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HD 2553

An Act to provide certain employees in the department of corrections with line of duty death benefits

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Hawkins

Massachusetts bill extending line-of-duty death benefits to certain corrections employees killed performing job duties, providing family compensation and survivor protections.

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Bill Summary · HD 2553

Legislative bill overview

HD 2553 extends line-of-duty death (LODD) benefits to certain Department of Corrections employees who are not currently covered under existing LODD benefit programs. The bill specifies which DOC staff members qualify for these benefits, including survivor compensation and related protections when employees die in the performance of their duties.

Why is this important

Corrections officers face significant occupational hazards and risk of violence, yet some DOC employees lack the same death benefit protections afforded to police and firefighters. This bill addresses a potential equity gap by ensuring that corrections workers killed on the job provide financial security to their families, which may improve recruitment and retention in a challenging field.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: The bill expands a benefit program, requiring state funding for survivor benefits that could represent ongoing fiscal obligations
  • Scope definition: Determining which DOC employees qualify (officers, medical staff, administrative personnel, contractors) and whether the definition is appropriately inclusive or overly broad
  • Comparative benefits: Questions about whether benefit levels should match those of sworn law enforcement or differ based on job classification and risk levels

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

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