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S 3155

An Act authorizing the South Deerfield Fire District to continue the employment of fire department member Steven Kolakoski

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

Allows a designated firefighter to continue active service beyond the usual retirement age, subject to fitness reviews and adjusted post-65 compensation and retirement benefits.

Hearing scheduled for 07/14/2026 from 11:00 AM-04:00 PM in A-1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3155

Overview

This bill proposes to authorize the South Deerfield Fire District to continue employing a specific fire department member, Steven Kolakoski, under unique terms that extend his service beyond typical age limits and adjust retirement and compensation rules accordingly.

Purpose and intent

  • To allow Steven Kolakoski to continue serving as a member of the South Deerfield Fire District fire department beyond standard retirement age, specifically until age 70 or until retirement/non-reappointment, whichever occurs first.
  • To ensure Kolakoski remains in service only if he is mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of his office.
  • To provide a framework for medical review, compensation treatment after age 65, and retirement benefits consistent with extended service.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Age extension for continued service

    • Kolakoski may continue serving until he reaches age 70, or until retirement or non-reappointment, whichever comes first.
    • Continuation is contingent on the employee’s mental and physical fitness to perform duties.

  2. Medical examination provision

    • The Prudential Committee may require Kolakoski to be examined by an impartial physician designated by the Prudential Committee.
    • The examination would determine ongoing capability to serve.

  3. Retirement and compensation adjustments

    • No further deductions from Kolakoski’s regular compensation under Chapter 32 for any service performed after reaching age 65.
    • Upon retirement, Kolakoski shall receive a superannuation retirement allowance equal to what he would have been entitled to had he retired at age 65.

  4. Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • The primary beneficiary is Steven Kolakoski, a member of the South Deerfield Fire District fire department.
  • The South Deerfield Fire District and its Prudential Committee (the district’s governing body) would administer the extended service arrangement and any associated medical reviews.
  • The district’s pension/retirement framework (referenced as Chapter 32) would be interpreted to apply changes in compensation post-65 and the specified retirement benefit.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Referred to the Senate Rules Committee (May 28, 2026) for initial consideration.
  • House action: The action history shows the House concurred on June 29, 2026.
  • The bill’s passage is contingent on standard legislative process and any potential implementation regulations or district-local adjustments.

Summary

S.3155 seeks to allow a named fire district employee to continue active service beyond the usual retirement age, subject to fitness determinations, with a medical review option for continued capability. It eliminates deductions from regular pay for service after age 65 and preserves a retirement allowance as if the employee had retired at 65. The measure is designed to enable extended service for a designated firefighter while ensuring oversight and financial alignment with state retirement rules.

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

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