I 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6422 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 17, 2010 Mr. Stupak introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To amend the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 with respect to current connection.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Railroad Retirement Fairness Act.

2.

Special rule for establishing current connection relating to certain employment in the Department of State

(a)

In general

Section 1(o) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 is amended by inserting the Department of State (in a position the Secretary of State certifies as railroad related), before the Department of Transportation. (b)

Effective date

The amendment made by this section applies with respect to annuities payable for months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

3.

Equitable extension of current connection

(a)

Equitable estoppel

Section 1(o) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231(o)) is amended by inserting An individual who, at the time the individual makes an inquiry to the Board, has a current connection shall not be deemed to have lost that current connection thereafter if the Board misleads or fails to properly inform that individual about that requirement and if that conduct by the Board, according to the principles of equity, should stop the Board from deeming the individual to have lost that current connection. after the first sentence. (b)

Effective date

The amendment made by this section applies with respect to annuities applied for on or after February 3, 1989.