reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-15 - Teachers’ Pensions › Section 16-15-15. - Payment of grants for teachers retiring after July 1, 1949.

§ 16-15-15. Payment of grants for teachers retiring after July 1, 1949.
(a)
Upon the passage of §§ 16-15-13 — 16-15-15 the department of elementary and secondary education and the retirement division in the department of treasury shall apportion the retirement grant into monthly benefits and shall disburse monthly the benefits to all eligible retired teachers under this law.
(b)
The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums that may be required from time to time upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the department of elementary and secondary education and the retirement division in the department of treasury.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 124, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-15 - Teachers’ Pensions › Section 16-15-16. - Annual grant for teachers retiring prior to July 1, 1949.

§ 16-15-16. Annual grant for teachers retiring prior to July 1, 1949.
(a)
The general assembly shall annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay an additional annual retirement grant of two thousand dollars ($2,000) for a payment of a pension of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) annually to every retired teacher who qualified for either a pension or retirement benefits under the provisions of this chapter, and who retired prior to July 1, 1949.
(b)
This grant shall be an annual state grant and shall be in addition to any and all amounts being paid from any state pension or retirement system and in addition to any payments from a retirement or pension system of any city or town.
(c)
All money appropriated in accordance with the amended provisions of this chapter for the retired teachers shall be administered by the department of elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 114, § 2; P.L. 1972, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 227, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-15 - Teachers’ Pensions › Section 16-15-17. - Payment of grants for teachers retiring prior to July 1, 1949.

§ 16-15-17. Payment of grants for teachers retiring prior to July 1, 1949.
(a)
Upon the passage of this chapter the department of elementary and secondary education shall apportion the retirement grant into monthly benefits and shall disburse monthly benefits to all eligible retired teachers under this law.
(b)
The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums that may be required from time to time upon receipt by the controller of proper vouchers approved by the department of elementary and secondary education and the retirement division in the department of treasury.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 114, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-2. - Membership in system.

§ 16-16-2. Membership in system.
Membership in the retirement system for teachers began on July 1, 1949, and shall consist of:
(1)
All teachers as defined in this chapter who were in service on that date, and
(2)
All persons who become teachers on or after that date, which teachers shall become members of the system as a condition of their employment as teachers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-16-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-3. - Repealed.

§ 16-16-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 16-16-3; Repealed by P.L. 1980, ch. 169, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-4. - Membership of school nurses.

§ 16-16-4. Membership of school nurses.
Every certified nurse teacher employed in the respective public schools of the several cities and towns of this state and every person who, prior to any certification as a nurse teacher, has been regularly employed by any city or town as a school nurse in the respective public schools shall be entitled to all the rights and benefits contained in this chapter and in chapters 8 — 10 of title 36.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2192, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-16-4; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-6. - Credit for service in private schools or as federal employee — Contributions.

§ 16-16-6. Credit for service in private schools or as federal employee — Contributions.
In determining the creditable service of any teacher employed in any city or town for the purposes of retirement there may be added to, and included in, total service as defined in this chapter not more than five (5) years of service as a teacher or in a capacity essentially similar or equivalent to that of a teacher in any private school or institution, in any charter school not subject to subdivision 16-77-4(b)(12), and in public schools in which the teacher was paid by funds of the United States government except schools or institutions that are operated for profit; provided, however, that this service shall not be counted as creditable service unless the member shall pay into the retirement system a contribution equal to the full actuarial value of each year of credit for which application is made based on the salary of the member in effect at the date of application for the credit as determined by the retirement board. The retirement board shall fix and determine the time when and the conditions under which the payments shall be made.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2830, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 16-16-6; P.L. 1963, ch. 189, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 112, art. 8, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 92, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 14, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 487, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 38, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-6.1. - Credit for service outside state.

