home | current news stories

Legislature:
Michael’s Law DOES Apply to Correctional Officers
Member Testimony and Presence Leads to Key Win

A legislative committee examining the recently-passed Michael’s Law announced on September 13 that correctional officers are indeed covered by that law – the position taken by SEA and the many members who testified at recent committee meetings. 

"Our presence at the meeting made a difference." -Capt. Jon Fouts

Michael’s Law was passed in the most recent session of the legislature, and provides a $100,000 death benefit to the family of a state or local police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty. Throughout the committee’s deliberations, SEA members attended hearings and testified before the committee, arguing that corrections officers should be eligible.

The presence of blue shirts in the hearings made a noticeable difference with the members of legislative committee.

In addition to numerous SEA members in blue shirts, SEA officers and staff also testified that correctional officers should be included in Michael's Law coverage, as did Commissioner Wrenn of the Department of Corrections and Assistant Commissioner Earl Sweeney of the Department of Safety. Ultimately, Sen. Lou D’Allesandro requested an interpretation from the state Attorney General’s office, who responded that the law, as written, did indeed

Testimony by SEA members and leaders were key parts of this win

include correctional officers. Sen. D’Allesandro announced this at the committee meeting on September 13, formalizing this recognition of the dangerous and difficult work done by correctional officers.