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H 4506

An Act authorizing the town of Conway to continue the employment of fire department member Howard Boyden

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 1 co-sponsor

Extends Howard Boyden’s Conway fire dept service to age 70 under annual medical exams, with no pension deductions after age 65 for that service.

Hearing scheduled for 10/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1
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Bill Summary · H 4506

Summary: An Act authorizing the town of Conway to continue the employment of fire department member Howard Boyden (H 4506)

Purpose and intent

This local act authorizes the Town of Conway to allow Howard Boyden, a Conway fire department member, to continue serving beyond normal retirement age under specific conditions. The goal is to extend his active service up to age 70 (or until retirement or removal/suspension, whichever comes first) while ensuring continued capability to perform duties and safeguarding the town’s interest.

Key provisions

  • Age and service extension:

    • Howard Boyden may continue to serve as a Conway fire department member until age 70, or until retirement, or until removal or suspension from office, whichever occurs first.

  • Fitness and accountability:

    • Continued service is contingent on Boyden remaining physically and mentally capable of performing job duties.
    • The town must designate an impartial physician to conduct annual or ongoing capability examinations, at the town’s expense.

  • Compensation and pension implications:

    • No deductions shall be made from Boyden’s regular compensation under Chapter 32 of the General Laws for any service performed after age 65 in connection with his service to the town for retirement or pension purposes.

  • Effective date:

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected parties

  • Primary:

    • Howard Boyden (fire department member) and the Town of Conway.

  • Secondary:

    • Conway Fire Department, local taxpayers, and the town’s personnel/retirement administration, particularly in relation to pension calculations and eligibility.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduction and filing:

    • Introduced September 11, 2025; House Docket No. 4506; Filed September 2, 2025 (House Docket No. 5093).

  • Legislative actions:

    • Senate concurrence occurred on September 15, 2025.
    • Public Service Committee hearing scheduled for October 15, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room B-1.

  • Local approval:

    • The bill is identified as having local approval received.

  • Related legislation:

    • Related bill noted as HD 5093 (the version associated with this petition replaces House Bill 4506 in related materials).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Service continuity:

    • Enables experienced personnel continuity in the Conway Fire Department, which can impact emergency response stability and institutional knowledge.

  • Fiscal considerations:

    • The town bears the cost of the required impartial medical examinations.
    • Payroll remains unchanged for post-65 service in terms of retirement/pension deductions, per the bill’s language.

  • Pension timing:

    • The provision clarifies that service after age 65 for retirement/pension purposes would not trigger deductions, but does not specify all pension calculation consequences beyond this protection. Local officials and retirees may want to confirm broader pension implications with town counsel.

Note on status

  • The bill is scheduled for a formal hearing on October 15, 2025, and has undergone the standard sequence of first reference, committee hearing, and a Senate concurrence action prior to the hearing date. The act would become law upon passage.

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

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