Bill > S1917

This bill modifies the definition of "veteran" for public retirees in Massachusetts, allowing members of retirement systems who are veterans and retired before a certain date to receive an additional yearly allowance that they previously did not receive. Specifically, the bill enables retirement systems to grant veterans (as defined by a 2004 law) who retired under specific provisions before the effective date of that law an additional yearly veterans' allowance. The acceptance of this provision requires a majority vote by the retirement system's board and approval by the legislative body (which can vary depending on the type of entity - city council, town meeting, county or regional retirement board advisory council, district members, or governing authority). Importantly, the bill is prospective, meaning it does not provide retroactive benefits, but allows eligible veterans to receive the additional allowance going forward after the provision is accepted. The state teachers' and state employees' retirement systems are automatically deemed to have accepted this provision.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1917