teachers

Section 19B requires the state treasurer to automatically withhold Chapter 32B health insurance premiums from the monthly pension of teachers' retirement system members and eligible surviving spouses, unless the member affirmatively opts out. The governmental unit treasurer must annually file a premium schedule with the retirement board by May 1, and the retirement board certifies eligible members to their respective governmental units. Upon death of a member, the retirement board notifies the treasurer to discontinue coverage, except where a surviving spouse remains eligible for continued coverage.

Section 20 is the comprehensive governance provision establishing the structure, composition, and duties of retirement boards for each type of retirement system under Chapter 32, including state employees, teachers, counties, cities and towns, and various special authorities (MBTA police, MassDOT, Massport, MWRA, and others). It specifies board membership, election procedures, compensation, legal counsel, reporting obligations, continuing education requirements, and general administrative powers such as taking evidence, subpoenaing witnesses, and correcting errors in member records. Board members must complete 18 hours of training per term, and failure to do so bars them from serving beyond the conclusion of that term.

Section 42 addresses legacy teacher pension funds in cities and towns (excluding Boston) that accepted Chapter 498 of the Acts of 1908. In those jurisdictions, the pension fund for retiring public school teachers is funded by revenues assigned by the city council or by direct town appropriation. The city or town treasurer holds the fund and makes monthly payments to retirees in amounts certified by the school committee.

Section 43 provides a legacy non-contributory retirement mechanism for teachers in cities and towns that accepted the 1908 pension act (Section 42). The city or town retirement board, on recommendation of the school committee, may retire a teacher who is age 60 or older, or who is incapacitated for useful service, after 25 years of faithful service. The annual pension is capped at one-half of final compensation and in no case may exceed $1,200.