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HD 4372

An Act regarding post-disability retirement earnings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marc Lombardo and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill modifies earnings rules for public employees receiving disability retirement, affecting whether they can work and earn income simultaneously without benefit reductions.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 4372

Legislative bill overview

HD 4372 modifies Massachusetts law regarding how post-disability retirement earnings are treated for public employees who receive disability retirement benefits. The bill adjusts rules governing income limitations or benefit calculations for individuals who return to work after receiving disability retirement status. The specific mechanisms of the change require examination of the bill's full text, as the title alone doesn't specify whether it eases, restricts, or restructures these earning rules.

Why is this important

Disability retirement is a critical safety net for public employees (teachers, police, firefighters) unable to work due to job-related or service-connected injuries. How post-disability earnings are handled directly affects whether recipients can supplement their benefits through part-time or new work without penalty—impacting financial security for injured workers. This also affects long-term costs to municipal and state pension systems depending on whether the change expands or limits benefit payments.

Potential points of contention

  • Pension system costs: Changes that allow higher concurrent earnings without reducing disability benefits could increase unfunded liabilities for municipalities already facing pension obligations
  • Fairness concerns: Disability recipients may argue earning restrictions unfairly limit their ability to return to workforce; fiscal hawks may counter that unrestricted post-disability earnings defeat the benefit's purpose
  • Equity across public sectors: Different treatment between state employees, teachers, and local police/fire could create inconsistency or disputes about comparable benefits

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

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