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HD 5978

An Act relative to disability retirement income

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bridget Plouffe

The bill aims to improve disability retirement benefits for public employees by refining eligibility, calculation, and administration to enhance financial security.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 5978

Overview

HD 5978, titled An Act relative to disability retirement income, is a bill from the 194th Massachusetts Legislature. The bill has been referred to the House Rules Committee (as of March 30, 2026) and has a co-sponsor: Representative Bridget Plouffe. The available information indicates the measure addresses disability retirement income, though specific provisions are not included in the provided materials. The summary below outlines the likely scope, potential impact, and procedural context based on typical disability retirement income legislation in Massachusetts.

Purpose and intent

  • To modify, expand, or clarify aspects of disability retirement income for eligible public employees or certain state or municipal retirement systems.
  • The bill aims to ensure disability retirement benefits are calculated, funded, or administered more effectively, with the goal of improving financial security for individuals who are disabled and have earned retirement benefits.

Key provisions (illustrative guidance)

Note: The exact text of HD 5978 is not provided here. The following points reflect common areas addressed in disability retirement income legislation and the types of changes such bills typically pursue. If you have access to the bill’s text, please provide it for a precise summary.

  • Eligibility criteria: Possible adjustments to who qualifies for disability retirement, including medical criteria, duration of disability, or service requirements.
  • Benefit calculation: Potential changes to how disability retirement benefits are computed (e.g., computation of pension, cost-of-living adjustments, filers’ contribution requirements, or multipliers).
  • Coordination with other benefits: Provisions regarding coordination with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), workers’ compensation, or other public retirement sources.
  • Administration and oversight: Changes to the administration of benefits, reporting requirements, medical certifications, or the process for appeals and reviews.
  • Funding and actuarial implications: Provisions addressing the funding status of disability retirement benefits, contribution rates, or long-term actuarial sustainability.
  • Protections and appeals: Safeguards for beneficiaries, timelines for determinations, and avenues for reconsideration or appeal.

Affected parties

  • Public employees who are or may become eligible for disability retirement benefits under Massachusetts public employee retirement systems.
  • Retiree associations and unions representing affected workers.
  • Retirement boards, administrators, and state or municipal pension systems responsible for calculating and disbursing disability retirement benefits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the House Rules Committee on March 30, 2026.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would typically move through committee hearings, potential amendments, floor debate, and votes in the House, with potential reconciliation or negotiation if there is a companion bill in the Senate.
  • Effective date: Any enacted provisions would specify an effective date, often either upon passage or a future date; absent the text, the effective date cannot be determined.

Potential impact

  • Improved clarity and fairness in disability retirement benefit eligibility and calculation.
  • Possible financial implications for pension funds and governmental budgets, depending on changes to benefits or funding requirements.
  • Enhanced consistency across retirement systems if the bill harmonizes standards or procedures.

For a precise understanding of HD 5978, please provide the bill's text or a detailed summary from the Massachusetts Legislature. This will enable a point-by-point description of provisions, exact eligibility changes, numerical benefits, and specific timelines.

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

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