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Bill

H 3930

An Act authorizing the appointment of special police officers in the town of Maynard

193rd Legislature (2023-2024) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 1 co-sponsor

Maynard, Massachusetts gains authority to appoint special police officers to expand local law enforcement staffing capabilities.

Laid before the Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3930

Legislative bill overview

H 3930 authorizes the town of Maynard, Massachusetts to appoint special police officers beyond its existing authorization. The bill grants the municipality the statutory authority to expand its special police force, though it does not specify the number of positions or funding mechanism. This represents a local authorization that requires town action to implement.

Why is this important

Special police officers typically handle limited duties such as traffic control, parking enforcement, or facility security at lower cost than full-time sworn officers. This bill allows Maynard to adjust its law enforcement staffing structure to match community needs without requiring a special legislative act for each appointment. The measure became law on December 30, 2024.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and oversight: The bill's language does not specify duties, training requirements, or oversight mechanisms for special officers, leaving discretion entirely to the town
  • Fiscal impact: No funding source is identified, raising questions about whether this creates unfunded obligations or shifts budget priorities
  • Accountability: Special officers may have fewer training requirements than regular police, potentially creating inconsistency in law enforcement standards and public accountability

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

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