Senator Oliveira and Representative Garry to Hold Press Conference on Bill Expanding Heart Law Coverage for Publicly Employed Police Officers
Derrick Cruz (he/him/his)
Director of Communications & Engagement
Office of State Senator Jake Oliveira
Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester District
Derrick.cruz@masenate.gov
978-400-1435
Mary Gail Martin
Legislative Aide
Office of Representative Colleen M. Garry
State House, Room 238
Boston, Ma 02133
(617) 722 2380
When: 12:00 PM Thursday, February 26th, 2026
WHERE: Room 437, Massachusetts State House
24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
What: Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) and Representative Colleen Garry (Dracut-D) will hold a press conference on Thursday, February 26th, at 12:00 PM in Room 437 to advocate for joint legislation they filed, S.1895/H.2842, An Act providing equity and fairness to POST-certified police officers disabled by cardiac disease. This legislation seeks to amend Chapter 32, Section 94 of the "Heart Law" to include approximately 400 publicly employed police officers from agencies that were forgotten or not in their current form in 1950 when the "Heart Law" was passed.
Research has confirmed that police officers face significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease, yet current law excludes certain law enforcement agencies from protections under the "Heart Law." This legislation corrects that oversight by ensuring that the University of Massachusetts Police, the State Environmental Police, the Department of Mental Health Police, the Massport Police, and the State and Community College Police receive the same considerations as other publicly employed officers.
Derrick Cruz Director of Communications & Engagement
Contacts:
Speakers will include Lt. James Sullivan of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Police Department and AFSCME Council 93 Legislative and Political Director Jim Durkin, in addition to Senator Oliveira and Representative Garry.