Bill > S1872

This bill updates judicial retirement benefits by modifying Chapter 32 of the General Laws, specifically section 65C, which governs joint and survivor allowances for judges. The bill provides detailed provisions for judges who wish to elect a reduced lifetime pension that allows for continued payments to a designated beneficiary after the judge's death. Eligible beneficiaries are limited to spouse, former spouse (if not remarried), child, father, mother, sister, or brother of the judge. The bill clarifies complex scenarios such as what happens if a beneficiary dies before the judge, how pension amounts are calculated when a judge dies before retirement, and how pension reductions are applied based on the judge's age at death. It also specifies that pension payments to surviving beneficiaries should be paid from the same source as the judge's original salary, and includes provisions about crediting previous years of service, including wartime service and service to the commonwealth. Additionally, the bill amends section 65D to specify that retirement allowance payments should be made as provided in sections twelve and thirteen of the law. The overall aim appears to be providing more comprehensive and flexible retirement and survivor benefit options for judges.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1872