House Finalizes Bill to Double Benefits for Correctional Officers

Wednesday, April 4, 2018 | 0

The Maryland House of Representatives on Monday night agreed to minor changes in legislation that would double disability benefits for injured correctional officers. The move gives final approval to HB 205, which now goes to the governor.

HB 205, sponsored by Del. Luke Clippinger, passed the House earlier in March, 131-4, and passed the Senate 46-0. The vote Monday was little more than a formality to adopt changes in the Senate version.

Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has not said how he feels about the measure, which would cost the state about $1.4 million more per year in compensation expenses, said the company that administers the state’s workers’ compensation insurance.

Under Maryland law, most employees who are awarded permanent partial disability can qualify for no more than 75 weeks, no more than their average weekly wage, and up to 16.7% of the average weekly wage in the state. But public safety employees automatically qualify for up to 250 weeks of benefits and two-thirds of their average weekly wage, up to one-third of the state average wage.

The bill would classify correctional officers as public safety workers, essentially doubling their disability benefits, an analysis of the bill shows.