HD 2470 requires Massachusetts school districts and education collaboratives to provide paid family and medical leave to all their educators. The bill expands eligibility under the state's family and medical leave program to include educators as "covered individuals" and designates school districts as "covered employers" for this purpose. Crucially, it mandates that school districts fund their required employer contributions using existing income surtax revenue, rather than employee payroll deductions. This ensures educators can access paid leave without additional costs to the school districts, while preserving their benefits like health insurance and seniority during leave.
This bill requires automatic funding transfers to state and local pension systems when their outstanding pension debt is fully paid. Specifically, if a pension system has no remaining debt in a fiscal year, the state must transfer money equal to that year's expected future pension costs into the pension fund. This ensures consistent funding for future retiree benefits without requiring new legislative appropriations each year. The policy takes effect July 1, 2025.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 93) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to dedicate one-percent of the recreational marijuana excise to youth substance use prevention. Cannabis Policy.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 179) of Adam Gomez for legislation to prioritize underserved businesses that have historically faced obstacles to accessing capital in the awarding of all grants, loans, and other assistance. Community Development and Small Businesses.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 173) of John J. Cronin, Vanna Howard and John F. Keenan for legislation to promote downtown vitality. Community Development and Small Businesses.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 588) of James B. Eldridge, Steven Owens, Mike Connolly, Patricia D. Jehlen and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Climate Adaptation Superfund. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 440) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to adjust the state funding allocated to public schools in Massachusetts (through the "Chapter 70" program) to account for rising inflation costs. Education.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 372) of Adam Gomez for legislation to create a disproportionate share childcare provider fund. Education.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2018) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to senior property tax deferral. Revenue.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1817) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide fair and affordable public retiree benefits. Public Service.
