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H 2735

An Act establishing a fund for the care of retired police dogs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 13 co-sponsors

Establishes the Retired Police Dog Care Fund to grant Massachusetts nonprofits funds for care and medical needs of retired police dogs.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2735

Summary: House Bill 2735 — An Act Establishing a Fund for the Care of Retired Police Dogs

Overview

House Bill 2735 would create a dedicated financial mechanism, the Retired Police Dog Care Fund, to support the care and medical needs of retired police dogs within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The fund would be administered by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). The measure was introduced on February 27, 2025, and a hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2025 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, in Committee Room A-2). The bill was referred to the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, with related actions noted in the legislative record.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a stable, dedicated funding source to ensure ongoing care for retired police dogs after their service.
  • Provide grants to nonprofit organizations within Massachusetts to cover care and medical services for these dogs.
  • Improve oversight and accountability for funds used to support retired police dogs.

Key Provisions

Creation and Administration

  • Establishment of the Retired Police Dog Care Fund (the Fund) under Chapter 29, inserted as a new section 2RRRRR.
  • The Fund shall be administered by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).

Funding Sources

  • The Fund will receive money from:
    • Appropriations designated to the Fund by the General Court.
    • Grants, gifts, or other designated funds from public or private sources.
    • Income from investments of amounts credited to the Fund.
  • Any unexpended balance at the end of a fiscal year remains in the Fund and can be spent in the subsequent year (i.e., balances do not revert to the General Fund).

Use of Funds

  • All money in the Fund shall be used, without further appropriation, to grant funds to nonprofit institutions within Massachusetts.
  • Grants are for the purpose of providing care and medical services to retired police dogs.
  • The EOPSS Secretary must ensure funds are allocated to and used by reputable organizations for the care and medical needs of retired police dogs.
  • A “police dog” is defined by reference to section 1 of Chapter 111C.

Reporting and Oversight

  • Annually, by March 1, the EOPSS Secretary must report to:
    • The clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives.
    • The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
    • The Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means.
  • Reports should cover activities, including amounts credited to the Fund, amounts expended, and any unexpended balances.

Affected Parties

  • Retired police dogs in Massachusetts (beneficiaries of care and medical services).
  • Nonprofit institutions within Massachusetts that provide care and medical services to retired police dogs (eligible grantees).
  • Law enforcement agencies and dog-handling units that retire police dogs and may seek support for ongoing care needs.
  • State agencies (EOPSS) responsible for administration and oversight of the Fund.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative Actions: Referred to Public Safety and Homeland Security; Senate concurred on February 27, 2025 (per record).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for September 25, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (A-2).
  • Related History: Similar measure previously filed in the 2023-2024 session as House Bill 2424.
  • No specific appropriation amount is listed in the bill text; the Fund operates on designated appropriations, grants, gifts, and investment income.

Potential Impact

  • Creates a dedicated, self-sustaining Fund to support the long-term welfare of retired police dogs.
  • Improves certainty and consistency of funding for veterinary care, medical treatments, and related support.
  • Establishes formal reporting, enhancing transparency and oversight of Fund activities and allocations.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to the prior similar measure (HD 2424 of 2023-2024) or draft a plain-language briefing for stakeholders (police departments, nonprofits, veterinarians).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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