An amendment included in the FY 2001 state budget, signed by Governor Cellucci, provides this benefit to these former troopers. In 1970 a law was passed providing this same 50% benefit for retired MDC police officers who retired on accidental disability. The MDC law does not include superannuation retirees.

There is a law on the books, subject to local acceptance, which allows a city or town to keep disability retirees' pensions at 50% of the current salary level of their old job. It also allows the same benefit for superannuation retirees with at least 25 years service. However, very few communities have accepted this statute, and the city or town can decide on a figure of less than 50% if it wishes. The state police must be kept at the 50% level.

Former State Police boss, Colonel Reed Hillman, now a State Rep (R-Sturbridge), carried the state police amendment in the House and former State Police Lt., James Jajuga, now a Senator (D-Methuen), sponsored the amendment in the Senate.