By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would allow a police officer or firefighter who is granted a disability retirement pension, to have any previous period of leave from their service to be covered as if that time out of service was an absence. By such designation, they will have the right to receive any retroactive pay or personnel actions on account of this absence designation.
Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfield), the sponsor of the measure, said he filed this legislation after a member of the National Association for Government Employees brought it to his attention that police officers and firefighters were not receiving compensation during their leave of absence prior to them being granted their disability retirement pension.
“The negative financial impacts placed on our first responders due to this delay in pay is unjust. Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to serve communities across the commonwealth, and this bill is a step forward in making sure they are supported when they sustain injuries in the line of duty.” said Puppolo.
BILLS HEARD BY THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY – Several bills had a hearing before the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security including: