WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2985

An Act authorizing Stephen Justice to take the civil service examination for the position of firefighter in the city of Haverhill notwithstanding the maximum age requirement

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Barry Finegold and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would exempt Stephen Justice from the firefighter age limit in Haverhill, allowing him to take the civil service exam and seek certification and appointment if all other r

Read third and passed to be engrossed
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2985

Summary of H 2985: An Act authorizing Stephen Justice to take the civil service examination for the position of firefighter in the city of Haverhill notwithstanding the maximum age requirement

Overview

H 2985 proposes a targeted exemption to the standard maximum age limit for applying to the firefighter position in Haverhill. Specifically, it would make Stephen Justice eligible to take the civil service examination and, if he meets all other requirements, eligible for certification and appointment to the Haverhill Fire Department, despite the otherwise applicable age cap.

What the bill would do

  • Create an exception to any general or special law, rule, or regulation that governs the maximum age of applicants for the firefighter position.
  • If Stephen Justice meets all other qualifications, he would be eligible for certification and appointment as a firefighter in Haverhill.
  • The act would take effect upon passage (retroactive to the date of enactment, once signed into law).

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Notwithstanding existing age restrictions, Stephen Justice of Haverhill would be eligible for appointment as a firefighter if he meets all other requirements; upon meeting those requirements, he would be eligible for certification and appointment to the Haverhill Fire Department.
  • Section 2: The act becomes effective upon passage.

Affected parties and potential impact

  • Primary beneficiary: Stephen Justice, who would be allowed to participate in the civil service examination and pursue appointment as a firefighter despite the usual age limit.
  • City of Haverhill and its Fire Department: The bill contemplates a single-individual exemption, potentially affecting how age requirements are applied in practice for this recruitment.
  • Civil service and municipal hiring norms: The measure sets a precedent that could influence future age-related exemptions or local approvals, although the bill itself targets one person.

Legislative timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Local approval: Petition filed with Mayor and City Council approval (as noted in the bill’s filing)
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on Public Service (February 27, 2025); hearing scheduled (May 7, 2025)
  • Subsequent progress: Bill reported favorably from committee (August 21, 2025); rules and scheduling actions followed
  • Status entries (recent): Read second and ordered to a third reading (November 6, 2025)
  • Current status: Read second and ordered to a third reading; the bill is advancing through the House with potential Senate consideration as part of the regular legislative process

Sponsorship and related bills

  • Primary sponsor: Representative Andres X. Vargas
  • Chief cosponsor: Senator Barry R. Finegold
  • Related prior effort: Similar matter previously filed as House Rule No. 5103 in 2023-2024
  • Related bill: HD 51 replaces the specific bill text in a subsequent version

Notes

  • The bill does not alter the general age policy beyond this targeted exception for Stephen Justice.
  • If enacted, the exemption would apply upon passage and would require Stephen Justice to meet all other statutory and department requirements for eligibility and appointment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.