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Bill

HD 2596

Resolve authorizing the study of cost of living increases for state police retirees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Creates a Special Commission to study feasibility of increasing COLAs for Massachusetts State Police retirees; report findings and draft legislation by Jan 1, 2027.

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Bill Summary · HD 2596

Summary: HD 2596 – Resolve authorizing the study of cost of living increases for state police retirees

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a special commission to study the feasibility of increasing cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees of the Massachusetts State Police.
  • The bill is a resolving measure, meaning its primary purpose is to authorize a study and make recommendations, not to immediately change law or funding.

Key provisions

  • Creation of a Special Commission to examine the feasibility of increases to COLAs for Massachusetts State Police retirees.
  • Commission composition:
    • The chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Service.
    • The executive director of the State Retirement Board.
    • One member appointed by the chair of the Massachusetts Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission.
    • The president of MA Retirees.
  • Deliverables:
    • The commission must report its findings, recommendations, and drafts of any necessary legislation to carry the recommendations into effect.
    • Reports and drafts must be filed with the clerks of the House and Senate on or before January 1, 2027.
  • Scope of work: Feasibility of increasing COLAs for State Police retirees; analysis likely to cover financial implications, sustainability, and potential policy design.

Who is affected

  • State Police retirees who currently receive COLAs (and potentially future retirees if policy changes are enacted).
  • State agencies and retirement systems involved in administering COLAs (e.g., the State Retirement Board and related commissions), which would engage in study findings and any proposed legislation.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Filed: January 16, 2025 (House Docket No. 2596; House No. 2934).
  • The commission is instructed to deliver its report and any draft legislation by January 1, 2027.
  • This is similar to a previously filed measure (2023-2024) on the same topic, indicating ongoing interest in examining COLA adjustments for state police retirees.
  • As a “Resolve,” any recommendations would require further action by the Legislature to enact changes; the bill itself does not authorize immediate COLA increases or funding.

Potential impact

  • If the commission finds COLA increases feasible, it could lead to proposed legislation to raise or modify COLAs for state police retirees.
  • The outcome depends on the commission’s findings, fiscal analyses, and subsequent legislative action.

Note: This summary reflects the text and provisions as filed for House Docket No. 2596 (HD 2596) and may be subject to amendments before final passage.

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

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