Rhode Island § 45-21-41 - Retirement of Municipal Employees

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 45-21-41 — Retirement of Municipal Employees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 45-21-41. Retirement of Municipal Employees

R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-41

§ 45-21-41. Members’ contributions — Payroll deductions — Certification to board.

(a) Prior to July 1, 2012, each member shall contribute an amount equal to six percent (6%) of salary or compensation earned and accruing to the member; provided, that contributions by any member cease when the member has completed the maximum amount of service credit attainable. Special compensation for additional fees shall not be considered as compensation for contribution purposes. Effective July 1, 2012, each member shall contribute an amount equal to one percent (1%) of his or her compensation as his or her share of the cost. Effective July 1, 2015, each member with twenty (20) or more years of total service as of June 30, 2012, shall contribute an amount equal to eight and one-quarter percent (8.25%) of compensation.

(b) Each municipality shall deduct the previously stated rate from the compensation of each member on each and every payroll of the municipality, and the deduction made during the entire time a member is in service subject to termination as stated in the foregoing paragraph.

(c) The deductions provided for in this section shall be made notwithstanding that the minimum compensation provided for by law for any member is reduced by the compensation. Every member is deemed to consent and agree to the deductions made and provided for in this section, and shall receipt for his or her full salary or compensation; and payment of salary or compensation less those deductions are a full and complete discharge and acquittance of all claims and demands for the services rendered by the person during the period covered by the payment except as to the benefits provided under this chapter. Each participating municipality shall certify to the retirement board the amounts deducted from the compensation of members. Each of the amounts, when deducted, shall be credited to an individual account of the member from whose compensation the deduction was made.

History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2784, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 45-21-41; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 135, § 4; P.L. 1959, ch. 23, § 7; P.L. 1963, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1965, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 408, § 11; P.L. 2011, ch. 409, § 11; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 21, § 18.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 45-21-41

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 45-21-41 cover?

Section 45-21-41 ("Retirement of Municipal Employees") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 45-21-41?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 45-21-41" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 45-21-41 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.