Bill > S1866

This bill clarifies the retirement classification for utility maintenance workers by modifying the existing definition of Group 4 in the state's retirement system. Specifically, the bill expands the list of municipal gas or electric plant employees eligible for Group 4 retirement benefits to include additional job classifications such as line workers, electric maintenance workers, substation technicians, and meter installers. The previous definition was more limited, using terms like "electric maintenance men" and focusing on specific roles. By updating the language to be more inclusive and gender-neutral, the bill ensures that a broader range of utility workers who perform critical infrastructure maintenance and operation tasks can qualify for the Group 4 retirement classification, which typically provides enhanced retirement benefits for workers in more physically demanding or high-risk occupations. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment, allowing utility maintenance workers to potentially benefit from the expanded retirement classification.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1866