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SD 2219

An Act relative to the active service buy-back program for firefighters and police officers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis

Massachusetts bill establishes buy-back program allowing active firefighters and police officers to purchase additional service credits toward pensions while employed.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2219

Legislative bill overview

SD 2219 establishes or modifies an active service buy-back program that allows firefighters and police officers to purchase additional service credit toward their pensions while still actively employed. This mechanism enables public safety personnel to increase their retirement benefits by paying into the system for years they may not have been credited for previously.

Why is this important

Police officers and firefighters often have complex career paths with gaps in service, military deployments, or transitions between departments. Allowing them to "buy back" service time directly affects their final pension calculations—which are typically based on years of service and final average salary. This can significantly impact their retirement security and financial planning.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Allowing service buy-backs increases long-term pension liabilities for municipalities and the state, raising questions about who bears the cost and whether it's sustainable given existing pension obligations
  • Equity concerns: The program may only benefit officers who have sufficient income to afford buy-back payments, potentially creating disparities within the workforce
  • Lack of specific parameters: Without seeing the full bill text, key details remain unclear—such as which years can be purchased, pricing mechanisms, payment schedules, and eligibility requirements that could substantially affect its scope and cost

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

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