By Representative Silvia of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2964) of Alan Silvia and David F. DeCoste relative to retirement for disability or death caused by certain conditions of cancer to certain explosive device canine handlers and bomb technicians. Public Service.
By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2380) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to improve safety measures for highway maintenance personnel. Transportation.
This bill (S 1878) updates Massachusetts' deferred compensation program rules for state and local government employees. It redefines "contracted employees" to include those working on the program, making them eligible for the state retirement system. The key provision creates an automatic enrollment feature for new state employees hired after June 1, 2022 (with agency discretion for some), requiring no prior employee authorization for payroll deductions. Employees can opt out within 90 days and receive refunds if they discontinue participation early. The bill also extends similar automatic enrollment options to local government bodies for employees hired after June 1, 2024.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1495) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to healthcare worker and first responder safety and HIV testing. Public Health.
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1646) of Nick Collins for legislation to develop a database to collect data on written notices of code violations and fines relative to hot work processes. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2856) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to line-of-duty death and survivor benefits for police officers and firefighters. Public Service.
This bill authorizes the State Retirement Board to credit seven specific firefighters with prior service years at the Otis Air National Guard Base federal fire department (JBCC FD) toward their state retirement benefits. It applies to Dennis Ragazzini (10 years), Scott Chicoine (8.24 years), Schaun Dion (6.93 years), Eric Weston (6.44 years), Jason Orlowski (5.67 years), Thomas Stark (3.99 years), and Joshua Child, for service periods ending September 28, 2008. To receive this credit, each individual must pay back the equivalent of retirement deductions they would have made during that federal service, plus interest, either in full or through installments. The bill directly affects these named individuals and modifies their retirement credit calculation without changing broader state retirement rules.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2014) of Adam Gomez for legislation to establish voluntary contribution check-off boxes on state tax returns to provide financial assistance to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Revenue.
By Representative Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2821) of Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Michael D. Brady and Colleen M. Garry relative to pension benefits for surviving spouses of Department of Children and Families social workers killed in the line of duty. Public Service.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1835) of James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to death benefits to surviving spouses of call and volunteer firefighters. Public Service.
