Bill > S1867

This bill modifies the annual allowance for survivors of public retirees and employees by making two key changes to Massachusetts state law. First, it increases the optional survivor benefit from a maximum of $500 to a maximum of $750. Second, beginning July 1, 2025, the bill mandates that the monthly member-survivor allowance for spouses of deceased members in the state teachers' and state employees' retirement system shall not be less than $750. The bill also provides a mechanism for other political subdivisions (such as towns, cities, counties, and districts) to adopt this increased benefit through a majority vote by their respective governing bodies. Once a local legislative body votes to accept the provision, they must file a certification of the vote with the state retirement commission. This change aims to provide greater financial support for surviving spouses of public sector employees by ensuring a minimum monthly allowance that better reflects current living costs.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1867