Bill > H2915

This bill updates the retirement and survivor benefits for judges in Massachusetts, primarily modifying Chapter 32 of the General Laws. The bill allows judges who are retiring or resigning to elect a joint and survivor allowance, which provides a reduced lifetime pension with the option for a designated eligible beneficiary (such as a spouse, former spouse, child, parent, or sibling) to receive two-thirds of the pension after the judge's death. If the designated beneficiary dies before the judge, the judge would then receive a full retirement allowance. The bill also clarifies provisions for judges who die before retirement, specifying how survivor benefits are calculated based on the judge's age and potential retirement eligibility. For judges who were appointed before January 2, 1975, the bill allows for additional service credits, including wartime service and other government service, to be counted towards continuous service requirements. Additionally, the bill ensures that retirement allowances and pensions for judges will be paid according to specific sections of the law, and in cases where a judge dies without an eligible beneficiary, previously withheld funds will be returned to the judge's estate.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2915