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MassachusettsH 5391194th General Court (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act regarding the disability pension for Misael Rodriguez administered by the Springfield retirement board

Sponsored By: Thomas P. Walsh (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Bills in the Third Reading

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State covers injury health costs for Rodriguez

The state pays hospital, medical, and other health costs that insurance does not cover. The care must treat injuries he got on duty on November 5, 2020. This applies to bills already incurred or future bills after his retirement.

Bigger disability pension and back pay for Rodriguez

The Springfield retirement board raises Misael Rodriguez’s accidental disability pension. It now equals his regular pay on November 5, 2020, or the pay he would have had if he stayed at that grade. This amount applies until he dies or reaches mandatory retirement age. After that age, his pension is 80% of his average pay from the prior 12 months, including cost‑of‑living increases. The change takes effect July 31, 2024. The board must pay him a lump sum for July 31, 2024 through the law’s effective date to make up the difference. He also receives a one‑time payment of all his accumulated retirement deductions. This law does not block him or his eligible family from getting other retirement benefits they qualify for.

Lifetime survivor checks for spouse and kids

If Misael dies first, his spouse gets 75% of his annual pension, paid monthly for life. When Misael would have reached mandatory retirement age, the spouse’s 75% continues and includes cost‑of‑living increases. The spouse must choose this benefit or option (c) under state retirement law, not both. If both parents die, unmarried children who qualify share 75% of Misael’s pension at his death. Eligible children are under 18, under 22 if full‑time students at an accredited school, or over 18 and unable to earn due to a disability that existed on his retirement date. Shares are equal, paid monthly, end when a child no longer qualifies, and remaining eligible children keep their prior amounts.

More work allowed without pension penalties

Misael may earn up to half of his retirement allowance from public jobs without having to refund pension payments. He can also work for a private employer without a refund penalty, as long as the work is not for the Commonwealth or its local governments. While receiving benefits under this law, he cannot be employed under retirement system Groups 3 or 4.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Thomas P. Walsh

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Adam Gómez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Angelo J. Puppolo Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Brian M. Ashe

    Democratic • House

  • Bud L. Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Carlos González

    Democratic • House

  • Jacob R. Oliveira

    Democratic • Senate

  • Orlando Ramos

    Democratic • House

  • Samantha Montaño

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor, Chapter 171 of the Acts of 2026

    8/5/2026

  2. Enacted and laid before the Governor

    7/30/2026Senate

  3. Enacted

    7/30/2026House

  4. House concurred in the Senate amendment

    7/30/2026House

  5. Rules suspended

    7/30/2026House

  6. Referred to the committee on Bills in the Third Reading

    7/22/2026House

  7. Passed to be engrossed

    7/20/2026Senate

  8. Amended (Gómez) by striking out all after the enacting clause and inserting in place thereof the text of S3185

    7/20/2026Senate

  9. Read third

    7/20/2026Senate

  10. Taken out of the Orders of the Day

    7/20/2026Senate

  11. Read second and ordered to a third reading

    6/11/2026Senate

  12. Read; and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session

    5/4/2026Senate

  13. Passed to be engrossed

    4/30/2026House

  14. Substituted for H2939

    4/30/2026House

Bill Text

  • Chapter 171 of the Acts of 2026

    8/5/2026

    PDF

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