Massachusetts House Bill H5072

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/11/23
• Refer: 9/11/23
• Refer: 10/10/24
• Report DNP: 11/18/24

Caption

Disability pension legislation for Sergeant Deputy Sheriff Brian C. McPherson

Impact

The bill has specific implications on state laws concerning disability retirement pensions, particularly for law enforcement personnel. It creates a tailored exception for McPherson's case, allowing the Boston Retirement Board to grant him benefits that may not typically be available under general laws. Given that the bill exempts certain provisions of chapter 32 of the General Laws, it customizes the retirement benefits to suit McPherson's unique situation as a directly injured party, ensuring that his needs are met while also maintaining his dignity post-service.

Summary

House Bill 5072 seeks to provide a disability pension to Sergeant Deputy Sheriff Brian C. McPherson, who was incapacitated due to injuries sustained in the line of duty on May 13, 2008. The bill mandates that he be retired by the City of Boston's retirement board, and it outlines the financial benefits that McPherson will receive, including a pension equivalent to his regular rate of compensation prior to retirement and a lump sum payment equal to his total accumulated retirement deductions. These provisions are aimed at ensuring financial support for McPherson and his family due to his service-related incapacitation.

Contention

A point of contention surrounding this bill is its specificity, which could set a precedent for similar future bills concerning other incapacitated law enforcement officers. While proponents argue that it is essential to recognize and reward the sacrifices made by public servants like McPherson, opponents might raise concerns about the implications of providing such tailored benefits, which could lead to disparities in how similar cases are handled and pose questions about overall fiscal responsibility for public pensions.