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H 3864

An Act relative to public employee benefits for military service members on active duty

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Lipper-Garabedian

Bill protects public employee pension and health benefits during active military duty service, ensuring benefit continuity for state and municipal workers serving in the armed forces.

Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 3864

Legislative bill overview

H.3864 modifies public employee benefit provisions for Massachusetts state and municipal employees who take leave to serve on active military duty. The bill adjusts how these employees' benefits—particularly pension contributions, health insurance, and seniority—are treated during their absence from civilian employment. This ensures service members maintain continuity in their public sector benefits while fulfilling military obligations.

Why is this important

Public employees serving on active duty currently face potential gaps or penalties in their civilian benefit accrual, creating financial disincentives for military service. Clarifying and protecting these benefits supports recruitment and retention of public sector workers willing to serve militarily, while also honoring service obligations. This directly affects hundreds of Massachusetts public employees in the National Guard, Reserves, and active-duty military.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Extending benefit accrual during unpaid military leave increases long-term pension liabilities for municipalities and the state, potentially straining already-tight public budgets
  • Equity concerns: Other employees on unpaid leave (family care, medical) may not receive equivalent benefit protections, raising fairness questions about differential treatment
  • Implementation complexity: Municipalities have varying administrative capacity to track and credit military service time, potentially creating inconsistent application across the state

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

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