Massachusetts Senate Bill S1717

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 5/22/23

Caption

Authorizing the state retirement board to retire Jamie J. Magarian, a uniformed member of the Department of State Police at the regular rate of compensation

Impact

The key provisions of S1717 dictate that Jamie J. Magarian will receive an annual pension equivalent to his regular pay, until he turns 65 or passes away, whichever occurs first. Upon reaching 65, he will transition to a pension amounting to 80% of his final compensation. Additionally, the bill specifies that all benefits will be administered under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 32, and will be non-taxable when permissible under state law. These measures are significant as they enhance the welfare of injured law enforcement officers who can no longer fulfill their duties.

Summary

Bill S1717 is designed to authorize the Massachusetts state retirement board to retire Jamie J. Magarian, a uniformed member of the Department of State Police, at the regular rate of compensation due to injuries sustained while on duty in March 2018. This bill acknowledges the permanent incapacitation of Officer Magarian, enabling him to receive a pension that reflects the compensation he would have obtained had he continued his service. It seeks to provide him financial security following his retirement due to work-related injuries.

Conclusion

The consideration of S1717 portrays a society recognizing and honoring the sacrifices made by law enforcement members. By providing a structured retirement plan to Jamie J. Magarian, the bill not only aids him but also establishes a precedence for how the state addresses cases of incapacitation among its officers, potentially serving as a model for future similar legislation. As discussions around police enforcement and community safety continue to evolve, S1717 reinforces the necessity of supporting those who experience life-altering injuries while fulfilling their duties.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes a provision allowing for indemnification of all medical expenses related to the injuries sustained by Magarian, reflecting a commitment to the welfare of public safety officials. Furthermore, if Magarian is married at the time of his retirement, his spouse would receive a majority of his pension after his death, which underscores the humanitarian aspect of the bill. While this kind of legislation typically garners broad support due to its focus on public service and safety personnel, there may still be discussions around the implications of retirement benefits for public sector employees, particularly regarding budgetary constraints in municipal funding.