Bill > S1891

This bill provides a special retirement option specifically for Joseph Barbati, a retired member of the Massachusetts Trial Court, allowing him to receive accidental disability retirement benefits due to severe depression, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder that are presumed to have been caused by his employment. The bill requires Barbati to notify the retirement board of his decision within 90 days of the act's effective date and mandates that he be examined by a medical panel of physicians who must certify that his mental incapacity is likely permanent and directly related to his work. The medical panel examination can potentially be waived if Barbati has already been approved for a disability benefit, with the public employee retirement administration commission having the authority to make this determination. This legislation overrides existing retirement system laws to provide Barbati with a specific accidental disability retirement option, with benefits to be paid for the remainder of his retirement. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage, providing a unique legal provision tailored to Barbati's specific circumstances.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1891