Bill Would Double Prison Guards' Disability Benefits

State correctional officers would soon be classified as public safety employees, which would essentially double their permanent partial disability benefits, under legislation that passed the Maryland Senate late last week. HB 205, sponsored by Del. Luke Clippinger, would also cost the state about $1.4 million annually in compensation expense, a legislative analysis of the bill shows. The bill passed the House earlier in March, 131-4, and passed the Senate 46-0. A second vote in the House Monday night was expected to be little more than a formality to adopt minor changes in the Senate ver...