Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2449

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to non-membership service in public safety

Impact

The bill will require local legislative bodies, such as city councils or town meetings, to adopt this measure in order for it to take effect. By allowing non-membership service for certain uniformed personnel, the bill aims to retain experienced individuals despite their retirement system status. This could have significant implications for local public safety departments, enabling them to maintain staffing levels and drawing on the expertise of seasoned members who may otherwise retire due to the limitations imposed by existing laws. The scope of this change reflects an acknowledgement of the unique needs of public safety services in various communities throughout Massachusetts.

Summary

House Bill 2449, introduced by Representative Natalie M. Blais, addresses the status of uniformed members in paid fire and police departments who are not part of a retirement system under Chapter 32 of the General Laws. The bill stipulates that these individuals shall be exempt from certain provisions of a prior act (Chapter 415 of the Acts of 1987) that may restrict their service based on their retirement status. While this exemption allows these personnel to continue their service, it also includes a provision that they cannot serve past the age of 72. The intent behind the bill is to provide flexibility for local governments regarding their employment of public safety personnel.

Contention

However, the bill may not be free from contention. Discussions surrounding the bill may focus on whether extending service for uniformed members who are not part of any retirement system could have implications on public safety costs and liability. Critics might argue that allowing service beyond typical retirement age raises concerns regarding the physical capabilities and readiness of older personnel in high-stakes roles such as firefighting and policing. Furthermore, the requirement for local approval introduces an element of variability, which may lead to disparities in how public safety personnel are managed across different jurisdictions in the state.

Companion Bills

MA H4878

Similar To Study Order

MA H4877

Similar To Study Order

MA H4901

Similar To Study Order

MA H4906

Similar To Study Order

MA H4904

Similar To Study Order

MA H4518

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA H2760

Relative to non-membership service in public safety

MA H3802

Creating a municipal and public safety building authority

MA H2571

Creating a municipal and public safety building authority

MA H4140

Relative to non-civil service public safety personnel in the town of Wellesley

MA S1526

Relative to construction and rehabilitation of public safety facilities

MA S1628

Relative to public safety officers and creditable service

MA S1811

Relative to public safety officers and creditable service

MA H4072

Exempting the positions of police chief and fire chief in the city of Greenfield from the civil service law

MA H4518

Study Order

MA H2580

Relative to pensions for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.