Massachusetts House Bill H2436

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

To eliminate fees for the removal of a child’s body by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Impact

If passed, the bill would repeal existing statutes or regulations that currently allow the imposition of fees on families for these services. This move would significantly change the financial landscape for families experiencing the loss of a child, as they would no longer be responsible for what can be substantial costs associated with burial and related services pertaining to a child's death. The bill mandates that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will allocate funding to the OCME to mitigate the loss of revenue from these eliminated fees, aiming to ensure that the department can continue operating effectively without financial strain.

Summary

House Bill 2436, also known as 'The Benson Bill', aims to alleviate the financial burden on families who have lost a child by eliminating the fees imposed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) for the removal, transportation, and handling of a deceased child's body. This bill recognizes the profound emotional toll of losing a child and seeks to provide compassion and support to grieving families during this extremely difficult time. By prohibiting the OCME from charging such fees, the legislation aims to ensure that families do not face additional hardships when navigating the loss of a loved one.

Contention

While the bill has been framed as a compassionate response to one of life's most painful experiences, there may be concerns about how effectively the OCME will be funded after the elimination of these fees. Legislators will need to consider the implications of financial support for this office and whether sufficient funding can be assured to manage the increased number of cases without compromising service quality. Additionally, discussions around the bill may raise questions about the sustainability of such measures in the face of changing economic conditions and budgetary constraints within the state.