Bill > S1854

This bill modifies Massachusetts General Laws to provide local governments and public authorities with the ability to improve retirement group classifications for specific employee groups. Under the proposed legislation, municipalities can upgrade retirement classifications through various local governing body approval processes: in cities with Plan D or Plan E charters, the city council must vote in majority and receive manager approval; in other cities, the city council must vote in majority and receive mayoral approval; in towns, the board of selectmen can make the determination; and for public authorities, the governing board can vote by majority. Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits using this local option to reduce retirement benefits, ensuring that any reclassification can only result in equal or improved retirement benefits for employees. This provides local jurisdictions with more flexibility in managing employee retirement classifications while maintaining a protective clause for public employees.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1854