Bill > S1337

This bill allows public employees who are already receiving disability retirement benefits under sections 6 or 7 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws to convert those benefits to a different retirement allowance calculation. This new calculation, outlined in a new section 8A, would be based on a percentage of their regular compensation multiplied by their years of creditable service, plus any time between their retirement and the election date, and cost-of-living adjustments. However, the converted allowance cannot exceed their current disability retirement allowance, and certain reductions from other sections of the law will not be considered in this new calculation. Upon conversion, the member will be treated as if they retired under section 5, but will still be subject to specific provisions for periods before the election. The bill also clarifies that members can choose different payment options, similar to regular retirement, but with restrictions on receiving benefits from multiple provisions simultaneously. If a member does not elect to convert, their widow may still be eligible for benefits under other sections.