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SD 4007

An Act authorizing the Montague Center Fire District and the Turners Falls Fire District to continue the membership of members John Annear, Lawrence William Peters Jr., David Rehorka, Richard Sawin and Sallie Sawin

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford

Allows specific Fire District members to serve until age 72 with annual medical exams, funded by districts, while preserving pension rules after 65.

Referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
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Bill Summary · SD 4007

Summary of SD 4007 (Massachusetts) – 194th General Court

Main purpose

  • The bill authorizes the Montague Center Fire District and the Turners Falls Fire District to authorize the continued service of specific current members beyond the usual age limits, subject to annual health assessments. The goal is to allow these named individuals to remain in their positions until age 72 or until retirement/non-reappointment, whichever comes first, provided they remain mentally and physically capable of performing their duties.

Key provisions and changes

1) Continued service eligibility
- Names affected:
- Montague Center Fire District: David Rehorka and John Annear
- Turners Falls Fire District: Richard Sawin, Lawrence William Peters Jr., and Sallie Sawin
- Age/tenure provision:
- These members may continue serving until they reach 72 years old, or until retirement or non-reappointment, whichever occurs first.
- The continuation is contingent on their ongoing mental and physical capability to perform the duties of their position.

2) Annual medical examinations
- For Montague Center Fire District:
- The Prudential Committee may require annual medical examinations for David Rehorka and John Annear.
- Examinations must be conducted by a physician designated by the district.
- The district covers the expense of these examinations.
- For Turners Falls Fire District:
- The Prudential Committee may require annual medical examinations for John Annear, Richard Sawin, Lawrence William Peters Jr., and Sallie Sawin.
- Examinations must be conducted by a district-designated physician.
- The district covers the expense of these examinations.

3) Retirement/pension implications
- No further deductions from regular compensation shall be made after these individuals reach age 65 for retirement or pension purposes, in connection with their service to the district, beyond what is specified in Chapter 32 of the General Laws.
- This implies protections or guarantees related to compensation/retirement contributions post-65 as they relate to pension calculations.

4) Effective date
- The act becomes effective upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • Fire District governance and personnel:
    • Montague Center Fire District Prudential Committee
    • Turners Falls Fire District Prudential Committee
  • Individuals affected:
    • David Rehorka (Montague Center)
    • John Annear (Montague Center and Turners Falls)
    • Richard Sawin (Turners Falls)
    • Lawrence William Peters Jr. (Turners Falls)
    • Sallie Sawin (Turners Falls)
  • The bill also affects district budgeting (for mandatory annual medical examinations) and retirement/pension calculations related to age 65 and beyond.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Legislative status: Senate Docket No. 4007, filed June 17, 2026, during the 194th General Court.
  • Process: Requires passage by both chambers of the Massachusetts General Court and the governor’s signature to become law.
  • Implementation: If enacted, the provisions would apply to the named individuals and govern future service continuation and required annual medical examinations, with funding borne by the respective districts.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Provides a mechanism to retain experienced fire district personnel beyond typical age limits, potentially preserving institutional knowledge and continuity.
  • Establishes formal health-safety checks to ensure ongoing capability to perform duties.
  • Creates budgetary implications due to mandated annual medical examinations (district-funded) and potential pension/benefit considerations after age 65.

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

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