An Act authorizing Bradford G. Merkel to take the state police examination notwithstanding the maximum age requirement

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume

Waives the state police maximum age for Bradford G. Merkel to sit the next exam; if he meets all other requirements, he may be appointed. Emergency law takes effect immediately.

Referred to the committee on House Rules

Comprehensive Summary: HD 5296 – An Act authorizing Bradford G. Merkel to take the state police examination notwithstanding the maximum age requirement

Overview

HD 5296 is a proposed Massachusetts bill filed as a joint petition by Rep. Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and Sen. Peter J. Durant. The bill seeks to waive the state police maximum age requirement for a specific individual, Bradford G. Merkel, allowing him to take the next competitive examination for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the state police and, if he meets all other requirements, be eligible for appointment. The measure is designated as an emergency law to take effect immediately.

Bill number: HD 5296

Title: An Act authorizing Bradford G. Merkel to take the state police examination notwithstanding the maximum age requirement

Filed: October 27, 2025 (House Docket No. 5296)

Introduced: November 3, 2025

Status: Referred to the committee on House Rules

Legislative action: Joint petition presented by Rep. Berthiaume and Sen. Durant

Purpose and intent

The main objective is to override the established maximum age limit for initial enlistment in the Massachusetts State Police, specifically to enable Bradford G. Merkel to participate in the next state police examination. If Merkel passes the exam and meets all other requirements, he would be eligible for appointment. The bill emphasizes an emergency declaration to ensure immediate effect.

Key provisions

Notwithstanding section 10 of chapter 22C (the current maximum age for applicants seeking initial enlistment as a uniformed state police member), Bradford G. Merkel shall be eligible to take the next competitive examination.

If Merkel meets all other eligibility requirements, he shall be eligible for appointment following the examination.

Declared emergency law: the act would take effect immediately upon passage to promptly fulfill its purpose.

Affected parties and scope

Primary beneficiary: Bradford G. Merkel (subject of the age waiver)

State Police recruitment process: The next competitive examination and subsequent appointment process would apply to Merkel as if not constrained by the maximum age, assuming compliance with other requirements.

General implications: The bill targets a single individual’s eligibility rather than broad, systemic changes to the age requirement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Filed: October 27, 2025

Introduced: November 3, 2025

Referred to: House Rules (committee assignment)

Legislative posture: Aimed at an emergency enactment to take effect immediately if enacted, with a joint petition approach by the sponsoring representatives and senator.

Potential considerations

Targeted waiver: The bill provides a one-off exception for a single candidate, which may raise questions about consistency of eligibility rules versus individualized waivers.

Process and precedent: If enacted, it could prompt discussion about the use of emergency waivers and the mechanisms for granting age exemptions.