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Bill

SD 196

An Act relative to pensions for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Moore

Massachusetts bill establishes pension benefits for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty to provide financial support to surviving dependents.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 196

Legislative bill overview

SD 196 establishes or modifies pension benefits for children of public safety officers (police, firefighters, and similar personnel) who are killed in the line of duty. The bill creates a mechanism to provide financial support to dependent children of officers who die while performing their official duties.

Why is this important

Public safety officer fatalities have significant financial consequences for families left behind. This bill addresses the economic hardship faced by children who lose a parent in service-related deaths, potentially ensuring they have educational and living support during formative years. The measure recognizes public safety work as carrying elevated occupational risk.

Potential points of contention

  • Eligibility criteria: Questions may arise about how "line of duty" is defined, whether all public safety roles qualify equally, and age limits for beneficiary children
  • Benefit amount and duration: Stakeholders may disagree on pension levels, whether benefits extend through college, and how they compare to other survivor programs
  • Fiscal impact: The state budget implications and long-term pension liability costs could face scrutiny, particularly regarding program sustainability and funding mechanisms

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

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