WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2779

An Act relative to Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tackey Chan

H 2779 - An Act relative to Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws OverviewBill Number: H 2779 Title: An Act relative to Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General LawsStatus:

Hearing rescheduled to 07/09/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2779

H 2779 - An Act relative to Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws

Overview

Bill Number: H 2779
Title: An Act relative to Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws
Status: Hearing rescheduled to 07/09/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill seeks to amend Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws, which governs the state's public employee retirement systems. The primary goal is to update and modernize the existing retirement laws to better serve public sector workers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the state's pension funds.

Key Provisions

  • Increases the minimum retirement age from 60 to 62 for most public employees, with exceptions for certain high-risk professions
  • Adjusts the formula for calculating pension benefits to be based on the employee's highest 5 years of salary, rather than the current 3 years
  • Introduces a new hybrid retirement plan option that combines a traditional defined benefit pension with a 401(k)-style defined contribution component
  • Requires all new public employees to enroll in the hybrid plan, while allowing current employees a one-time option to switch
  • Establishes an independent oversight board to monitor the performance and solvency of the state's pension systems
  • Mandates periodic actuarial reviews and adjustments to contribution rates to maintain funding levels

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would impact all current and future public employees in Massachusetts, including state, municipal, and county workers. The changes to retirement age, benefit calculations, and plan options would affect the retirement planning and financial security of these workers.

Additionally, the state and local governments that administer the pension systems would need to adapt their policies and procedures to comply with the new requirements. Taxpayers may also be impacted through potential changes to government budgets and contribution levels required to fund the pension systems.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill is currently scheduled for a public hearing on July 9, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the A-2 committee room. After the hearing, the committee will likely deliberate and potentially make amendments before deciding whether to advance the bill to the full state legislature for consideration.

If passed by the legislature, the bill would then go to the governor for signature or veto. Assuming it is signed into law, the provisions would likely be phased in over a multi-year period to allow for a smooth transition.

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

Sign in to ask a question.