Providence, R.I. WPRI – Rhode Island State Police personnel secured another victory in their long-running legal challenge against the state’s controversial 2011 pension reform.
On August 28, R.I. Superior Court Judge Luis Matos ruled that the Rhode Island Troopers Association could proceed with its lawsuit, filed in 2014, seeking to restore pension benefits to pre-reform levels. The state had sought to end the litigation with a motion for summary judgment, which Matos denied.
The Troopers Association argues the 2011 law, championed by then-General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, violated their collective bargaining agreement by reducing future retirement benefits. Raimondo’s reforms aimed to address a multibillion-dollar pension fund deficit.
A key issue in the case is whether overtime pay should factor into the calculation of a retiring trooper’s final salary, which determines pension payouts.
Judge Matos emphasized the need for further litigation to resolve factual disputes before reaching a decision on the case’s merits.
The state’s defense, led by Attorney General Peter Neronha’s office, acknowledged the prolonged nature of the lawsuit. Spokesperson Tim Rondeau stated, “Litigation takes time, and we remain ready to move forward.”
The State Police Retirement Benefits Trust has shown improvement, with funding levels rising from 70% before the 2011 overhaul to 86% as of last year. Despite this progress, the trust still faces a $34 million shortfall.
The broader state pension system remains significantly underfunded, with a shortfall of $4.5 billion. However, steady progress has reduced the gap by $854 million since 2018, with full funding projected by 2035.
As the legal battle enters its second decade, the outcome could have significant implications for both troopers and the state’s overall pension reform strategy.