Providing for the retirement of William R. Cushing Jr., a police officer in the city known as the town of Braintree
Impact
If enacted, HB 4214 will allow William R. Cushing Jr. to retire with a pension equivalent to what he would have earned had he continued his service until age 65. The bill ensures that payments will be made in accordance with the existing laws governing public pensions for police officers, thereby reinforcing the state's obligation to support its injured law enforcement personnel. Additionally, it exempts all amounts paid under this act from state, local, and, to the extent permissible, federal taxation, easing the financial burden on Cushing and his family.
Summary
House Bill 4214 aims to authorize the retirement of William R. Cushing Jr., a police officer in the town of Braintree, Massachusetts. This legislation is brought forward as a response to Cushing's serious injury sustained in the line of duty, which has left him permanently incapacitated from performing his job. The bill outlines the retirement process and benefits that will be conferred to him upon passing, addressing both his immediate financial needs and long-term pension requirements. It is a tailored act specifically for Cushing, highlighting the state's commitment to supporting officers injured while serving.
Contention
The specificity of HB 4214 to an individual case may raise questions regarding its implications on broader pension laws and public funding for police officer retirements. While supporters may advocate for such individualized acts as essential for acknowledging the sacrifices of law enforcement, opponents could argue that passing specific retirement bills may set a precedent that complicates the overall pension system. The potential for unequal treatment of other officers and the path it paves for similar future bills might ignite further discussions within the legislature about equitable support for all public service employees.