Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2580

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to pensions for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty

Impact

The proposal is grounded in the importance of supporting families of public safety officers, particularly in a high-risk profession. This amendment would alter Chapter 32 of Massachusetts law, ensuring that benefits are adequately provided to widows/widowers and children of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. By guaranteeing these pension benefits, the law aims to mitigate the financial hardships faced by these families, reinforcing the state's commitment to those who protect public safety and welfare.

Summary

House Bill 2580 seeks to amend existing state regulations regarding pensions for the surviving spouses and children of public safety officers who have tragically lost their lives while performing their duties. Specifically, the bill provides that if a firefighter, police officer, or corrections officer dies as a result of an accident while responding to incidents or as a consequence of an assault during their service, their surviving family members will be entitled to a pension equivalent to the salary that the deceased would have earned if they continued in service. The emphasis is placed not only on the spouse but also on any surviving children, ensuring financial support for these families during their time of loss.

Conclusion

H2580 highlights a critical area of public service concern and responsibility, reflecting on the need for robust support for the families of public safety officers. The bill aims to ensure that those who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty are honored through tangible support for their loved ones, reaffirming societal respect and recognition for their service. Adoption of this bill would represent a substantive step forward in state policy regarding the welfare of the families of those dedicated to maintaining public safety.

Contention

While the bill presents a commendable effort to secure the financial futures of bereaved families, there may be discourse surrounding the sufficiency of the pension benefits proposed and how they compare to existing benefits under other sections of the law. Additionally, some legislators may raise concerns regarding the administrative implementation of these changes, especially surrounding the definitions and qualifications of public safety officers, and how benefits would scale depending on the nature of the officer's death or incident circumstances.

Companion Bills

MA S1628

Similar To Relative to public safety officers and creditable service

MA H2541

Similar To Relative to residency

MA H2641

Similar To Providing for special death benefits to fallen public safety officers

MA H4518

Replaced by Study Order

Similar Bills

CA AB1338

Vehicles: specialized license plates.

CA SB374

Vehicles: specialized license plates.

MS HB687

Spouse and children of first responders killed in the line of duty; provide scholarship for attendance at postsecondary institutions.

MS SB2518

Universities and colleges; increase certain college renovation funds and require IHL board to develop PPP policies.

MA S1887

Relative to pensions for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty

MA H2891

Relative to pensions for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty

CA SB1261

Fire prevention: firefighting aircraft: pilot death benefits.

AL HB488

First responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel death benefits, COVID-19 death benefit provided, Secs. 36-30-1, 36-30-2, 36-30-3, 36-30-4, 36-30-5, 36-30-7 am'd.