate director of human resources to include proposals for affirmative action provisions as a subject for all collective bargaining negotiations. The proposals shall include, at a minimum but not limited to, the following personnel actions: recruitment; new hires; promotions; transfers; terminations; training and education; layoffs and return from layoff.
(b)
The proposals shall also include a provision that all new and vacant positions shall be filled with due consideration to equal opportunity and affirmative action interests, especially when a manifest imbalance exists within a specific job category. Manifest imbalance, as used herein, shall mean the statistical under representation of minorities (as currently defined in federal employment law as Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, including Alaskan Natives, and Asians, including Pacific Islanders) in specific job categories.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 280, § 4; P.L. 1994, ch. 133, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-2. - Hospital care and surgical-medical service benefits.

§ 36-12-2. Hospital care and surgical-medical service benefits.
(a)
Employees of the state of Rhode Island shall receive, in addition to wages, salaries, and any other remuneration or benefits, hospital care and surgical-medical services, rights, and benefits purchased by the director of administration pursuant to § 36-12-6, with the specific condition that the benefits and services provided by the carrier(s) will be substantially equivalent to those set forth in any collective bargaining agreement(s) executed between the state of Rhode Island and authorized representatives of the unions representing state employees or the health care coverage presently being provided.
(b)
The state will work diligently with leadership of organized labor in order to ensure competitive, cost effective health care services for all employees of the state who may be eligible for those benefits.
(c)
Any new plan must accept pre-existing conditions for those individuals who will be covered by the new policy.
(d)
Part-time employees whose work week is less than twenty (20) hours a week may purchase the benefits set forth above. The employees shall pay the same rate for the benefits as the group rate paid by the state for the benefits. Payments for the benefits may be deducted in accordance with the provisions of § 36-12-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 136, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 226, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 105, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 326, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-2.1. - [Repealed.]

§ 36-12-2.1. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 290, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 262, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 27, § 8; repealed by P.L. 2023, ch. 17, § 3, effective May 18, 2023; repealed by P.L. 2023, ch. 18, § 3, effective May 18, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-2.3. - Health insurance benefits — Administrative services fees for continued coverage requirements of group health plans.

§ 36-12-2.3. Health insurance benefits — Administrative services fees for continued coverage requirements of group health plans.
In accordance with the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-514), amending § 162(k) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 162(k), in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), 42 U.S.C. § 403, a general revenue receipt account is created to be used solely for deposit of any applicable administrative services fees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art. 42, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-2.4. - Health insurance benefits — COBRA.

§ 36-12-2.4. Health insurance benefits — COBRA.
For purposes of fulfilling any employer obligations under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), 42 U.S.C. § 403 et seq., a domestic partner shall be deemed a dependent of an employee as defined herein.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 189, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 316, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-2.5. - Health insurance benefits — Coverage of former spouse.

§ 36-12-2.5. Health insurance benefits — Coverage of former spouse.
Commencing January 1, 2014, a state employee’s family health plan shall not provide coverage to a former spouse unless the former spouse was covered by said plan in accordance with § 27-20.4-1 as of December 31, 2013.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-3. - Deductions from pay.

§ 36-12-3. Deductions from pay.
Payments for hospital care and surgical-medical services, rights, and benefits of dependents of employees may be deducted from the state payroll as provided in §§ 36-6-12 and 36-6-13. Payments for surgical-medical services, rights, and benefits of all persons in the service of the state, other than employees, as defined in § 36-12-1(2), whether employed, appointed, or elected, and the dependents of persons may also be deducted from the state payroll as provided in §§ 36-6-12 and 36-6-13.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 136, § 3; P.L. 1981, ch. 276, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-4.1. - Coverage of Medicare-eligible retired employees.

