On August 3, Governor Baker signed new legislation, Chapter 134 of the Acts of 2022, that allows a second opportunity to elect to participate in the R+ program only to those members (approximately 2,000-3,000) who:

  • were not a part of the original election window in 2001, AND
  • transferred into the MTRS from one of the other 103 Massachusetts public retirement systems between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2022, AND
  • did not yet submit an election.

This new election period begins on January 1, 2023 and ends on June 30, 2023. Members who do not respond by June 30, 2023, will not be enrolled in the R+ program.

Please note that this election opportunity does not apply to members who already had the opportunity to elect to participate in R+ during the original election window in 2001.

The MTRS is working diligently on an implementation plan and identifying eligible members. Election materials will be mailed to the home address last reported by their employer.

The MTRS will communicate additional details to employers as they become available; please refer to the R+ election change chart for a summary of the new law’s impact.

If your employees have questions regarding the new law and its potential impact, please have them visit the MTRS website for details or email us at RetirementPlus@trb.state.ma.us.