Massachusetts House Bill H2929

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

Caption

To ensure fairness in retirement benefits for certain employees of the Department of Correction

Impact

If enacted, HB 2929 will modify existing state laws to provide career-specific retirement benefits for correctional program officers, thereby potentially changing the retirement landscape for state employees in correctional facilities. This bill seeks to address disparities in benefits that have presumably left certain roles undercompensated when it comes to retirement planning. Such adjustments would reflect a commitment to equitable treatment of employees across various classifications within the Department of Correction.

Summary

House Bill 2929, introduced by Representatives James J. O'Day and Michael D. Brady, aims to ensure fairness in retirement benefits specifically for certain employees of the Department of Correction. This bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 32 of the General Laws of Massachusetts, targeting the inclusion of correctional program officers at various title levels who have served for over ten years. The intention is to enhance the retirement benefits equity among employees in the correctional sector, aligning their benefits with those provided to their peers in similar roles.

Contention

While the introduction of HB 2929 is likely to gain support from those advocating for fair retirement benefits, it may also encounter opposition regarding the financial implications it carries for the state budget. Critics may argue that adding additional retirement provisions could place a strain on state resources, especially in light of current economic constraints. The discussion surrounding this bill is anticipated to focus on its fiscal sustainability and the broader impacts on similar legislation or amendments for other employee classifications.