Massachusetts House Bill H2838

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Designating certain employees of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to be in Group 2 of the contributory retirement system

Impact

The inclusion in Group 2 signifies a higher level of benefits compared to Group 1, reflecting the higher hazards associated with transportation maintenance work. By designating these employees into a different retirement category, the bill seeks to provide a fairer compensation structure that recognizes their contributions to the state's infrastructure and public service. This could influence recruitment and retention strategies within MassDOT, potentially leading to improved workforce stability and morale.

Summary

House Bill 2838 aims to amend Section 3 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws of Massachusetts. The bill specifically proposes to include Highway and Street Construction and Maintenance Workers of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in Group 2 of the contributory retirement system for public employees. This legislative change is intended to enhance retirement benefits for these workers, acknowledging the nature of their work which often involves significant physical demands and safety risks.

Contention

However, the bill may face scrutiny from various stakeholders concerned about the financial implications on the state retirement system. There could be debates regarding the fairness of expanding benefits to additional groups of employees, especially in a time of budget constraints. Opponents may raise questions about how such measures could affect the overall sustainability of the retirement fund and its ability to meet obligations to all public employees in the future.