In 2001, Massachusetts introduced RetirementPlus, which allows teachers to retire a little earlier if they increase the amount they contribute to their pension, to 11% of their salary. Teachers hired before July 1, 2001, had the option to elect to join RetirementPlus when it was enacted through an often-confusing process that led many to believe they were automatically enrolled, only later learning that they were not.

H.2630 would create a fair and clear pathway for teachers hired before July 1, 2001 to have a second opportunity to join RetirementPlus. A recent ruling by the Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) has made it clear that legislation is needed to fix this problem.

UPDATE: On May 13 the Public Service Committee reported H.2630 out of committee with a favorable report! This is an important step forward but there is still a long way to go before this bill can make it to the governor’s desk.