§ 16-16-6.1. Credit for service outside state.
(a)
In determining the creditable service of any teacher employed in any city or town for the purpose of retirement, there may be added to, and included in, total service as defined in this chapter not more than five (5) years of service as a teacher in the public school outside this state; provided, however, this service shall not be counted as creditable service unless the member shall pay into the retirement system a contribution equal to the full actuarial value of each year of credit for which application is made based upon the teacher’s compensation at the time he or she makes application to purchase credit for each year of service for which he or she claims credit.
(b)
Credit for service outside the state which is purchased under paragraph (a) above may also be used for retirement purposes under the provisions of subsection (a) for teachers who retire on ordinary disability under § 16-16-14 provided these teachers have at least ten (10) years creditable service within the state.
(c)
The term “outside this state” means service in any state college, university, school, or public school in any other state of the United States, or in any territory or possession of the United States, including the Philippine Islands, or in any school under the jurisdiction of the United States government.
(d)
The retirement board shall fix and determine by rules and regulations the time when and the conditions under which payments shall be made.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 112, art. 8, § 3; P.L. 1972, ch. 92, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 346, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 14, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 487, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 36; P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 10; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-6.2. - Service credit for appropriate work experience — Contributions.

§ 16-16-6.2. Service credit for appropriate work experience — Contributions.
(a)
In determining the creditable service of any vocational education teacher employed in any city or town or by the state for the purpose of retirement or a service retirement allowance (not including a deferred retirement allowance), there may be added to, and included in, total service as defined in this chapter not more than five (5) years of “appropriate work experience” pursuant to § 16-60-4(9)(ii). This service shall not be counted as creditable service unless the member shall pay into the retirement system a contribution equal to the full actuarial costs for each year of service for which he or she claims credit.
(b)
Credit for “appropriate work experience” which is purchased under paragraph (a) above may also be used for retirement purposes under the provisions of subsection (a) for teachers who retire on ordinary disability under § 16-16-14, provided those teachers have at least ten (10) years’ creditable service.
(c)
The term “appropriate work experience” means service in any industry, business, or other appropriate enterprise for which certification credit has been given pursuant to the “standards and qualifications for certification of teachers” as provided in § 16-60-4(9)(ii).
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 435, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 497, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 434, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 599, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 36; P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 10; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-6.3. - Repealed.

§ 16-16-6.3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 413, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 10; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 2, effective January 1, 1993.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-6.4. - Service credit for appropriate work experience — Certified nurse teachers — Contributions.

§ 16-16-6.4. Service credit for appropriate work experience — Certified nurse teachers — Contributions.
(a)
In determining the creditable service of any certified nurse teacher employed by the state or by any city or town for the purpose of retirement or a service retirement allowance (not including a deferred retirement allowance), there may be added to, and included in, total service as defined in this chapter not more than four (4) years of “appropriate work experience.” The service shall not be counted as creditable service unless the member shall pay into the retirement system a contribution equal to the full actuarial costs for each year of the service for which the member claims credit.
(b)
Credit for “appropriate work experience” which is purchased under paragraph (a) above may also be used for retirement purposes under the provisions of subsection (a) for certified nurse teachers who retire on ordinary disability under § 36-10-13 or § 16-16-14, provided the certified nurse teachers have at least ten (10) years’ creditable service.
(c)
The term “appropriate work experience” for the purposes of a certified nurse teacher means service in any industry, business, or other appropriate enterprise where a member has worked as a registered nurse and for which no credit for the purposes of retirement has been granted for either teaching in a school of nursing or for any other appropriate work experience; provided, however, that no member shall be allowed credit for more than a total of four (4) years of service credit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 591, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 538, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 36; P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 10; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-7. - Credit for military leave.

§ 16-16-7. Credit for military leave.
Any teacher who has been granted or shall be granted an official leave of absence by his or her superiors to enter the armed services of the United States shall have his or her service counted in his or her years of teaching, and his or her leave of absence shall in no way interrupt the continuity of his or her teaching service which for the purpose of computing retirement benefits under the state retirement system shall be deemed to be continuous service, provided the teacher was teaching for a minimum of six (6) months immediately prior to entry into the armed services and returned or returns to active teaching within one year following the date of his or her honorable discharge from the armed services, but in no event shall the credit exceed a maximum of four (4) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2830, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 16-16-7; P.L. 1972, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 348, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-7.1. - Armed service credit.

