Bill > H2410

This bill aims to ensure that individuals providing special education services to Massachusetts students under Chapter 71B of the General Laws receive the same retirement benefits as those providing traditional educational services. It amends Chapter 32 of the general laws to redefine "Commonwealth's pension liability" and "employee" to include individuals employed by private schools that contract to provide special educational services, specifically referencing Chapter 766 of the statutes of 1972 (which is now Chapter 71B). These individuals will be considered employees of the Commonwealth solely for retirement purposes, allowing them to choose to join the state retirement system, with both the employee and their employer contributing to the system. The bill also clarifies that these private schools will remain independent contractors and not be considered state agents, and it establishes the effective date of Chapter 766 (1972) as the initial date for recognizing prior or credible service for these employees.