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S 3051

An Act relative to a certain retirement benefit to be paid to the surviving spouse of fallen officer, Stephen LaPorta, of the police department of the town of Uxbridge

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Fattman and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill authorizes enhanced retirement benefit for surviving spouse of deceased police officer Stephen LaPorta from Uxbridge Police Department.

Discharged from committee and recommitted to the committee on Public Service
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Bill Summary · S 3051

Legislative bill overview

S 3051 is a special act that would authorize a specific retirement benefit to be paid to the surviving spouse of Stephen LaPorta, a police officer from Uxbridge, Massachusetts who died in the line of duty. The bill creates an exception to standard municipal retirement rules to provide enhanced pension or survivor benefits for this particular case.

Why is this important

Line-of-duty deaths create significant financial hardship for surviving families who lose their primary breadwinner. Special legislation allowing enhanced benefits acknowledges the sacrifice made by fallen officers and provides financial security to their dependents, though it raises questions about how such cases are handled systematically versus through individual bills.

Potential points of contention

  • Precedent and fairness: Individual special acts may create pressure for similar bills for other fallen officers, raising questions about why some cases receive special treatment through legislation rather than existing statutory frameworks
  • Fiscal impact: The bill imposes a cost on the municipality of Uxbridge without specifying the amount or duration of the benefit, which affects local budgets
  • Systemic vs. ad-hoc approach: This addresses one officer's family through special legislation rather than improving general survivor benefits available to all fallen officers statewide

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

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