§ 16-16-7.1. Armed service credit.
(a)
Any active teacher who served on active duty in the armed service of the United States or in the merchant marine service of the United States as defined in § 2 of Chapter 1721 of the Public Laws, 1946, may purchase credit for that service up to a maximum of four (4) years; provided that he or she has received an honorable discharge; provided further, that any teacher on an official leave of absence for illness or injury shall be eligible to purchase military credits as defined herein while on that leave of absence.
(b)
The cost to purchase these credits shall be ten percent (10%) of the member’s first year’s earnings as a teacher as defined in § 16-16-1 of this title, multiplied by the number of years and fraction of the years of the armed service up to a maximum of four (4) years.
(c)
There will be no interest charged provided the teacher makes that purchase during his or her first five (5) years of membership in the retirement system, but will be charged regular interest to date of purchase from date of enrollment into membership, if purchased after completing five (5) years of membership; provided, however, any teacher who was in the retirement system prior to July 1, 1980, would not be charged interest whenever he or she purchases the armed services credit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 173, § 4; P.L. 1981, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 425, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 463, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 510, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 3; P.L. 1997, ch. 169, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-7.2. - Peace corps, teacher corps, and volunteers in service to America — Credit.

§ 16-16-7.2. Peace corps, teacher corps, and volunteers in service to America — Credit.
(a)
Any active teacher who served in the peace corps, teacher corps, or in volunteers in service to America may purchase credit for that service, up to a maximum of four (4) years. Any teacher on an official leave of absence for illness or injury shall be eligible to purchase the credits while on the leave of absence.
(b)
The cost to purchase these credits shall be the full actuarial cost as defined in § 36-8-1(10).
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 423, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 524, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 473, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 7, § 4; P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 10; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-8. - Credit for service as a state or municipal employee.

§ 16-16-8. Credit for service as a state or municipal employee.
(a)
Any member who shall have rendered service as a state employee as defined by the provisions of chapter 17 of this title and chapters 8 — 10 of title 36 or who shall have rendered service as an employee of a participating municipality, as defined by chapter 21 of title 45, shall be entitled to credit for his or her service for the various purposes of this system, provided the member shall have been a contributing member for that period. All contributions made by the member shall be transferred in toto to this system for the periods of service and the retirement system shall calculate the full actuarial value of the accrued benefit with the former employer. If the full actuarial value of the accrued benefit with the former employer is greater than the total employee contributions transferred, the retirement system shall also transfer the difference between full actuarial value of the accrued benefit with the former employer and the employee’s contributions from the account of the former employer to the account of the current employer. In any case in which a member shall have received a refund or refunds of contributions made to the system, the allowance of the credit for service shall be conditioned upon the repayment of the full actuarial cost as defined in § 36-8-1(10). Any service as defined in this section for which no contributions were made may be granted provided the member pays to the retirement system the full actuarial cost as defined in § 36-8-1(10). The retirement board shall fix and determine the rules and regulations needed to govern the provisions of this section.
(b)
Any member who shall have rendered service both as a teacher under § 16-16-12, and service under § 36-10-9.2(a), shall be eligible to elect to combine the member’s service under § 16-16-12, and service under § 36-10-9.2(a), to determine the member’s retirement eligibility date under § 16-16-12. For any member making this election, the member will receive a single benefit equal to the accrued benefit computed under § 36-10-10.2, plus the accrued benefit computed under § 16-16-13.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2830, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 16-16-8; P.L. 1970, ch. 112, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 435, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 70, § 3; P.L. 1998, ch. 291, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 7, § 4; P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 10; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 10; P.L. 2023, ch. 194, § 1, effective June 23, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 195, § 1, effective June 23, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-8.1. - Purchase of service credits payable by installment.

§ 16-16-8.1. Purchase of service credits payable by installment.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter or of any other public or general law to the contrary, the retirement board shall permit individuals who purchase service credit to do so in installments. The retirement board shall create, by rule and regulation, provisions allowing that individuals purchasing service credit may do so on an installment plan by payroll deduction not to exceed five (5) years, provided that all purchases must be made prior to retirement. The retirement board shall charge interest at the actuarial assumed rate of return adopted by the board for purchases made on an installment plan.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 193, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 269, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-9, 16-16-10. - Repealed.

§ 16-16-9, 16-16-10. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2830, § 6; G.L. 1956, §§ 16-16-9, 16-16-10; P.L. 1961, ch. 121, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. II, § 2, effective January 1, 1993.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-11. - Benefits payable — Survivor’s benefits.