§ 36-12-4.1. Coverage of Medicare-eligible retired employees.
(a)
The director of the department of administration shall ensure retired employees access to Medicare-eligible retiree healthcare insurance. Under this program, the state will establish a health reimbursement account (HRA) funded by state contributions for each Medicare-eligible state retiree who elects to receive healthcare insurance through the state-sponsored program.
(b)
The funds contained in the HRA may be utilized for any eligible medical care expenses as defined in § 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which includes reimbursements for healthcare insurance premiums.
(c)
The director of the department of administration shall procure services to maximize consumer choice and options with respect to the individual policies available to Medicare-eligible retirees.
(d)
The maximum state contribution to each Medicare-eligible state retiree’s HRA account will be equal to the lowest-cost Medicare supplemental plan that is filed with the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner of Rhode Island, that is available through the state-sponsored program, and that meets the provisions of the Medicare-eligible retiree healthcare insurance benefit defined in § 36-12-1(9). The maximum state contribution will vary by age as specified by the rates set forth in the Medicare supplemental plan filing.
(e)
For Medicare-eligible state retirees who retired before September 30, 2008, effective January 1, 2014, the state of Rhode Island will credit an amount to each retiree’s HRA account on a monthly basis. The amount of such credit shall be calculated based on the retiree’s years of service, as a percentage of the maximum state contribution set forth in (d) above, and in accordance with the following formula:
Years of Service
State’s Contribution
Employee’s Share
10 - 15
50%
50%
16 - 19
70%
30%
20 - 27
90%
10%
28+
100%
0%
(f)
For Medicare-eligible state retirees who retire on or after October 1, 2008, effective January 1, 2014, the state of Rhode Island will credit monthly an amount to each retiree’s HRA account equal to 80% of the maximum state contribution set forth in (d) above, provided the retiree has a minimum of twenty (20) years of service and is at least fifty-nine (59) years of age.
(g)
Medicare-eligible teacher retirees may purchase the individual policies available to Medicare-eligible state retirees under the state-sponsored program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 2, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-5. - Annual appropriations.

§ 36-12-5. Annual appropriations.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate a sum sufficient to carry out the purposes of §§ 36-12-1—36-12-5. The state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum, or so much thereof as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 136, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-7. - Eligibility for benefits.

§ 36-12-7. Eligibility for benefits.
(a)
All persons in the service of the state on and after July 1, 1960, whether elected, appointed or employed, who elect to participate in an insurance contract or contracts shall be eligible to participate therein. The director, however, with the consent of the insurance company or companies, may by rule or regulation exclude those classes of temporary, part-time, or intermittent employees for whom insurance contracts shall be deemed to be impracticable.
(b)
The director, with the consent of the insurance company or companies, may authorize the inclusion in insurance contracts of employees of public authorities, full-time employees of organizations representing state employees, or other appropriate agencies of the state as may be designated in the rules or regulations of the director, and may prescribe the rate of contribution required from such participating authorities, or other agencies.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 119, § 2; P.L. 1968, ch. 235, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-8. - Provisions of insurance contract.

§ 36-12-8. Provisions of insurance contract.
(a)
The director is hereby authorized and directed to establish a life insurance plan for employees of the state as herein provided, which, subject to the conditions and limitations contained in §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14, and in the regulations promulgated pursuant to the authority vested in him or her by §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14, will provide for each participating employee group life insurance equal to the amount of his or her annual compensation, taken to the next higher multiple of one thousand dollars ($1,000), plus an equal amount of group accidental death insurance with dismemberment coverage as provided herein.
(b)
In addition to the benefits provided hereinbefore and subject to the conditions and limitations of the policy or policies purchased by the director, the policy or policies shall provide payments as follows:
Loss
Amount Payable
For accidental loss of life.
An amount equal to the full amount of life insurance provided by this section.
For accidental loss of one hand or one foot or loss of sight of one eye.
An amount equal to one-half the amount of life insurance provided by this section.
For accidental loss of two or more such members.
An amount equal to the full amount of life insurance provided by this section.
(c)
For any one accident the aggregate amount of group accidental death and dismemberment insurance that may be paid shall not exceed the amount of life insurance provided by §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14.
(d)
The director shall by regulation provide for the conversion of other than annual rates of compensation to an annual basis and shall further specify the types of compensation to be included in annual compensation.
(e)
The amount of insurance shall be reduced by one percent (1%) thereof at the end of each calendar month following the date the employee attains the age of sixty-five (65), until the amount of the insurance reaches forty percent (40%) of the annual salary at age seventy (70). The amount of insurance shall remain at forty percent (40%) of the annual salary thereafter until the active employee reaches age seventy-four (74), at which point it shall be reduced to thirty percent (30%) of the annual salary until age eighty (80), at which point it shall be reduced to twenty-five percent (25%) of the annual salary and it shall remain at twenty-five percent (25%) thereafter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 119, § 3; P.L. 1987, ch. 574, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-9. - Beneficiaries — Payment of benefits.

