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HD 5254

An Act relative to a transfer of retirement benefits for Valeria D'Orazio an associate professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger and 1 co-sponsor

The bill transfers Valeria D'Orazio's retirement credit from ORS to SERS as a one-time, emergency action coordinated by the state retirement board.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 5254

Summary: HD 5254 — An Act relative to a transfer of retirement benefits for Valeria D'Orazio, associate professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks a one-time transfer of retirement creditable service for Valeria D'Orazio, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, from the Optional Retirement System (ORS) to the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS).
  • It is labeled an emergency measure, intended to take effect immediately to preserve public convenience.

Key provisions

  • Notwithstanding any general or special law, the state board of retirement shall provide a one-time transfer of creditable service for Valeria D'Orazio from the ORS (established under subsection (3) of section 40 of chapter 15A) to the SERS.
  • The transfer is limited to a single occurrence and applies specifically to Valeria D'Orazio, as described in the petition.

Affected parties and scope

  • Primary beneficiary: Valeria D'Orazio, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
  • Government/retirement system administrators: the state board of retirement, which would execute the transfer.
  • Broader implications for the affected retirement accounts involve the movement of service credits from ORS to SERS, potentially altering future retirement calculations for the recipient.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and filing: Filed October 19, 2025.
  • Petition and sponsorship: Sponsored by Rep. Michelle L. Badger (with Rep. Dylan A. Fernandes as co-sponsor).
  • Status: Referred to the committee on House Rules on October 23, 2025.
  • Legislative process: As a “transfer of creditable service” measure, it relies on affirmative action by the state board of retirement and House Rules committee consideration; it is described as an emergency law, meaning it is proposed to take effect without the usual delay provisions.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Pension impact: A transfer of creditable service could change eligibility timing, formula-based benefits, and final benefit calculations for Valeria D’Orazio, depending on how service credits are recognized and valued in SERS versus ORS.
  • Policy clarity: The bill does not specify transfer mechanics, valuation methods, or any actuarial implications; these details would likely be resolved by the state board of retirement during implementation.
  • Fiscal and legal implications: By overriding other laws with “Notwithstanding” language, the bill would set a direct, immediate path for the transfer, subject to later evaluation by the board and Legislature.

Sponsors: Rep. Michelle L. Badger (primary) and Rep. Dylan A. Fernandes (cosponsor).

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

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