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H 2797

An Act relative to creditable service for MBTA police officers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Cusack and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 2797 allows MBTA police officers to count their service years towards retirement benefits when joining other law enforcement agencies, enhancing their retirement options.

Hearing scheduled for 09/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
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Bill Summary · H 2797

Summary of Bill H 2797: An Act Relative to Creditable Service for MBTA Police Officers

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 2797 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the retirement benefits of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) police officers. The primary intent is to allow these officers, who transition to other law enforcement agencies, to count their years of service with the MBTA towards their retirement benefits in the local or state retirement system.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following significant changes to the Massachusetts General Laws:

  • Eligibility for Creditable Service:

    • It allows publicly employed law enforcement officers with prior service in the MBTA police department to count those years as creditable service when they join a local or state retirement system.

  • Payment Requirements:

    • Officers seeking to count their MBTA service must pay into the annuity savings fund of the retirement system. This payment can be made in one lump sum or in installments, as determined by the retirement board or authority.
    • The amount to be paid will equal the accumulated regular deductions that would have been payable had the officer been an active member of the new law enforcement agency at the time of their previous employment with the MBTA.

  • Interest Accrual:

    • The payment must also include regular interest accrued up to the officer's first day of employment with the new public law enforcement agency.

Affected Parties

  • MBTA Police Officers: Current and former MBTA police officers who transition to other law enforcement roles will benefit from this bill, as it enhances their retirement options.
  • Local and State Retirement Systems: These systems will need to accommodate the new provisions for creditable service and manage the payment processes for eligible officers.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, by Representative Mark J. Cusack.
  • Committee Referral: It has been referred to the Committee on Public Service.
  • Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing is set for September 15, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room A-1, where stakeholders can provide input on the bill.

Related Legislation

  • House Docket No. 3155: This bill replaces House Docket No. 3155, which may contain related provisions or context for understanding the current legislative effort.

This summary provides a clear overview of Bill H 2797, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline, making it accessible for both experts and general readers interested in the implications of this legislation.

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

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