Code of Massachusetts Regulations
840 CMR - PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION
Title 840 CMR 27.00 - Standard Rules For Orders To Protect The System
Section 27.02 - Investigations and Hearings

(1) Investigations; Requests for Information. The Commission, upon reasonable belief of improprieties in the investment or recordkeeping practices of any retirement system, may initiate an investigation of such practices. In connection with such investigation the Commission may require the retirement board to provide information which may be deemed relevant thereto. Any such information contained in any document, paper, correspondence or other record maintained by the retirement board shall be provided to the Commission upon request. Any findings of fact made by the Commission or a designee pursuant to 840 CMR 27.03 shall reflect evidence obtained from such information as well as evidence presented at a hearing conducted pursuant to 840 CMR 27.02(2).

(2) Purpose of Hearings; Notice Requirements. In cases where the Commission has issued a temporary order pursuant to M.G.L. c. 32, § 23(4) and 840 CMR 27.01, an investigative hearing may be convened within 60 days thereafter. In all other cases the Commission may convene such hearing at any time; but in no case shall the retirement board whose investment or recordkeeping practices are under investigation be given less than 30 days prior notice of such hearing. The purpose of such investigative hearing shall be to determine whether the investment or recordkeeping practices of the retirement board are being conducted with reasonable care, skill, prudence or diligence. The notice of hearing shall set forth the retirement board practice(s) under investigation and outline the procedures to be followed in such hearing.

(3) Parties, Procedures for Hearings. Upon notice from the Commission to any retirement board that an investigative hearing is to be held pursuant to 840 CMR 27.02(2), such retirement board personnel as are named in the notice shall appear to represent the retirement board before the Commission or a designee on the date specified therein. The Commission may also require parties not affiliated with the retirement board to appear at such hearing, if there is reason to believe that such party has influenced the investment or recordkeeping practices of the retirement board. The procedures to be followed in such investigative hearing shall be subject to the discretion of the Commission. Any retirement board or party who is requested to appear may be represented by counsel. Such parties shall be allowed to present evidence as to the propriety of the practice under investigation.