WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2137

An Act providing for payment by the Commonwealth of wages for members of the United States Coast Guard during the shut-down, so-called, of the United States Government

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney

Massachusetts would pay the salaries of MA-resident Coast Guard members during a federal shutdown, then seek reimbursement from the federal government after the shutdown ends.

Accompanied a study order, see H5370 (under House Rule 27)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2137

Summary of House Bill H.2137 (An Act providing for payment by the Commonwealth of wages for members of the United States Coast Guard during the shut-down, so-called, of the United States Government)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill would require the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pay the salaries of Massachusetts-resident members of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) during a federal government shutdown.
  • It seeks to ensure Coast Guard personnel who live in Massachusetts receive wages from the state when federal funding is temporarily unavailable due to a national shutdown.

Key provisions

  • Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the salaries of MA-resident USCG members shall be paid by the Commonwealth during a federal government shutdown.
  • Funding: Payments would be made from an account determined by the Governor and the Legislature’s Ways and Means committees.
  • Reimbursement: After the shutdown ends, the Commonwealth must seek reimbursement from the federal government for the full cost of all such payments.
  • Governing mechanics: The bill uses the phrase “so-called federal government shut-down,” reflecting the circumstances under which payments would occur.

Who is affected

  • Primary: USCG members who are residents of Massachusetts (i.e., Coast Guard personnel living in Massachusetts who would receive state-funded wages during a shutdown).
  • Secondary: Commonwealth agencies involved in payroll and budgeting, particularly the Governor’s office and the Appropriations/Ways and Means committees, which would determine funding sources and appropriations.
  • Legislative bodies: House and Senate actions would determine appropriations and reimbursement arrangements.

Financial and administrative implications

  • Short-term cost to the Commonwealth during a federal shutdown for payroll of MA-resident USCG personnel.
  • Source of funds would be a Governor-recommended account, with determinations by Ways and Means.
  • Long-term expectation of federal reimbursement after shutdown ends; the bill requires the state to actively seek reimbursement for the wage costs incurred.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (February 27, 2025).
  • Legislative actions noted:
    • Senate concurred (February 27, 2025).
    • Hearing scheduled: May 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in hearing room B-1.
    • Related docket: House Docket No. 223.
  • Related matter: Similar concept previously filed in the 2023-2024 session as House No. 1908; this bill appears to be a continuity or replacement in the current session.

Related bills and context

  • Related bill: HD 223 (replaces). Indicates ongoing interest in addressing payment for MA Coast Guard personnel during federal shutdowns and potential evolution of the proposed mechanism.

Potential considerations

  • Budgetary impact: Requires appropriation authority during a shutdown, with a plan for funding and eventual federal reimbursement.
  • Federal-state interaction: Dependence on federal reimbursement could influence cash flow and budgeting during and after shutdown events.
  • Equity and scope: The bill focuses specifically on MA-resident USCG members; consideration could be given to whether other state-resident federal employees should be covered under similar provisions.

This summary captures the bill’s purpose, main provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline for H.2137 as related to the scheduled hearing and current status.

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

Sign in to ask a question.