Section 13 of Chapter 46, Acts of 2003, allows for a municipality or district to contribute 50% of the cost of retiree insurance by a vote of the local legislative body. Known as the "municipal relief bill", Chapter 46 was passed in August in an attempt to lessen the bureaucratic and financial burden on local government.

Until the law was changed, retirees had to make the case for insurance coverage to the general public by way of a local ballot question. Given the fickle nature of municipal elections, several of the twenty-six towns in question had previously rejected efforts to require the town to contribute towards retirees' health insurance.

Under the new system, the decision to accept section 9D within MGL Chapter 32B (municipal health insurance), which allows the local government to contribute 50% towards retirees' health insurance, can be made by the town meeting, rather than being placed on the ballot.

The inclusion of this provision within the Chapter 46 was done by way of amendment in both the House and the Senate. In the House, the primary sponsor was Rep. Paul Kujawski (D-Webster). Efforts in the Senate were spearheaded by Senator Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge).

Both Moore and Kujawski were instrumental earlier this year in pushing through a similar law that applies to retirees from the central MA town of Webster. The amendments to the "Municipal Relief Bill" were drafted and filed by the MA Teacher's Association (MTA).

Association lobbyists worked closely with MTA lobbyist Jack Flanagan to gain the support of the legislative leadership. Due to our combined efforts, the amendment was adopted by both the House and Senate. It became law when the bill was signed into law in mid-August.