Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official source posted by the Massachusetts General Court, fetched 2026-07-15. Nothing is edited or removed. The official bill page.
SECTION 1. Section 1 of chapter 15A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of "Community college" the following definitions:- "Career advancement tier", a defined classification level for contingent faculty members that establishes specific rights, responsibilities and compensation rates based on teaching experience and institutional service. "Contingent faculty member", an instructor at a public institution of higher education who: (i) teaches at least 1 course per academic year; (ii) is compensated on a per-course basis; and (iii) is not in a tenure-track position. "Day division", credit-bearing courses offered as part of regular academic programs during standard operational hours. "Division of continuing education", credit and non-credit courses offered through continuing education, evening, or extended learning programs. "Full-time equivalent load", the standard course load assigned to full-time faculty members at the institution. "Teaching unit", a standard 3-credit course or its equivalent as determined by the board. SECTION 2. Said chapter 15A is hereby further amended by striking out sections 9 and 15 and inserting in place thereof the following sections:- Section 9A. COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS (a) The board shall establish employment standards for contingent faculty members including: (1) Minimum compensation requirements: (i) Base per-course rates no less than the pro-rated equivalent of full-time faculty compensation; (ii) Equal pay rates between day division and continuing education courses; (iii) Regular cost-of-living adjustments; (iv) Additional compensation for departmental service and committees; (v) Payment for course preparation when classes are canceled within 30 days of start date. (2) Employment security provisions: (i) Standard two-year contracts after 4 successful teaching semesters; (ii) Course assignment notification at least 45 days before term start; (iii) Compensation of 25 percent of course rate for late cancellations; (iv) Protection from arbitrary non-renewal; (v) Right of first refusal for previously taught courses. (3) Professional support including: (i) Dedicated office space; (ii) Institution-provided computer equipment; (iii) Access to departmental resources; (iv) Professional development funding; (v) Research and conference support; (vi) Library and technology access. Section 9B. CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRATION (a) Each institution shall: (1) Establish a career advancement framework that: (i) Creates 3 tiers of contingent faculty positions with increasing job security, compensation and benefits; (ii) Provides clear advancement criteria; (iii) Includes teaching excellence and institutional service; (iv) Ensures fairness and transparency. (2) Provide internal advancement opportunities including: (i) Priority consideration for full-time positions; (ii) Credit for years of service; (iii) Recognition of institutional knowledge; (iv) Support for professional development. (3) Ensure departmental integration through: (i) Participation in governance; (ii) Voting rights on departmental matters; (iii) Inclusion in faculty meetings; (iv) Access to grants and research support. Section 15. CONTINUING EDUCATION REFORM (a) All institutions shall: (1) Eliminate pay disparities between day and continuing education divisions within 2 years; (2) Place all new contingent faculty hires in day division unit; (3) Provide equal benefits and advancement opportunities regardless of division; (4) Maintain consistent evaluation and advancement procedures. SECTION 3. Chapter 32A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 2B the following sections:- Section 2C. HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESS (a) Contingent faculty members shall be eligible for group insurance benefits if they: (1) Teach courses equivalent to 25 per cent or more of a full-time load; or (2) Have taught at least 2 courses per year for the previous 2 years. (b) Eligible faculty shall receive: (1) Pro-rated premium contributions based on teaching load; (2) Access to all standard plan options; (3) Continuation of coverage between semesters if maintaining a regular teaching schedule. Section 2D. RETIREMENT BENEFITS (a) The state retirement board shall: (1) Establish mechanisms for contingent faculty participation in Social Security; (2) Maintain OBRA 1990/457b eligibility; (3) Require institutional matching for retirement contributions; (4) Provide retirement planning support; (5) Include part-time faculty representation in benefit decisions. SECTION 4. Chapter 149 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 148C the following sections:- Section 148D. EMPLOYMENT RECORDS AND TRANSPARENCY (a) Institutions shall maintain records including: (1) Courses taught and compensation; (2) Career advancement tier status; (3) Benefits eligibility; (4) Professional development participation; (5) Evaluation results. (b) Faculty members shall receive written notice of: (1) Course assignments and compensation; (2) Benefits eligibility and options; (3) Advancement opportunities; (4) Evaluation criteria and results. Section 148E. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT (a) Institutions shall provide: (1) Annual professional development funding; (2) Access to research grants; (3) Conference attendance support; (4) Technology and resource access; (5) Mentoring opportunities. SECTION 5. IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING (a) There shall be established the Contingent Faculty Career Advancement Fund. (b) The fund shall receive: (1) Annual appropriations; (2) Institutional contributions; (3) Grant funding; (4) Investment returns. (c) The board shall use the fund to support: (1) Implementation of career frameworks; (2) Professional development programs; (3) Position conversion to full-time status; (4) Benefits expansion; (5) Resource provision. SECTION 6. OVERSIGHT AND ENFORCEMENT (a) The board shall: (1) Promulgate detailed regulations; (2) Monitor institutional compliance; (3) Investigate violations; (4) Issue corrective orders; (5) Impose penalties for non-compliance. (b) Faculty members may: (1) File complaints with the board; (2) Appeal adverse decisions; (3) Seek enforcement through civil action; (4) Receive protection from retaliation. SECTION 7. The board shall promulgate regulations to implement this act no later than January 1, 2026. SECTION 8. Sections 1 through 6 shall take effect on July 1, 2026. SECTION 9. Section 7 shall take effect upon passage.
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