Massachusetts House Bill H3657

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Refer: 7/13/23
• Engrossed: 9/14/23
• Refer: 9/18/23
• Engrossed: 8/26/24
• Enrolled: 8/29/24
• Chaptered: 9/6/24
• Passed: 9/6/24

Caption

Authorizing Wayne A. Ellis to purchase creditable service from the Barnstable County Retirement Board

Impact

The passage of H3657 could have implications for the existing retirement laws within Barnstable County and potentially set a precedent for similar proposals in other counties. By permitting the purchase of service time, the bill aims to acknowledge and reward the contributions of military personnel within the civil service framework. If enacted, it would enhance the retirement benefits available to individuals who have served the nation, facilitating a smoother transition into civilian life post-service.

Summary

House Bill 3657 proposes to allow Wayne A. Ellis to purchase creditable service time from the Barnstable County Retirement Board for his military service. This bill seeks to afford public employees, particularly those who have served in the military, the opportunity to enhance their retirement benefits by including their service time. The provision is specifically tailored to address the unique circumstances of military personnel who may have time away from standard employment during their service commitments.

Contention

While the text of the bill does not indicate significant opposition, discussions surrounding similar bills in previous sessions highlight concerns regarding the financial implications for public retirement systems. Critics often raise points about the sustainability of retirement funds when additional purchase options are introduced, indicating the need for a balanced approach that maintains the integrity of retirement systems while providing necessary benefits to deserving service members.