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H 4525

An Act authorizing the town of Conway to continue the employment of police department member Michael Habel

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

Allows Conway to keep Officer Michael Habel past retirement age (to 70) if fit, with annual medicals paid by town and continued POST/6E compliance; no pension deductions after 65.

Hearing scheduled for 10/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1
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Bill Summary · H 4525

Summary of Massachusetts Bill H.4525 (2025)

Overview

  • Bill Number: H.4525
  • Title: An Act authorizing the town of Conway to continue the employment of police department member Michael Habel
  • Status/Procedural Geography: Hearing scheduled for October 15, 2025 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, in room B-1). The bill was introduced and filed on September 2, 2025, and referred to the Public Service Committee. The Senate has concurred as of September 18, 2025.
  • Introduced By: Representatives Natalie M. Blais and Paul W. Mark (joint petition)
  • Local Approval: Noted as “Public Service” with local approval received.

Purpose and Intent

The bill authorizes the town of Conway to allow a specific police department employee, Michael Habel, to continue serving in the Conway Police Department beyond typical retirement age. The intent is to permit continued employment if certain conditions related to age, capability, certification, and annual medical assessment are met, thereby enabling extended service.

Key Provisions

  • Extended Service Age: Michael Habel may continue serving as a Conway police officer until he is 70 years old, or until retirement or non-reappointment occurs, whichever is first, provided he is mentally and physically capable of performing duties.
  • Annual Medical Evaluation: The Conway Select Board may, at town expense, require an annual medical examination by a physician designated by the Board to determine ongoing physical and mental capability.
  • Professional Standards and Training: While serving, Habel must comply with:
    • Chapter 6E of the General Laws (retention of peace officer certification and good standing with POST)
    • All in-service and other training requirements mandated by the Municipal Police Training Committee
  • Pension/Compensation Provisions: After reaching age 65, there shall be no further deductions from Habel’s regular compensation under Chapter 32 of the General Laws in connection with retirement or pension purposes. (This clarifies that continued service does not trigger additional pension deductions after 65.)
  • Effective Date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Michael Habel, Conway Police Department
  • Local Governing Body: Conway Board of Selectmen (or equivalent) responsible for annual medical determinations and compliance with Chapter 6E/POST requirements
  • Municipal Finance/Administration: Town of Conway (costs of annual medical exams borne by the town)

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 15, 2025 (01:00 PM–05:00 PM) in Senate/House legislative hearing room B-1.
  • Legislative History:
    • Referred to Public Service (Sept 15, 2025)
    • Senate concurred (Sept 18, 2025)
    • Related prior measure: House Bill 4557 (2023-2024 session)
    • Related/Replacement measure: HD 5092 (replaces)
  • Effective Date: Upon passage (no separate delay or transition period stated)

Fiscal and Administrative Implications

  • Costs to Town: Annual medical examinations for Habel would be at the town’s expense (as authorized by the bill).
  • Pension/Benefits: No further Chapter 32 deductions after age 65 for retirement/pension purposes related to Habel’s service.

Context and Observations

  • The bill represents a targeted, local-approval mechanism allowing an individual officer to serve beyond the typical retirement age, contingent on ongoing qualifications and health. It mirrors prior local-approval efforts and aligns with rules governing certification and training through POST and the Municipal Police Training Committee.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison with similar local-approval measures or outline potential considerations for town meeting voters.

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

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