Does HR 218 Apply to Corrections Officers? Understanding the Public Safety Officer Benefits Improvement Act
The Public Safety Officer Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, also known as HR 218, significantly impacts the benefits available to public safety officers who suffer from work-related illnesses or injuries. A crucial question many corrections officers ask is: does HR 218 apply to me? The answer is nuanced and depends on several factors.
While HR 218 doesn't explicitly list "corrections officer" as a covered profession, the law's broad definition of "public safety officer" often includes them. The key lies in the specific duties and responsibilities of the corrections officer's position.
Who is covered under HR 218?
HR 218 defines a public safety officer as someone employed by a federal, state, or local government agency who performs duties that are primarily dedicated to:
-
Protecting life and property: This is where the inclusion of corrections officers gets complex. Their primary duty involves maintaining order and safety within correctional facilities, directly protecting the lives of inmates and staff, and safeguarding property.
-
Maintaining order: Corrections officers actively prevent disturbances, intervene in conflicts, and enforce rules and regulations within the correctional setting, clearly fulfilling this requirement.
-
Enforcing the law: Though not always directly involved in law enforcement outside the correctional facility, corrections officers enforce laws and regulations within the facility, applying sanctions for violations.
Factors influencing coverage:
-
State and Local Laws: State and local definitions of "corrections officer" and their duties significantly influence eligibility. Some states may have specific criteria that align more closely with HR 218's definition than others.
-
Specific Job Duties: A corrections officer primarily focused on administrative tasks might have a weaker claim compared to one regularly involved in direct inmate supervision and security. The nature of their daily work profoundly affects eligibility.
-
Agency Designation: The employing agency’s classification of the position as "public safety" is crucial. If the agency officially designates the role as such, it strengthens the claim for coverage under HR 218.
What benefits does HR 218 provide?
HR 218 improves and expands the benefits available under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB), including:
- Increased death benefits: For officers killed in the line of duty.
- Expanded disability benefits: Covering a wider range of work-related injuries and illnesses, including those stemming from long-term exposure to stressors.
- Improved claim processing: Streamlining the process to make it quicker and more efficient.
How to determine eligibility:
If you are a corrections officer and unsure whether HR 218 applies, you should:
- Review your job description: Analyze your daily responsibilities carefully.
- Consult with your employing agency's HR department: They can provide clarification on the agency's classification of your position and its alignment with HR 218.
- Contact the Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ administers the PSOB program and can provide guidance on eligibility.
In conclusion, while HR 218 doesn't explicitly mention corrections officers, many qualify under its broad definition of public safety officer. The specifics of the position and the agency's classification play significant roles in determining eligibility. Careful review of job duties and consultation with relevant authorities are essential for establishing eligibility for the benefits outlined in HR 218.
