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.