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H 2956

An Act relative to the veteran allowance for public retirees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rodney Elliott and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 2956 boosts retirement benefits for Massachusetts veterans, providing an extra $50 per service year, up to $1,000, enhancing their financial security in retirement.

Accompanied H2834
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2956

Summary of Bill H 2956: An Act Relative to the Veteran Allowance for Public Retirees

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 2956 aims to enhance the retirement benefits for veterans who are members of certain public retirement systems in Massachusetts. The bill seeks to provide an additional yearly allowance to eligible veterans based on their years of creditable service, thereby recognizing their service and supporting their financial well-being in retirement.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several amendments to Chapter 32 of the General Laws, specifically targeting the veteran allowance for public retirees. The main provisions include:

  1. Increased Allowance for Veterans:

    • New Paragraph (b 1/2): Veterans in Groups 1, 2, or 4 will receive an additional yearly allowance of $50 for each year of creditable service, up to a maximum of $1,000.
    • This allowance is contingent upon acceptance by the retirement system, which requires a majority vote from the system's board and approval from the relevant legislative body (e.g., city council, town meeting).

  2. Amendments to Existing Allowances:

    • The bill modifies existing provisions to include the new allowances, replacing previous dollar amounts with updated figures:
      • For certain paragraphs, the previous amounts of $15 and $300 will be increased to $50 and $1,000, respectively, upon acceptance of the new provisions.

  3. Procedural Requirements:

    • Acceptance of the new provisions must be certified and filed with the commission, ensuring that the changes are formally recognized and implemented.

  4. Prospective Application:

    • The provisions of this act will be prospective from the date of acceptance and will not provide retroactive benefits to members who qualify under the new allowances.

Who Would Be Affected

The bill primarily affects:
- Veterans who are members of public retirement systems in Massachusetts, specifically those classified in Groups 1, 2, or 4.
- Retirement systems that will need to vote on the acceptance of these new provisions, which include city councils, town meetings, and other governing bodies.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Hearing Scheduled: June 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Current Status: Accompanied by Bill H2834 as of October 6, 2025. The Senate has concurred with the bill.
  • Related Bills: This bill replaces House Docket No. 203.

Conclusion

Bill H 2956 represents a significant step towards enhancing the financial support for veterans in public service retirement systems. By increasing the allowances based on service years, the bill acknowledges the contributions of veterans and aims to improve their quality of life in retirement.

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

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