§ 16-16-11. Benefits payable — Survivor’s benefits.
(a)
The benefits payable to teachers under this chapter shall be those benefits provided in chapter 10 of title 36 and as provided in this chapter with and subject, however, to the conditions and modifications set forth in §§ 16-16-12 through 16-16-14, and also the benefits provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b)
If the teacher member of the retirement system dies, either prior to or after his or her effective date of retirement, any amounts credited to him or her in the teachers’ survivors benefit fund, as provided in this chapter, with regular accumulated interest on the amount, shall be applied toward the financing of those benefits for dependents and survivors of the member as defined in this chapter, and in amounts provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-16-11; P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-12.1. - Repealed.

§ 16-16-12.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 180, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 2, effective January 1, 1993.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-13.1. - Teachers with more than 30 years of service — Amount of service retirement allowance — Minimum and maximum limitations.

§ 16-16-13.1. Teachers with more than 30 years of service — Amount of service retirement allowance — Minimum and maximum limitations.
In the case of any teacher who is a member of the employees’ retirement system of the state created by chapter 8 of title 36 who, at the time of retirement, has had at least thirty (30) years or more of total service, the teacher shall receive an annual retirement allowance of not less than thirty-four hundred dollars ($3,400) per year with an additional increment of two hundred dollars ($200) for each additional year of service up through a total of thirty-eight (38) years to a maximum of five thousand dollars ($5,000); provided that this section shall not apply in the case of any teacher who has elected an option for payment of pension and has thereby reduced the amount received to less than the amounts set forth in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 390, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-14. - Retirement for ordinary disability.

§ 16-16-14. Retirement for ordinary disability.
(a)
Application for ordinary disability may be made by a teacher, his or her department head, or a person acting in the teacher’s behalf, while in active service or on leave of absence for illness, provided that the teacher has had five (5) or more years of total service of which at least three (3) consecutive years shall have been as a teacher, and the teacher is not entitled to a regular service retirement allowance. A statement from a physician shall accompany the application stating that the teacher is physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of duty and that he or she should be retired.
(b)
A medical examination of the teacher shall be made by three (3) physicians engaged by the retirement board for this purpose, and should the medical examination show that the teacher is physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of duty and ought to be retired, the physicians shall so report and certify to the retirement board and the retirement board, may retire the teacher for ordinary disability.
(c)
The retirement board shall establish uniform eligibility requirements, standards, and criteria for ordinary disability which shall apply to all members who make application for retirement for ordinary disability.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-15. - Amount of ordinary disability benefit.

§ 16-16-15. Amount of ordinary disability benefit.
Upon retirement for ordinary disability under § 16-16-14, a teacher shall receive a benefit equal to the rate prescribed for service retirement under § 16-16-13 subject to the provisions of § 16-16-20; provided, however, that no teacher retiring with less than ten (10) years of total service shall receive a benefit less than he or she would have received if he or she had ten (10) years of total service.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 4; P.L. 1993, ch. 360, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-16. - Retirement for accidental disability.

§ 16-16-16. Retirement for accidental disability.
(a)
Medical examination of an active teacher for accidental disability, and investigation of all statements and certificates by him or her or in his or her behalf in connection with the accidental disability, shall be made upon the application of the head of the department in which the teacher is employed or upon application of the teacher, or of a person acting in his or her behalf, stating that the teacher is physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of service as a natural and proximate result of an accident, while in the performance of duty, and certify the definite time, place, and conditions of the duty performed by the teacher resulting in the alleged disability, and that the alleged disability is not the result of willful negligence or misconduct on the part of the teacher, and is not the result of age or length of service, and that the teacher should, therefore, be retired.
(b)
The application shall be made within five (5) years of the alleged accident from which the injury has resulted in the teacher’s present disability, and shall be accompanied by an accident report and a physician’s report certifying to the disability; provided, that, if the teacher was able to return to his or her employment and subsequently reinjures or aggravates the same injury, the application shall be made within the later of five (5) years of the alleged accident or three (3) years of the reinjury or aggravation. The application may also state that the teacher is permanently and totally disabled from any employment.
(c)
If a medical examination conducted by three (3) physicians engaged by the retirement board, and any investigation that the retirement board may desire to make, shall show that the teacher is physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of service as a natural and proximate result of an accident, while in the performance of duty, and that the disability is not the result of willful negligence or misconduct on the part of the teacher, and is not the result of age or length of service, and that the teacher has not attained the age of sixty-five (65) years, and that the teacher should be retired, the physicians who conducted the examination shall so certify to the retirement board stating the time, place, and conditions of service performed by the teacher resulting in the disability, and the retirement board may grant the teacher an accidental disability benefit.
(d)
The retirement board shall establish uniform eligibility requirements, standards, and criteria for accidental disability which shall apply to all members who make application for accidental disability benefits.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 4; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 7, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-17. - Amount of accidental disability benefit.

