Rhode Island § 45-21-42 - Retirement of Municipal Employees

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 45-21-42 — Retirement of Municipal Employees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 45-21-42. Retirement of Municipal Employees

R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-42

§ 45-21-42. Contributions by municipalities.

(a) Each municipality shall make contributions to the system to provide for the remainder of the obligation for retirement allowances, annuities, and other benefits provided in this chapter, after applying the accumulated contributions of the members, interest income on investments of the system, and other income accruing to the system. These contributions shall, in any event, be sufficient to establish and maintain a reserve equal to the sum of:

(1) The full credits for accumulated contributions in the “members’ contribution reserve” described in § 45-21-43;

(2) The present value, determined in accordance with the actuarial tables in use by the system, of the retirement allowances, disability allowances, accidental death benefits, and other benefits in force, chargeable to the “retirement reserve” described in § 45-21-43; and

(3) The present value of deferred annuities to members who have acquired a vested right under the provisions of § 45-21-18.

(b) The rate of contribution on the part of each municipality, to meet its obligations under this chapter, is the rate certified by the retirement board at the date of participation of the municipality. The rate is redetermined at least once every five (5) years and certified by the retirement board, upon recommendation of the actuary, following an evaluation and analysis of the operating experience of the system and of the assets, liabilities, and reserves of the system. Nothing contained in this chapter is deemed to impose any obligation upon any municipality for service which may have been rendered by an employee of one municipality in behalf of another municipality.

(c) In case of failure of any city or town to pay to the state the amounts due from it under this title within the time prescribed, the general treasurer is hereby authorized to deduct that amount from any moneys due the city or town from the state for any purpose other than for education.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, the payment of the contributions for the employers’ share shall be remitted to the retirement board on the date contributions are withheld but no later than three (3) business days following the pay period ending in which contributions were withheld.

(e) This section is not subject to §§ 45-13-7 — 45-13-10, as amended.

History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2784, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 45-21-42; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 135, § 4; P.L. 1959, ch. 23, § 7; P.L. 1965, ch. 236, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 337, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 509, § 3; P.L. 2019, ch. 205, § 9; P.L. 2019, ch. 271, § 9.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 45-21-42

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 45-21-42 cover?

Section 45-21-42 ("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 § 45-21-42?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 45-21-42" (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 § 45-21-42 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.