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H 3188

An Act providing for line-of-duty death benefits for firefighters

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul McMurtry

Massachusetts bill establishing financial death benefits for firefighters killed in the line of duty, moving toward House floor consideration.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 3188

Legislative bill overview

H 3188 establishes or modifies line-of-duty death (LODD) benefits for firefighters in Massachusetts, ensuring financial support for families of firefighters killed while performing their duties. The bill has progressed through committee review and favorable reporting, moving toward floor consideration in the House.

Why is this important

Firefighters face significant occupational hazards, and LODD benefits provide critical financial protection for surviving families who lose their primary earner. These benefits represent a policy commitment to recognize the risks firefighters accept and provide economic security when tragedy occurs.

Potential points of contention

  • Benefit amount and structure: Disagreement may exist over whether proposed benefit levels are adequate, how they compare to other states, or whether they should be indexed to inflation
  • Funding mechanism: Questions about whether benefits are funded through general revenue, special taxes, or employer contributions, and whether costs are sustainable long-term
  • Eligibility definitions: Potential disputes over what qualifies as "line-of-duty" (heart attacks, mental health crises, cancers from exposure) and whether all firefighter categories are covered equally

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

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