§ 16-16-17. Amount of accidental disability benefit.
(a)
For disability applications submitted on or before September 30, 2009, upon retirement for accidental disability under § 16-16-16 a teacher shall receive a benefit that shall be equal to sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66
2
/
3
%) of his or her annual compensation at the time of his or her retirement, subject to the provisions of § 16-16-20.
(b)
Upon any application for accidental disability submitted after October 1, 2009, if the teacher has been found to be permanently and totally disabled from service but has not been found by the board to be permanently and totally disabled from any employment as a result of his/her accidental disability, a teacher shall receive a retirement allowance equal to fifty percent (50%) of the rate of the teacher’s compensation at the date of the teacher’s retirement subject to the provisions of § 16-16-20. The retiree shall, as a condition of continued receipt of a disability retirement allowance, on or before a date fixed by the retirement board, annually under penalties of perjury provide the board with such affidavits and accurate evidence of earnings, employment and gainful activity as the board may require, including, but not limited to, joint and/or individual tax returns. Payment of the disability retirement allowance shall continue as long as the individual remains disabled, and regardless of service or age. Upon retirement for accidental disability that has been found by the board to be permanently and totally disabling from any employment, a teacher shall receive a retirement allowance equal to sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66
2
/
3
%) of the rate of the teacher’s compensation at the date of the teacher’s retirement subject to the provisions of § 16-16-20. The retirement board shall apply the terms of subsection 28-33-17(b) in determining total disability.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 4; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 7, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-18. - Disability benefits pending final decision on application.

§ 16-16-18. Disability benefits pending final decision on application.
Notwithstanding any of the provisions of chapters 3 and 4 of title 36, and/or any existing regulations of the director of administration or the state retirement board, the state retirement board shall accord to a teacher, so entitled under present existing regulations, the minimum retirement benefits pending a decision upon any disability retirement of the teacher; provided, however, the granting of the minimum retirement shall not estop the teacher, so claiming disability, from any disability retirement consideration by the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-19. - Reexamination of disability beneficiaries — Reduction of benefit — Reinstatement to active service.

§ 16-16-19. Reexamination of disability beneficiaries — Reduction of benefit — Reinstatement to active service.
Once each year the retirement board may, and upon his or her application shall, require any disability beneficiary under the minimum age of service retirement to undergo a medical examination, the examination to be made at the place of residence of the beneficiary, or other place mutually agreed upon, by a physician or physicians engaged by the retirement board. If the examination indicates that the beneficiary is able to engage in a gainful occupation, his or her name shall be placed on appropriate lists of candidates prepared for appointment to positions in his or her department or agency for which he or she is stated to be qualified, of a salary grade not exceeding that from which he or she was last retired. Should the beneficiary be engaged in a gainful occupation or should he or she be offered service as a result of the placing of his or her name on a list of candidates, the retirement board shall adjust, and, from time to time readjust, the amount of his or her disability benefit to an amount which shall not exceed the rate of benefit upon which he or she was originally retired, and which, when added to the amount then earnable by him or her, shall not exceed his or her rate of annual compensation currently for the classification that the disability annuitant held prior to retirement. Should any disability beneficiary under the minimum age of service retirement refuse to submit to one medical examination in any year by a physician or physicians designated by the retirement board, his or her benefit shall be discontinued until his or her withdrawal of the refusal, and should his or her refusal continue for one year, all his or her rights in and to the benefit shall be revoked by the retirement board. A disability beneficiary, reinstated to active service, shall be reinstated as a member and participate in the rights of the retirement system, to the same extent as any other teacher.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-20. - Deduction of amounts received from workers’ compensation or as damages.

