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HD 4100

An Act expanding the definition of dependent for the purposes of municipal employee benefits as to the city of Cambridge

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker

Expands Cambridge municipal benefit eligibility by broadening the definition of dependent to include more individuals linked to city employees.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 4100

Summary: HD 4100 — An Act expanding the definition of dependent for the purposes of municipal employee benefits as to the city of Cambridge

Overview

HD 4100 is a proposed bill introduced on November 29, 2025. Its central aim, as indicated by the title, is to expand the definition of “dependent” for purposes of municipal employee benefits in the city of Cambridge. The current status of the bill is not provided in the information available.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to broaden who is eligible to receive municipal employee benefits by widening the statutory definition of “dependent” used for Cambridge’s employee benefits programs.
  • The intent is to ensure a broader set of individuals connected to city employees can access benefits, subject to any criteria established by the city’s benefits framework.

Key Provisions (high-level)

  • Amend Definition: The act would modify the definition of “dependent” within the Cambridge municipal employee benefits framework (e.g., health, dental, life, or other city-provided benefits) to include additional categories or criteria of individuals connected to city employees.
  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill would establish or reference criteria for determining who qualifies as a dependent under the adjusted definition. The exact categories and criteria are not specified in the summary provided.
  • Administrative and Compliance: Implementation would require adjustments to the city’s benefits administration, record-keeping, and eligibility verification processes to reflect the expanded definition.
  • Effective Date: The summary does not specify an effective date; such provisions are typically included in the full text or accompanying fiscal notes.

Scope and Affected Parties

  • Primary: Cambridge municipal employees and the Cambridge city benefits office responsible for administering employee benefits.
  • Secondary: Individuals who would become eligible as dependents under the expanded definition (e.g., additional family members or other legally recognized dependents as defined by the bill).

Fiscal and Administrative Implications

  • Potential Cost Impact: Expanding eligibility could affect program costs (premiums, subsidies, administrative expenses). Without the full text or fiscal notes, specific cost estimates are not available.
  • Administrative Changes: Cities would need to update eligibility rules, enrollment systems, documentation requirements, and communication materials.

Procedural Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: November 29, 2025.
  • Status: Not specified in the provided information.
  • Next steps (typical): If advanced, the bill would move to a relevant committee for hearings, discussion, and potential amendments; may require fiscal impact analysis and eventual votes in the legislative body.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access to Benefits: Expanded eligibility could improve coverage for more individuals connected to Cambridge city employees.
  • Policy Alignment: The bill may interact with existing state or municipal benefit policies and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementation would benefit from clear definitions, objective eligibility criteria, and phased or transitional provisions if required.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Obtain the full text of HD 4100 to review the exact definitions, categories of dependents, and eligibility criteria.
  • Review any fiscal impact statements or analyses and any committee hearings or amendments.
  • Track status updates to understand if and when the bill progresses toward enactment or amendment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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