Massachusetts House Bill H4908

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/24/24
• Refer: 7/24/24
• Refer: 8/20/24
• Engrossed: 9/23/24
• Engrossed: 11/12/24
• Enrolled: 11/14/24
• Chaptered: 11/22/24
• Passed: 11/22/24

Caption

Authorizing the town of Warwick to continue the employment of David A. Shoemaker as police chief until a maximum age of 70

Impact

Should this bill pass, it would modify existing state laws concerning employment and retirement age for police officials in Warwick. This localized exception underscores the town's need for continuity in its law enforcement leadership while adhering to the standards of public safety and departmental operations. Notably, the bill allows for employment beyond the typical retirement age, contingent upon the police chief's mental and physical capability to perform his duties.

Summary

House Bill 4908 seeks to authorize the town of Warwick to extend the employment of its police chief, David A. Shoemaker, until he reaches the age of 70. The bill is presented by Representatives Susannah M. Whipps and Joanne M. Comerford, and it aims to provide a specific exception to the general retirement policies that typically regulate the age at which public safety officials must retire. The motivation behind this bill appears to be the town's desire to retain experienced leadership in their police department.

Contention

While no major points of contention have been highlighted in the provided text, it is important to note that such exceptions to retirement ages can lead to broader discussions on public service employment policies. Critics may argue that extending the employment age could hinder opportunities for younger officers or create disparities in department dynamics. However, the bill seems to have received local approval, indicating community support for David A. Shoemaker's continued leadership.