§ 36-12-9. Beneficiaries — Payment of benefits.
(a)
The policy or policies issued hereunder shall include a provision prescribing the conditions under which an insured employee may designate and change the beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive insurance payable upon the death of the employee.
(b)
If, at the death of any employee insured hereunder, there shall be more than one designated beneficiary, then, unless the employee shall have specified the respective interests of the beneficiaries, the interests of the beneficiaries shall be several and equal. If any designated beneficiary shall predecease the employee, the rights and interest of the beneficiary shall thereupon automatically terminate. If, at the death of the employee, there be no designated beneficiary as to all or any part of the insurance, then the amount of the insurance payable for which there is no designated beneficiary shall be payable to the estate of the employee; provided, however, that the insurance company may, in that case, at its option, and subject to rules approved by the director, pay the amount to any one of the following surviving relatives: wife, husband, mother, father, child, or children. Payment to any one or more of the surviving relatives shall completely discharge the insurance company’s liability with respect to the amount of insurance so paid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 119, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-10. - Participation by employees.

§ 36-12-10. Participation by employees.
Any policy of insurance purchased by the director as authorized in §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14 shall provide that all employees eligible under the terms of §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14 will be automatically insured thereunder commencing on the date they first become so eligible; provided, that any employee desiring not to be so insured shall, on an appropriate form to be prescribed by the director, give written notice to the director that he or she desires not to be insured. If the notice is received before the employee shall have become insured under the policy he or she shall not be so insured; if it is received after he or she shall have become insured his or her insurance under the policy shall cease, effective with the end of the pay period during which the notice is received by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 119, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-11. - Deductions from salary — Payments by employers.

§ 36-12-11. Deductions from salary — Payments by employers.
(a)
During any period in which an employee under age sixty-five (65) is insured under a policy of insurance purchased by the director as authorized in §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14, there shall be withheld by the employer from each salary payment of the employee, as his or her share of the cost of his or her group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, an amount specified in the contract or policy which shall not exceed the rate of twenty-five cents (25¢) biweekly for each one thousand dollars ($1,000) of his or her group life insurance; provided, that an employee who is paid on other than a biweekly basis shall have an amount so withheld, determined at a proportionate rate, which rate shall be adjusted to the nearest cent.
(b)
The cost of providing the insurance benefits provided for in §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14, together with the cost of administration of the provisions of §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14 in excess of the amounts paid by employees therefor, shall be paid by the participating employers in those proportions and at those times as the director may determine.
(c)
The payments shall be made by the participating employers out of appropriations made therefor, and the general assembly shall annually appropriate those sums to the fund herein created which may be required during the fiscal year.
(d)
The sums withheld from employees and the funds appropriated by participating employers as provided herein shall be deposited with the general treasurer of the state to the credit of a fund which is hereby created as the group life insurance fund.
(e)
During any period in which an employee is insured under a policy of long term health care insurance purchased by the director as authorized in § 36-12-6, there shall be withheld by the employer from each salary payment of the employee as his or her cost of long term care insurance an amount specified in the contract or policy; provided, that an employee who is paid on other than a biweekly basis shall have an amount so withheld, determined at a proportionate rate, which rate shall be adjusted to the nearest cent.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 119, § 6; P.L. 1988, ch. 433, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-12. - Termination of insurance.

§ 36-12-12. Termination of insurance.
Each contract of insurance purchased under §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14 shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the director, to the effect that any insurance thereunder on any employee shall cease upon the termination of his or her employment subject to a provision which shall be contained in the contract of insurance for temporary extension of coverage under conditions approved by the director and for conversion to an individual policy of life insurance for the employee, except that the director may by appropriate general regulation provide that an employee who retires, under the provisions of any retirement system of the state of Rhode Island, with the exception of that provided in § 42-28-22, shall have his or her life insurance only, in effect at the time of retirement, continue in the amounts for which he or she would have been insured from time to time had his or her salary payments continued at the same rate as on the date of cessation of employment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 119, § 7; P.L. 1969, ch. 159, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 574, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-13. - Regulations and effective date of insurance.

§ 36-12-13. Regulations and effective date of insurance.
Subject to the provisions of §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14, the director is hereby authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper to give effect to the intent and purposes of §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to establish an effective date or dates for the insurance coverage provided hereunder.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 119, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-14. - Severability.

