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Bill

SD 279

An Act relative to creditable service for elected officials

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady

Massachusetts bill expands pension creditable service for elected officials, increasing retirement benefits and potentially raising municipal pension costs.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 279

Legislative bill overview

Bill SD 279 would modify how creditable service is calculated for elected officials in Massachusetts' public employee pension system. The bill allows elected officials to count their time serving in elected office toward their pension benefits, potentially on more favorable terms than current law.

Why is this important

Elected officials' pension eligibility and benefit calculations directly affect the long-term costs to municipalities and the state. This change could increase pension liabilities for local governments and impact the sustainability of public employee retirement systems, while potentially making elected office more financially attractive as a career path.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to municipalities: Expanding creditable service increases pension obligations, which may pressure local budgets or require higher contributions from taxpayers
  • Equity concerns: The change may create disparities between elected officials and other public employees with similar service records, or between officials elected in different eras
  • Actuarial impact: The bill's fiscal impact depends on how broadly "creditable service" is defined and which elected positions qualify, details that may not be fully specified in the bill text

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

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