By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to a bill that would expand the current law which provides a property tax abatement to the surviving spouses and minor children of police officers and firefighters “killed in the line of duty.” The bill provides that the abatement also go to the families of officers who “died in the line of duty.”
“Killed in the line of duty” has a limited definition usually meaning the individual lost their life in an incident, accident or due to violence that are directly related to their service. “Died in the line of duty” is broader and can account for a number of medical emergencies like stroke or heart attack.
“This legislation honors the sacrifice of our brave police and firefighters,” said sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “This simple language change will assure that surviving family members receive the tax benefit they are deserving of and what I believe was the original intention of the exemption.”