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H 5419

An Act authorizing the raising the maximum retirement age of special police officers in the town of Kingston to 70 years old

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dylan Fernandes and 3 co-sponsors

Allows Kingston to hire retired officers as special police officers up to age 70, with medical clearance, annual terms, and POST training.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 5419

Summary of H 5419 (194th MA General Court) – An Act authorizing the raising the maximum retirement age of special police officers in the town of Kingston to 70 years old

Purpose and intent

  • Authorizes the Town of Kingston to raise the maximum retirement age for its special police officers to 70 years old.
  • Allows former Kingston regular police officers, who retired in good standing based on superannuation, to be appointed as special police officers after retirement, with age restrictions aligned to the new 70-year cap.

Key provisions and changes

  • Repeal and replacement:

    • Repeals Chapter 652 of the Acts of 1989 (the prior framework governing Kingston’s special police officers).
    • Establishes new framework under which Kingston’s Select Board may annually appoint retired Kingston police officers as special police officers, with age cap of 70.

  • Eligibility and appointment (Sections 2–3, 6, 9):

    • Retired Kingston police officers (regular full-time, retired in good standing for superannuation) may be appointed as special police officers to perform police details or related duties.
    • Appointees must be recommended by the Chief of Police.
    • A special police officer may not be eligible to serve once they reach age 70.
    • Appointments are annual for 1-year terms (July 1 start), at the pleasure of the Town, with potential suspension or removal by the Board of Selectmen; removal requires 14 days’ written notice.

  • Health and fitness (Section 3):

    • Before appointment, a retired officer must pass a medical exam by a physician selected by the Town Chief of Police to determine fitness for duties.
    • Officers must provide proof of medical clearance.
    • The Chief can require additional fitness-for-duty exams, at their discretion.
    • The cost of medical examinations is borne by the retired or special officer.

  • Training, certification, and standards (Sections 4, 5, 7, 10):

    • Special officers must comply with Town policies and Kingston Police Department regulations (training, equipment, uniforms, certifications, etc.), and with Chapter 6E of the General Laws (Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training, POST) including certification and annual in-service training.
    • They retain the same powers of arrest and police authority as regular Kingston officers while performing assigned duties.
    • Hours worked and earnings are subject to the general statutory limits for special police officers under Chapter 32, Section 91.

  • Employment terms and duties (Sections 4, 5, 7, 9):

    • Special officers are sworn in by the Town Clerk; appointments and expirations recorded.
    • Assignment to details or duties is at the discretion of the Kingston Chief of Police.
    • Training, equipment, and uniform costs are borne by the officer unless otherwise determined by the Chief.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Town of Kingston and its Police Department.
  • Individuals: Retired Kingston police officers who would be eligible for appointment as special police officers under the new age cap (70) and who meet medical and training requirements.
  • Town governance: Select Board and Chief of Police (roles in appointment, clinical fitness, and assignments).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: This act takes effect upon passage.
  • Appointment cadence: Annual 1-year terms starting July 1, with removal provisions subject to notice.
  • Local approval: The bill originated with local petition and received favorable committee recommendation, indicating local backing (Local Approval Reported).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Enables Kingston to retain skilled, experienced former officers for police details, potentially improving coverage for events, details, and specialized tasks.
  • Expands eligible pool by allowing age up to 70, subject to medical clearance and ongoing qualifications.
  • Aligns with existing state standards for training and certification, ensuring officers maintain current POST qualifications.
  • Costs associated with medical exams and ongoing training remain the officer’s responsibility, unless otherwise settled by the town.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison to current state rules or provide a brief FAQ for community stakeholders.

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

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