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SD 121

An Act relative to the timely and consistent payment of law enforcement personnel

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

The project awarding authority would directly maintain police detail records and pay providers, separating these costs from bids.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 121

Summary: An Act relative to the timely and consistent payment of law enforcement personnel (Senate Docket No. 121)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill seeks to reform how police details for public works projects are paid and managed. Introduced February 27, 2025 by Senator Michael O. Moore, the measure aims to ensure timely and consistent payment to law enforcement personnel who perform police details on public works jobs. The House has concurred, and the bill was referred to the Committee on Public Service on the same date.

What the bill would do

  • Amend Schedule: Section 39M of Chapter 30 of the General Laws (as of the 2022 Official Edition) by adding a new paragraph (f).
  • Direct authority and payments: The project awarding authority for public works projects would assume direct responsibility for:
    • Maintaining police detail records,
    • Receiving invoices from, and
    • Making direct payments to, entities providing police detail services.
  • Separation from bids: The cost of police details would not be included in the bid price submitted by bidders for public works projects. The cost must be addressed separately in the bid documents.
  • Bid documentation: The new paragraph would be referenced or included in bid documents for public works projects.

Who is affected

  • Police detail providers: Law enforcement personnel who work details on public works projects would be paid directly by the project awarding authority.
  • Project awarding authorities: Cities, towns, or other entities awarding public works contracts would take on record-keeping and payment responsibilities for police details.
  • Contractors/bidders: Bidders would no longer incorporate police detail costs into their bid prices; they would encounter new bidding documentation requirements referencing the direct payment framework.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Origination and filing: Senate Bill No. 121 filed January 8, 2025.
  • Legislative path: Referred to the Senate and subsequently to the House; House concurred on February 27, 2025.
  • Related legislation: The measure notes a similar matter filed in the 2023-2024 session (Senate No. 1705).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Payment timeliness: By centralizing payment and record-keeping, the bill targets more timely and predictable payments for police details.
  • Administrative shift: The shift to direct payment and record management by the project awarding authority increases administrative responsibilities for municipalities and state agencies.
  • Bid economics: Separating police detail costs from bid pricing could affect bid strategies and project budgeting.
  • Compliance and documentation: Required reference in bid documents may standardize how police detail services are treated across public works procurements.

Current status

  • Status: House concurred.
  • Next steps: If enacted, the provisions would become part of Chapter 30, Section 39M, governing public works police details, subject to standard implementing timelines and any other necessary regulatory adjustments.

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

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