Massachusetts Senate Bill S1685

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Allowing Wayne Estes, a retired member of the Massachusetts DDS, an accidental disability retirement option

Impact

If enacted, S1685 will have implications for the Massachusetts Retirement System, as it allows for a more tailored approach to retirement benefits that accounts for the physical and psychological challenges faced by some retired members. Moreover, this bill demonstrates a commitment to supporting retirees who suffer from work-related disabilities, particularly in recognizing conditions like PTSD. Such legislation could set a precedent for future cases where similar accommodations are needed for other retirees in comparable situations.

Summary

Senate Bill S1685 proposes to allow Wayne Estes, a retired member of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the option to receive accidental disability retirement benefits. This legislation acknowledges that his disability may have been caused by severe physical and psychological harm, particularly citing circumstances involving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that resulted in either total or partial disability. The bill is designed to amend current retirement law to extend this option specifically to Estes, addressing his unique circumstances as a retired employee.

Contention

While S1685 serves a clear purpose by supporting the well-being of retired employees with significant health impairments, there may be concerns regarding its specificity to one individual. Questions may arise over whether such provisions create an uneven playing field in the retirement system or if they could potentially inspire requests for similar amendments for other retirees. Balancing individual needs against broader policy implications for the state’s retirement system may be a point of discussion among legislators and stakeholders.