WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2970

An Act relative to providing the next of kin of a state police officer killed in the line of duty with a flag during the memorial service

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Todd Smola

Requires the Massachusetts State Police to give the flag of the Commonwealth to a deceased officer's next of kin at the memorial service for line of duty deaths.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2970

Summary of House Bill H.2970 (2025)

Title and Purpose

An Act relative to providing the next of kin of a state police officer killed in the line of duty with a flag during the memorial service.

  • Purpose: Mandate that the Massachusetts Department of State Police provide the flag of the Commonwealth to the officer’s next of kin during the memorial service when a Department of State Police officer is killed in the line of duty, or dies as a result of job-related hazards.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Section 89 of Chapter 32 (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition)
    • Adds a new paragraph establishing a mandatory duty for the department.
    • Trigger: An officer of the Department of State Police is killed, dies from injuries received, or dies as a natural and proximate result of undergoing a hazard peculiar to the officer’s employment while performing duty.
    • Obligation: The officer’s next of kin shall receive from the department a flag of the Commonwealth during the memorial service.
    • Definition of “next of kin”: A surviving spouse, partner, parent, or close family member of the deceased.

Who is Affected

  • Primary: Massachusetts Department of State Police.
  • Beneficiaries: The next of kin of a state police officer killed in the line of duty, including surviving spouses, partners, parents, or other close family members as defined by the bill.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Docket: House Docket No. 2814; Filed January 16, 2025.
  • Initial Referral: Referred to the committee on Public Service (02/27/2025).
  • Senate Action: Senate concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • Hearings: Hearing scheduled for May 12, 2025 (05/12/2025) from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (A-1).
  • Committee Action: Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means on August 25, 2025.
  • Related Matter: Similar legislation previously filed as House Docket No. 2664 in the 2023-2024 session.
  • Status: Bill has progressed through committee action and is moving toward further consideration by Ways and Means.

Potential Impact and Notes

  • Fiscal Implications: The bill does not include an appropriation or explicit funding mechanism. The cost of providing the flag would be borne by the Department of State Police, subject to future budget decisions.
  • Scope: Applies specifically to state police officers within the Department of State Police, not to other law enforcement agencies.
  • Compliance: The language uses “shall receive,” creating a mandatory obligation for the department at memorial services.
  • Practical Considerations: The bill does not specify details such as flag size, presentation protocol, or personnel responsible for delivery; those may be addressed in agency policy or subsequent implementing legislation.

Summary

H.2970 would codify a duty for the Massachusetts Department of State Police to provide a Commonwealth flag to the next of kin of an officer killed in the line of duty during a memorial service. The measure defines eligible next of kin and aligns with memorial practices, while awaiting further consideration by Ways and Means after receiving favorable committee action.

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

Sign in to ask a question.