Council advances amended pension petition for firefighter Leo J. Bracken

The Boston City Council voted to accept an amended home‑rule petition seeking an enhanced disability pension for Fire Lieutenant Leo J. Bracken, sending a revised draft onward so the Legislature can consider it.

Councilors said the amended petition narrows and clarifies language that originally created administrative and legal uncertainty. The Committee on Government Operations recommended changes after an audit of the original draft, striking problematic sections and consolidating benefit language into a clearer enforceable standard, according to the committee report. “We worked to bring the petition to a more … legally coherent structure,” the committee chair said during the presentation.

Lead sponsor Councilor Flynn described the measure as “about respect for Lieutenant Bracken,” noting Bracken’s more than 35 years of service and a severe permanent injury sustained in the line of duty. Councilor Murphy—who said Lieutenant Bracken attended the committee hearing and “shared his personal story”—urged colleagues to pass the new draft so the petition can be evaluated by the state legislature.

On a roll-call vote the body recorded 12 votes in the affirmative to accept the committee report and pass Docket 0268 in a new draft. Sponsors emphasized the next step: state approval. The petition, as amended, ties the pension to a clear, administrable standard and was presented as the first step in a process that requires legislative sign‑off at the State House.

What’s next: The council’s action forwards the new draft to the Legislature for review; councilors and committee staff said they expect the city’s legislative delegation and the Boston Retirement Board to review the proposal as it advances.

Votes at a glance: Docket 0268 — committee acceptance and passage in new draft; recorded vote: 12 affirmative.