Bill > S1887

This bill amends the Massachusetts pension law to provide comprehensive financial support for the surviving spouses and children of firefighters, police officers, and corrections officers who are killed in the line of duty. Specifically, if a public safety officer dies while performing their official duties—such as during an emergency response, assault, or accident involving a department vehicle—their surviving spouse will receive an annual pension equal to the full salary the officer would have earned had they continued working. If the surviving spouse dies, each child will receive $312 annually plus 72% of the spouse's previous pension until they turn 18 (or 22 if they are full-time students), with continued support for children who are physically or mentally incapacitated. In cases where no spouse survives, the children will receive a pension equivalent to the officer's potential salary. The bill clarifies that these benefits apply to various public safety personnel, including members of specific fire departments like the Massachusetts military reservation and 104th fighter wing, and can be paid through different retirement systems depending on the officer's employment status. The legislation ensures that families of public safety officers who make the ultimate sacrifice are financially supported.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1887