§ 16-16-20. Deduction of amounts received from workers’ compensation or as damages.
Any amount paid or payable under the provisions of any workers’ compensation law, exclusive of Medicare set aside allocations, specific compensation benefits or any benefits due pursuant to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement or as the result of any action for damages for personal injuries against the state, on account of the death or disability of a teacher, shall be offset against and payable in lieu of any benefits payable out of funds provided by the state under the provisions of this chapter on account of the death or disability of the teacher. If the value of the total commuted benefits under any workers’ compensation law or action is less than the present value on an actuarial basis of the benefits otherwise payable under this chapter, the value of the commuted payments shall be deducted from the present value of the benefits, and the balance thereof shall be payable under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 306, art. 2, § 4; P.L. 2022, ch. 247, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 248, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-21. - Repealed.

§ 16-16-21. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, §§ 4, 5; P.L. 1952, ch. 3000, § 3; G.L. 1956, §§ 16-16-15 — 16-16-21; Repealed by P.L. 1980, ch. 169, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-22.1. - City or town payment of teacher member contributions.

§ 16-16-22.1. City or town payment of teacher member contributions.
(a)
Each city or town, pursuant to the provisions of § 414(h)(2) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 414(h)(2), may, pursuant to appropriate local action by the city or town, pick up and pay the contributions that would be payable by the employees as teacher members under § 16-16-22. The contributions so picked up shall be treated as employer contributions in determining tax treatment under the United States Internal Revenue Code. Employee contributions picked up pursuant to this section shall be treated and identified as teacher member contributions for all purposes of the retirement system except as specifically provided to the contrary in this section.
(b)
Teacher member contributions picked up by a city or town shall be paid from the same source of funds used for the payment of compensation to a teacher member. A deduction shall be made from a teacher member’s compensation equal to the amount of his or her contributions picked up by his or her city or town employer. This deduction, however, shall not reduce his or her compensation for purposes of computing benefits under the retirement system pursuant to this chapter or chapter 10 of title 36. Picked up contributions shall be transmitted to the retirement system in accordance with the provisions of § 16-16-22 and § 36-10-1 on the date contributions are withheld but no later than three (3) business days following the pay period ending in which contributions were withheld.
(c)
Every employer is required to deduct and withhold member contributions and to transmit same to the retirement system and is hereby made liable for the contribution. In addition, any amount of employee contributions actually deducted and withheld shall be deemed to be a special fund in trust for the benefit of the member and shall be transmitted to the retirement system as set forth herein.
(d)
The liability of an employer who fails to segregate these trust funds, or refuses to deduct and withhold member contributions from its employees, is enforceable by the retirement board through an appropriate action in the superior court. The general treasurer is also authorized to deduct the amount due from any money due the employer from the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 37, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 10; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 10; P.L. 2019, ch. 205, § 4; P.L. 2019, ch. 271, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-23. - Applicability of public employees’ retirement law.

§ 16-16-23. Applicability of public employees’ retirement law.
Except as specifically provided otherwise in this chapter, all provisions of chapters 8 — 10 of title 36 shall extend and apply to the persons made members of the retirement system by the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2101, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 16-16-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-24.1. - Substitute teaching and post-retirement employment related to COVID-19.

§ 16-16-24.1. Substitute teaching and post-retirement employment related to COVID-19.
(a)
Notwithstanding any public or general law, or rule or regulation to the contrary, any teacher, administrator, or staff member who has retired under the provisions of title 16, 36, or 45 may, as part of the public health crisis caused by COVID-19, exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment upon:
(1)
A determination by the local education authority that there exists a specialized need, within their authority, to fill positions on a temporary basis, that may exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment;
(2)
There exists a good-faith basis that those retired teachers, administrators, and staff members being asked to exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment possess the skills, training, and knowledge necessary to help address the public health crisis, caused by COVID-19; and
(3)
The local education authority has notified the state retirement board that it has determined that exceeding the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment is necessary to help address the public health crisis caused by COVID-19.
(b)
Any teacher, administrator, or staff member who has retired under the provisions of title 16, 36, or 45, and has been employed or re-employed under the provisions of this section, shall not be entitled to additional service credits for such employment.
(c)
Unless extended by the general assembly, this section shall sunset upon the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 7, § 1, effective March 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 8, § 1, effective March 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-24.2. - Substitute teaching and post-retirement employment related to statewide staffing. [Expires June 20, 2024.]

