S930

	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.