§ 36-12-14. Severability.
The provisions of §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14 are hereby declared to be severable, and in case any part, section, or provision of §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14 is held void by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining parts, sections, and provisions of §§ 36-12-6 — 36-12-14 shall not, thereby, be impaired or otherwise affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 119, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12 - Insurance Benefits › Section 36-12-15. - Repealed.

§ 36-12-15. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 631, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2006, ch. 157, § 3, effective June 21, 2006; . P.L. 2006, ch. 631, § 3, effective July 14, 2006.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-1. - Name of act.

§ 36-12.1-1. Name of act.
This act shall be known as the “Health Insurance and Benefits Funding Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-2. - Statement of purpose.

§ 36-12.1-2. Statement of purpose.
The purpose of the Health Insurance and Benefits Funding Act is to address the necessity of funding the State’s unfunded liability for retiree health care benefits required by recent accounting changes and prudent resource management.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-3. - Background.

§ 36-12.1-3. Background.
The general assembly finds that the State faces a significant unfunded liability associated with its retiree health care benefits programs. To date, the State has been funding retiree health care benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. Recently established governmental accounting standards applicable to the State require that the State account for such unfunded costs on an accrued actuarial basis. An actuarial study conducted by the State shows that the State faces an unfunded future liability for retiree health care benefits in excess of six hundred million dollars ($600,000,000). The creation and eventual funding of a dedicated trust fund for the purpose of financing this liability on accrued actuarial basis is fiscally prudent and will produce significant benefits to the State.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-5. - Establishment of OPEB system.

§ 36-12.1-5. Establishment of OPEB system.
An OPEB System is hereby established and placed under the management of the OPEB Board for the purpose of providing and administering OPEB Benefits for Retired Employees of the State of Rhode Island and their dependants under the provisions of chapter 36-12, entitled “Insurance Benefits”, of this title, and for retired non-classified employees who are participants in the Board of Governors for Higher Education’s alternate retirement plans. The OPEB System so created shall begin operation as of July 1, 2010. It shall have the power and privileges of a corporation and shall be known as the “Rhode Island State Employees’ and Electing Teachers OPEB System” and by that name all of its business shall be transacted.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-6. - Responsibility for administration — rules and regulations.

§ 36-12.1-6. Responsibility for administration — rules and regulations.
The general administration and the responsibility for the proper operation of the OPEB System and for making effective the provisions of chapter 36-12 of this title are hereby vested in an OPEB Board. The OPEB Board shall, from time to time, establish rules and regulations for the administration and transaction of the business of the OPEB System. Rules and regulations which have been or may be established pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be compiled, codified, and published so that they shall be generally available to the members of the system. The OPEB Board shall also perform such other functions as are required for the execution of chapters 12, 12.1 and 12.2 of this title. In its discretion, the OPEB Board may issue regulations governing the application of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-7. - Composition of the OPEB board.

§ 36-12.1-7. Composition of the OPEB board.
The OPEB Board shall consist of the State Controller, the State Budget Officer, the State Personnel Administrator and the General Treasurer, or their designees.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 363, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-8. - Meetings of the OPEB board.

§ 36-12.1-8. Meetings of the OPEB board.
Meetings shall be held at such place as may be designated in the call of the meeting, provided at no cost to the state, at the call of the chairperson.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-9. - Duties of the OPEB board.

§ 36-12.1-9. Duties of the OPEB board.
The OPEB Board shall be responsible for the administration and operation of the OPEB System, determination of the amount of annual contributions, and oversight of OPEB Benefit payments to Retired Employees and their dependents. The OPEB Board shall have the power to collect contributions from the State of Rhode Island, quasi-public agencies or any municipality thereof, to direct benefit payments, the right to research, question, investigate and make recommendation of findings to the department of administration.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 21, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-10. - Votes of board — Record of proceedings.

§ 36-12.1-10. Votes of board — Record of proceedings.
Each member of the board shall be entitled to one vote in the board and a majority of all the votes of the entire board shall be necessary for a decision of the board. The board shall keep a record of all the proceedings which shall be open to public inspection.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees › Chapter 36-12.1 - Retiree Health Care Trust Fund › Section 36-12.1-11. - Reimbursement of board members.

§ 36-12.1-11. Reimbursement of board members.
Members of the board shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for any necessary expenditures and no employee shall suffer any loss of salary or wages through serving upon the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 4, § 3.