Massachusetts House Bill H4047

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/7/23
• Refer: 8/7/23
• Refer: 11/13/23
• Engrossed: 12/11/23
• Engrossed: 12/26/23
• Enrolled: 12/28/23
• Chaptered: 1/3/24
• Passed: 1/3/24

Caption

Relative to establishing a trust to administer a length of service award program for the Swansea Fire Department

Impact

Under the provisions of H4047, the Swansea Board of Selectmen is authorized to create the trust, which shall function as a deferred compensation plan for tax purposes. The bill stipulates that the trust can be funded by various means including gifts, bequests, grants, and appropriations from the town meeting, thereby ensuring a sustainable form of financial support for the award program. However, it also clearly delineates that individual firefighters are not permitted to contribute to the trust, focusing instead on collective funding mechanisms to support the initiative.

Summary

House Bill H4047 pertains to the establishment of a trust fund designed to administer a Length of Service Award Program specifically for the volunteer firefighters of the Swansea Fire Department. The bill is introduced to offer a structured way of recognizing the efforts and service of volunteer firefighters through a financial award system. This initiative seeks to encourage continued service among volunteers who play a crucial role in community safety and emergency response.

Contention

A notable aspect of H4047 is the stipulation that appropriations made prior to the enactment of this act for similar purposes will automatically feed into the new trust. This provision aims to avoid redundancy and ensure that existing resources are effectively utilized. Furthermore, clear guidelines are set for eligibility, designation of beneficiaries, and standards for benefits allocation, ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of trust assets. The bill raises questions on long-term funding adequacy and the proportional distribution of benefits, especially during funding shortfalls, which could be points of contention during discussions in the legislative context.