An Act authorizing the Adams Fire District to allow firefighters to continue to serve past the age of 65

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Barrett

Adams Fire District may keep certain firefighters past 65 up to 70 with fitness checks, paying no post-65 deductions while computing retirement as if they retired at 65.

Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Public Service

Summary of Bill HD 6206 (Session 194th) – Massachusetts

Purpose and intent

The bill proposes to authorize the Adams Fire District to allow firefighters to continue to serve past the statutory retirement age of 65.

Specifically, it would permit call firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and fire engineers in the Adams Fire District to remain active in service until age 70, or until retirement/non-reappointment, whichever comes first, provided they meet fitness requirements.

Key provisions and changes

Age extension: Firefighters who would normally be retired at age 65 under general/special laws can continue in service up to age 70.

Fitness requirement: The firefighter must be mentally and physically capable of performing duties. The district may require an impartial physician (paid by the employee) to assess fitness to remain in service.

Compensation: No deductions from regular compensation shall be made for service performed after turning 65 for retirement/pension purposes.

Retirement benefits: Upon retirement under this act after age 65, the firefighter shall receive a superannuation retirement allowance that equals what they would have received if they had retired at age 65.

Implementation: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

Individuals: Call firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and fire engineers employed by the Adams Fire District who would otherwise reach mandatory retirement at 65.

Employer: Adams Fire District (and its payroll/retirement administration) would implement the extension and related fitness and retirement adjustments.

Benefit/pension status: Those who continue past 65 retain their right to a retirement allowance calculated as if they retired at 65, with no deduction to current compensation for post-65 service.

Procedural and timeline notes

Legislative posture: The bill was filed by Rep. John Barrett, III (North Adams) and carries a co-sponsor. It is filed as a private act specific to the Adams Fire District.

Action history: Referred to House Rules (June 8, 2026) and subsequently to Joint Rules/Public Service after progression (June 11, 2026). The act would take effect upon passage.

Scope: The act is district-specific and does not apply to other fire districts or municipalities absent similar local legislation.

Practical implications and considerations

The district gains flexibility to retain experienced personnel beyond 65, potentially benefiting operational continuity and institutional knowledge.

Financial impact: Firefighters retain compensation post-65 and receive a retirement benefit as if they retired at 65, which could influence district budgeting for salaries and pensions; no payroll deductions would apply for post-65 service toward retirement benefits.

Oversight: Fitness evaluations introduce a mechanism to assess ongoing capability, with potential cost to the employee for medical examinations.

Bottom line

If enacted, the Adams Fire District would be allowed to keep selected firefighters employed past age 65 (up to age 70) with fitness oversight, while ensuring their retirement benefits are calculated as if they had retired at 65 and without changes to their current pay for post-65 service. The statute would take effect upon passage.