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Bill

SD 414

An Act relative to Peace Corps creditable service

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Peter Durant and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill allows Peace Corps volunteer service to count toward public employee pension eligibility and benefit calculations upon state hiring.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 414

Legislative bill overview

SD 414 would allow Peace Corps service to count as creditable service for Massachusetts public employees' retirement benefits. The bill enables former Peace Corps volunteers to have their volunteer service years counted toward their pension eligibility and calculations when they subsequently enter state employment.

Why is this important

Peace Corps volunteers often serve 2-3 years abroad, and without this provision, that time does not count toward public sector retirement vesting requirements or benefit calculations. This policy change could make state public service careers more attractive to returned volunteers and recognizes their prior federal service to the country.

Potential points of contention

  • Pension cost implications: Adding creditable service increases future pension liabilities for the state; the fiscal impact on Massachusetts retirement systems is not immediately clear
  • Equity concerns: Other federal service (military, AmeriCorps) may or may not receive similar treatment, raising questions about fairness across different service types
  • Eligibility scope: The bill's specificity regarding which Peace Corps service qualifies and how it integrates with existing creditable service rules needs clarification

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

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