Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2430

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to pay parity for county correctional officers

Impact

If enacted, this bill will have significant implications for state laws regarding salary structures within law enforcement, particularly for correctional officers. It mandates a minimum salary level for county correctional officers, which could compel counties to adjust their budgets to align with the state salary standards. Such a shift might alleviate some of the recruitment and retention challenges faced by county sheriff departments, thereby potentially enhancing the performance and safety of correctional facilities across Massachusetts.

Summary

House Bill 2430 aims to establish pay parity for county correctional officers in Massachusetts, ensuring that their first-year base salary is no less than that of correctional officers employed by the Massachusetts Department of Correction. This legislation seeks to address disparities in pay between county correctional officers and their state counterparts, promoting equity in remuneration for similar roles within the criminal justice system. The bill is anchored in the belief that correctional officers perform critical law enforcement duties and deserve comparable compensation regardless of their employment jurisdiction.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to equalize pay, there could be notable points of contention regarding funding and the fiscal impact it may have on county budgets. Opponents may express concerns about the potential strain on local finances, especially in economically disadvantaged regions that rely heavily on state funding. Additionally, the requirement to equalize salaries raises questions about how counties can sustain such changes in the long term without jeopardizing other services or facing increased taxes.

Companion Bills

MA H2338

Similar To To ensure pay parity for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers

MA H4518

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA S1698

To ensure pay parity for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers

MA H2338

To ensure pay parity for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers

MA H2627

To ensure pay parity for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers

MA S1519

To ensure pay parity for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers

MA H2638

Relative to police officers and firefighters relative to Chapter 41, Section 111F

MA H3716

Relative to the town of Monson treasurer-collector position

MA H1828

Relative to corrections officer safety

MA H2639

Relative to teachers' retirement credits for parochial schools

MA H2422

Relative to the security of exercise equipment and free weights in correctional institutions

MA H1080

Relative to copay assistance

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.