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Bill

S 1895

An Act providing equity and fairness to POST-certified police officers disabled by cardiac disease

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 34 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill presumes police cardiac disease is work-related, entitling disabled POST-certified officers to workers' compensation without proving job causation.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 1895

Legislative bill overview

S 1895 establishes presumptive coverage for cardiac disease as a work-related condition for POST-certified (Peace Officer Standards and Training) police officers in Massachusetts. The bill would require workers' compensation to cover heart disease diagnoses for eligible officers without requiring them to prove direct causation from job duties. This creates a legal presumption that cardiac conditions in police officers are occupational in origin.

Why is this important

Police officers face documented higher rates of cardiovascular disease due to job stress, irregular schedules, physical demands, and exposure to traumatic incidents. Current workers' compensation systems typically require officers to prove their heart condition resulted from their work, which is difficult and costly. This bill would simplify access to benefits for disabled officers and their families, reducing litigation while acknowledging occupational health risks inherent to policing.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Presumptive coverage expands workers' compensation liability; employers and insurers may face increased claims and premium costs that could affect municipal budgets
  • Scope definition: Questions about which cardiac conditions qualify, whether all POST-certified officers are eligible regardless of assignment (desk vs. patrol), and potential for overbroad benefit eligibility
  • Precedent concerns: Creates a presumptive model that other occupational groups may seek to replicate, potentially expanding workers' compensation systems broadly

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

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