An Act relative to adjunct faculty in public higher education
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to improve the benefits and employment conditions for adjunct faculty at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It expands eligibility for state retirement benefits for adjuncts who teach a certain number of courses per semester or year, and establishes a phased-in system where the state will gradually increase its contribution to the premium costs of health coverage for these faculty members. Additionally, the bill creates a working group to study and recommend changes to adjunct faculty employment practices at several state institutions.
Key provisions
- Expands eligibility for Massachusetts state retirement benefits for adjunct faculty based on course load.
- Establishes a phased-in contribution schedule for the state to cover a portion of health insurance premiums for adjunct faculty.
- Creates a working group to examine adjunct faculty employment, including eligibility, rights, compensation, and advancement opportunities.
- The working group will analyze projected costs and potential impacts on faculty recruitment and retention.
- The working group will focus on the University of Massachusetts, state universities, and community colleges.
- The working group’s report is due by December 31, 2026.
- The report will include findings on current conditions, cost analysis, and operational feasibility.
- The bill also addresses adjunct faculty participation in the Massachusetts state retirement system.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
32 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Cosponsors
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
Christopher Richard Flanagan
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