§ 16-16-24.2. Substitute teaching and post-retirement employment related to statewide staffing. [Expires June 20, 2024.]
(a)
Notwithstanding any public or general law, or rule or regulation to the contrary, any teacher, administrator, or staff member who has retired under the provisions of title 16, 36, or 45 may exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment upon:
(1)
A determination by the local education authority that there exists a specialized need, within their authority, to fill positions on a temporary basis, that may exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment;
(2)
Retired teachers, administrators, and staff members being asked to exceed the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment possess the skills, training, and knowledge necessary to help address teacher and administrative staffing shortages; and
(3)
The local education authority has notified the state retirement board that it has determined that exceeding the ninety-day (90) cap on post-retirement employment is necessary to help address teacher and administrative staffing shortages.
Provided, however, that no employment may be offered to a retiree subject to this section unless the employer has made a good-faith effort each school year to fill the position with a nonretired employee without success, and certifies, in writing, that it has done so to the employees’ retirement system and to the bargaining agents of all education unions with whom the employer has collective bargaining agreements.
(b)
Any teacher, administrator, or staff member who has retired under the provisions of title 16, 36, or 45, and has been employed or re-employed under the provisions of this section, shall not be entitled to additional service credits for such employment.
(c)
Unless extended by the general assembly, this section shall sunset on June 20, 2024.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 1, § 1, effective March 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 2, § 1, effective March 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-25. - Eligibility for survivor’s benefits — Payment.

§ 16-16-25. Eligibility for survivor’s benefits — Payment.
A member’s dependents or survivors shall be eligible to receive the benefits provided in §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 if the member shall have made regular contributions to the teachers’ survivors benefit fund as provided in § 16-16-34 for a period of at least six (6) consecutive calendar months prior to his or her death or retirement, as the case may be. These benefits shall be payable the first of the month following that month in which eligibility for the benefits occurs and shall be paid at the same time as the regular retirement allowance payments are made. No payment shall be due for the month in which ineligibility occurs. No widow’s or mother’s or domestic partner’s benefit payable under §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 shall be reduced because of benefits payable to other dependents of the deceased member under the provisions of §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1963, ch. 59, § 1; P.L. 1964, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-16 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-16-26. - Spouse’s, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner’s benefits.

§ 16-16-26. Spouse’s, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner’s benefits.
(a)
Spouse’s, former spouse divorced, and domestic partner’s benefits are payable following the decease of a member as provided in §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38.
(b)
The spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner shall be entitled to benefits upon attaining the age of sixty (60) years.
(c)
The spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner was living with the deceased member at the time of the member’s death. A spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner is deemed to have been living with the deceased member if they were both members of the same household on the date of the deceased member’s death, or the spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner was receiving contributions from the deceased member toward support on that date, or the deceased member had been ordered by a court to contribute to the spouse’s, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner’s support.
(d)
Remarriage of the spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner or establishment of a domestic partnership shall render the person ineligible to receive current or future benefits under this section.
(e)
The spouse or domestic partner of a member, as defined in this section, shall be entitled to monthly benefits payable in accordance with the following table:
Spouse's or Domestic
Highest Annual
Partner's Monthly
Salary
Minimum Benefit
$17,000 or less
$825
$17,001 to $25,000
$963
$25,001 to $33,000
$1,100
$33,001 to $40,000
$1,238
$40,001 and over
$1,375
(f)
The former spouse divorced shall be entitled to monthly benefits, payable in accordance with the table provided in subsection (e) of this section, only if there are no dependent children, parents, or other spouse or domestic partner entitled to benefits.
(g)
A yearly cost-of-living adjustment for spouse’s, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner’s benefits shall be based on the annual social security adjustment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 590, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 547, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 6; P.L. 2017, ch. 412, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 413, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 329, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 330, § 1, effective June 24, 2023.