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H 5517

An Act relative to the retirement benefits of the surviving spouse of the Honorable Francis Flannery

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Duffy

Secures immediate eligibility for Julia Flannery to receive the Honorable Francis Flannery’s state retirement benefit under Chapter 32, despite conflicting laws.

Hearing scheduled for 07/14/2026 from 11:00 AM-04:00 PM in A-1
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Bill Summary · H 5517

Overview

  • Bill: H 5517
  • Session: 194th (Massachusetts)
  • Title: An Act relative to the retirement benefits of the surviving spouse of the Honorable Francis Flannery
  • Purpose: To ensure that the surviving spouse of the Honorable Francis Flannery is eligible to receive a state retirement benefit as if Flannery qualified for a pension under the state retirement system, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary.
  • Sponsor: Rep. Patricia A. Duffy (with a co-sponsor)
  • Status: Emergency measure; Senate concurrence achieved on 2026-06-18; previously reported and referred through House and Joint Rules processes

Objective and Intent

  • The bill is designed to secure retirement benefits for Julia Flannery, the surviving spouse of the Honorable Francis Flannery.
  • It acts to ensure that Julia Flannery is eligible to receive a pension benefit consistent with the framework of the state retirement system, specifically under Chapter 32.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Declares the purpose and provides the overarching authorization for the measure.
  • Section 2: Directs the state retirement board to deem the Honorable Francis Flannery qualified for a pension under Section 65D of Chapter 32 of the General Laws, notwithstanding any other general or special law to the contrary.
  • Section 3: Provides that Julia Flannery, as the surviving spouse, shall be eligible to receive the retirement benefit described by Section 65C of Chapter 32.
  • The act is framed as an emergency law to ensure immediate preservation of the public convenience.

Affected Parties

  • Primary beneficiary: Julia Flannery (surviving spouse of the Honorable Francis Flannery)
  • Beneficiary eligibility triggers: The state retirement board’s determination of Flannery’s qualification for a pension, and the surviving spouse’s eligibility for the corresponding benefit.
  • State agency involved: Massachusetts State Retirement Board (instructed to apply Section 65D qualification and Section 65C benefit provisions)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective status: Declared an emergency measure, intended to take effect immediately to preserve benefits.
  • Legislative path:
    • House action: Filed and reported; referred to House Rules, then to Public Service.
    • Senate action: Reported, referred to Joint Rules, rules suspended, and referred to Public Service; Senate concurrence achieved on 2026-06-18.
  • Filing date: June 9, 2026
  • Docket status: House Docket No. 6217; House No. 5517

Practical Impact

  • Provides a clear legal avenue to grant the surviving spouse of a former legislator (Francis Flannery) access to retirement benefits.
  • Removes any potential conflicts with other laws that might otherwise bar eligibility for the surviving spouse.
  • Accelerates and guarantees the benefit by designating emergency status, ensuring no delay in the provision of benefits.

Notes

  • Details such as exact benefit amounts or calculation methods (beyond referencing Sections 65C and 65D of Chapter 32) are not included in the text provided. The bill relies on existing pension statutes to define the benefit parameters.

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

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