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Bill

H 2993

An Act providing the next of kin of a police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty with the flags of the Commonwealth and the United States

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 22 co-sponsors

Massachusetts requires next of kin of police officers and firefighters killed in duty to receive state and U.S. flags as ceremonial honors.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2993

Legislative bill overview

H 2993 mandates that the next of kin of Massachusetts police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty receive both a Commonwealth flag and a United States flag. The bill establishes a formal protocol for providing these flags as a ceremonial honor to families of fallen first responders.

Why is this important

This bill addresses how Massachusetts honors the sacrifice of fallen law enforcement and firefighting personnel by ensuring consistent, dignified recognition through flag presentation. For bereaved families, receiving official flags serves as a tangible symbol of state and national respect and can provide meaningful closure during their grieving process.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation: The fiscal impact of manufacturing and distributing flags, plus administrative costs to establish and maintain the distribution system, remains unclear from the bill summary
  • Definition scope: The bill's precise definition of "killed in the line of duty" may affect eligibility determinations in disputed or ambiguous cases involving accidental deaths, duty-related illnesses, or off-duty situations
  • Existing practices: Massachusetts may already have informal flag-presentation practices, making this bill either redundant or a clarification of existing custom, which affects whether legislative action is necessary

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

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