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HD 1728

An Act to ensure pay parity for county sheriffs' correction officers and jail officers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Hawkins and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill requiring county sheriffs to equalize pay between correction and jail officers performing similar duties.

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Bill Summary · HD 1728

Legislative bill overview

HD 1728 requires Massachusetts county sheriffs' offices to establish pay parity between correction officers and jail officers performing substantially similar work. The bill aims to eliminate wage gaps between these two classifications of officers working within the same county sheriff's department, mandating equal compensation for comparable duties and responsibilities.

Why is this important

County jail and correction officers often perform overlapping or identical responsibilities but receive different pay scales based on job titles. This creates internal equity issues that can affect recruitment, retention, and morale among county law enforcement personnel. Addressing pay parity can help counties maintain stable staffing in correctional facilities while ensuring fair compensation practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Counties may face significant budget pressures if required to raise lower-tier salaries to match higher-tier positions, potentially affecting municipal finances or requiring tax increases
  • Definition disputes: Determining what constitutes "substantially similar work" could generate disagreements between labor, management, and county officials about which positions qualify for equal pay
  • Labor negotiation impacts: The bill may circumvent existing collective bargaining agreements or union contracts, creating conflicts with established compensation structures and seniority systems
  • Implementation timeline: Unclear whether parity must be achieved immediately or phased in, affecting county planning and budget cycles

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

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