Relative to retirement benefits
If enacted, this legislation would have a targeted impact on the retirement benefits framework within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by creating a retroactive exception for Mary McCabe. The bill explicitly states that it will take effect immediately upon passage, with a retroactive application date of October 29, 2023. This specificity reflects an intention to ensure that the modification to the beneficiary designation is valid and enforceable from that date.
House Bill 4826, introduced by Representative Frank A. Moran, aims to modify retirement benefits specifically for an individual named Mary McCabe. The bill allows Mary McCabe to designate her daughter, Anna McCabe, as her Option C beneficiary under the Massachusetts retirement system. This amendment applies despite existing regulations outlined in Chapter 32, Sections 65C and 65D of the Massachusetts General Laws, which typically govern beneficiary designations for retirement benefits.
While the text of the bill does not present broader implications for state laws, it does illustrate the ability of legislation to make exceptions for individuals which may prompt discussions about equity and accessibility within the retirement system. The passage of such a bill could raise questions regarding the criteria for similar adjustments for others, as well as discussions on the appropriateness of using legislative measures to address individual cases.