Bill > H2436

This bill, known as "The Benson Bill," aims to eliminate all fees charged by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) for removing, transporting, or handling a deceased child's body, with a child defined as ranging from a reportable fetal death to 60 months of age. The legislation recognizes the emotional hardship faced by families who have lost a child and seeks to remove the financial burden associated with such a devastating loss. Under the bill, the OCME will be prohibited from charging any fees related to a child's body, including cremation and viewing fees, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will allocate sufficient funding to offset the revenue impact. The OCME will be required to submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the number of child cases handled, associated costs, and any recommendations for additional funding. The bill will take effect 90 days after its passage, and it includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the legislation is found invalid, the remaining provisions can still be implemented. The underlying legislative declaration emphasizes the state's commitment to supporting grieving families with compassion during their time of profound loss.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2436