In order to accomplish this, a retiree would have to pay back, with interest, whatever pension benefits they had been paid. According to the law, they also had to work a minimum of 5 years; otherwise, their original pension would not be recalculated.

"When we first reported on Section 105, we forecast that few retirees would take advantage because of the cost," comments Legislative Chairman Bill Hill. "Our prediction appears to be holding true.

"After reviewing state (retirement) board records, during the law's first year of implementation, we found that only a handful of retirees - five in number - have requested to be reinstated. And, when we called a sampling of some of the larger boards, we discovered much the same.

"In fact, some boards, including Boston, Essex Regional, as well as Norfolk and Plymouth Counties, have had no one apply. It's a safe assumption that the experience of these boards is indicative of limited or no participation throughout the Commonwealth."

Those, who have been reinstated, each have their own story that prompted them to pursue it. "After I retired from Mental Retardation in '02, I found that I missed my work. About a year later, I started working part-time," recalls Christine Oliviera.

"And, then all the pieces fell in place for me. When an excellent job opportunity presented itself and the new law was passed, it became a easy decision for me to be reinstated and resume my work." Oliveira went on to say jokingly, "But, I guess this puts my Association membership on hold, at least for the time being."