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SB 647

Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System and State Police Retirement System - Line-of-Duty Catastrophic Injury Disability

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Bailey

Maryland bill enhances disability pension benefits for law enforcement officers suffering catastrophic line-of-duty injuries, increasing state long-term obligations.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 306
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Bill Summary · SB 647

Legislative bill overview

SB 647 modifies Maryland's pension and retirement benefits for law enforcement officers who suffer catastrophic injuries in the line of duty. The bill adjusts disability compensation provisions within the Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System (LEOPS) and State Police Retirement System to provide enhanced or revised benefits for officers sustaining severe, duty-related injuries that prevent them from continuing service.

Why is this important

Law enforcement officers face significant occupational hazards, and catastrophic injuries can result in permanent disability and loss of income. This bill addresses how the state compensates officers who sustain severe injuries while performing their duties, affecting both officer financial security and state pension fund obligations. The amendments suggest the legislature refined the benefit structure to balance officer protection with fiscal considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state budget: Enhanced disability benefits increase long-term pension liabilities and state expenditures, which may compete with other budget priorities during fiscal constraints
  • Definition and eligibility scope: The specifics of what qualifies as "catastrophic" and which injuries are deemed "line-of-duty" could create disputes over individual cases and consistency in application
  • Fairness across systems: Differential treatment between LEOPS and State Police Retirement System members, or between catastrophic versus standard disabilities, may raise equity concerns among officers with varying injury severity levels

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

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