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S 1814

Replaces the words addict and addicts with the words persons with substance use disorder or a variation thereof

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nathalia Fernández and 2 co-sponsors

MA retirement boards must pay 90% of the estimated full monthly retirement when full payment can’t be calculated on time, and annually report the delay causes to the Legislature.

SUBSTITUTED BY A2398
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Bill Summary · S 1814

Summary — S.1814 (Massachusetts) — "An Act related to timely retirement payment"

Note: the bill metadata supplied contains conflicting information (a title about replacing the word “addict” and a list of federal senators as cosponsors). The official bill text and docket identify S.1814 as a Massachusetts Senate bill, presented by Sen. John J. Cronin, amending Chapter 32 (public employee retirement). This summary follows the bill text on timely retirement payments.

Purpose

To require Massachusetts public retirement boards to make an interim partial monthly retirement payment (90% of the estimated full payment) if circumstances beyond the retirement board’s control prevent calculation of the retiree’s full monthly allowance by the first scheduled payment date — and to require annual reporting to the Legislature of such circumstances.

Key provisions

  • Amends Paragraph (B) of subdivision (1) of Section 13 of Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
  • Adds language (paraphrase of the bill text):
    • If circumstances beyond the retirement board’s control prevent calculation of the full monthly retirement payment by the first scheduled full payment date, the retirement board shall pay 90% of its estimated full monthly payment until the problem is corrected.
    • The retirement board must annually notify both the House and the Senate of all such circumstances that prevented calculating the full payment by the first payment date.
  • Does not define in statute what specific events qualify as “circumstances beyond the retirement board’s control”; this will be subject to board interpretation or future regulation/clarification.

Who is affected

  • Primary: retirees and beneficiaries receiving monthly retirement allowances under Chapter 32 (municipal/state public employees covered by Massachusetts public retirement systems). They would receive an interim payment (90%) instead of waiting for full payment when calculation is delayed by qualifying circumstances.
  • Retirement boards and their administrative staff: required to calculate and issue 90% estimated payments and prepare the mandated annual report to the Legislature.
  • Massachusetts Legislature: receives annual notifications describing incidents that caused delayed full-payment calculations.

Potential impacts

  • Beneficiaries: reduced immediate financial hardship from missed or delayed first full payments, since they would receive a substantial interim payment (90%).
  • Retirement systems: modest operational burden to implement interim-payment procedures, track under/overpayments, and reconcile/pay any remaining amounts once full calculations are possible. The bill implies later reconciliation to cover the full entitlement but does not spell out the timing or mechanics of make-up payments or interest.
  • Fiscal: likely minor administrative costs to retirement systems; no explicit new appropriation or funding mechanism is included.

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

  • Filed in Senate (SENATE DOCKET NO. 977) — filed 01/15/2025; presented by John J. Cronin.
  • Introduced in Senate / Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary — 05/20/2025.
  • Referred to Public Service (earlier entry) and Judiciary on 01/14/2025 (records show multiple referrals/amendments/prints).
  • Hearing scheduled: 06/25/2025 (A-1).
  • Reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means — 11/13/2025.
  • Advanced to third reading and other calendar actions in May 2025.
  • Status: SUBSTITUTED BY A2398 (noted 05/19/2025) — the bill appears to have been replaced by companion House bill A2398; substitution typically means further action will proceed under the substitute bill.

Notes / Observations

  • The bill text is narrowly focused on timely delivery of retirement payments and on transparency to the Legislature about causes of delay.
  • Because “circumstances beyond the retirement board’s control” is not defined, implementation details (what qualifies, reconciliation methods, whether interest or back-pay timing applies) will be determined administratively or by related guidance or legislation.
  • Verify current status under A2398 for the latest language and any amendments adopted after substitution.

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

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