Plaxen Adler Muncy Attorneys Fight for State Correctional Officers’ Rights in Annapolis
On February 13th, the attorneys of Plaxen Adler Muncy, participated in Justice Day sponsored by the Maryland Association for Justice and spent the day in Annapolis meeting with state legislators to directly advocate for rights of injury victims. One of the most important bills we focused on was Senate Bill 48: Workers’ Compensation – Permanent Partial Disability – State Correctional Officers. SB 48 provides enhanced workers’ compensation benefits for a state correctional officer who sustains a compensable permanent partial disability of less than 75 weeks. Essentially, SB 48 doubles the amount of compensation state correctional officers receive for first tier injuries (under 75 weeks).
This bill is long overdue, because despite the incredibly dangerous conditions correctional officers face every day, they are not afforded the same workers’ compensation benefits as police officers, firefighters, and other public safety employees. Just like traditional public safety servants, correctional officers are under constant stress as they are responsible for the supervision, safety, and security of Maryland’s most dangerous criminals.
After the meetings with state legislators were concluded, the Senate Finance Committee favorably reported SB 48 and the vote was unanimous! Additionally, every member of the Senate Finance Committee added their names as cosponsors of the bill. These developments are an encouraging sign that the bill enjoys bipartisan support and will hopefully move quickly to the House Economic Matters Committee for action on the cross-filed bill.
The attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy are proud of not only protecting our clients’ rights in the courtroom, but fighting for those rights in Annapolis to ensure access to justice for everyone.
