An Act authorizing the town of Natick to continue the employment of Police Chief James Hicks beyond the age of 65

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David Linsky

The bill allows Natick to extend Police Chief James Hicks’ service beyond age 65 if he remains capable, with annual medical reviews and no 65-based pension changes.

Hearing rescheduled to 06/03/2026 from 11:00 AM-11:45 AM in B-2 Hearing updated to New End Time

Summary of Bill H. 5427 (Session 194th, Massachusetts)

Purpose and intent

This bill authorizes the town of Natick to continue employing James Hicks as Police Chief beyond the typical retirement age of 65.

The request reflects a local decision (by vote of Natick) to extend his tenure, subject to specified conditions.

Key provisions and changes

Employment extension: James Hicks may continue serving as Police Chief until:

he reaches age 67, or
the date of his retirement, or
the date he is relieved of duties by the Town’s Select Board (whichever occurs first).

Eligibility condition: Hicks must be mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of Police Chief.

Annual capability review: The Select Board may require Hicks to undergo an annual medical examination by a physician designated by the Select Board, at the Town’s expense, to determine ongoing capability to perform duties.

Compensation continued: No further deductions shall be made from Hicks’s regular compensation under chapter 32 (public employee retirement system rules) for service after age 65.

Retirement benefit: Upon retirement for superannuation, Hicks shall receive a retirement allowance equal to what he would have received if he had retired at age 65 (i.e., the same benefit as a 65-year-old retirement, with no adjustment for the extended service period for purposes of the allowance).

Who would be affected

James Hicks: The current Natick Police Chief, whose employment term is extended beyond the age of 65 under the bill’s authorization.

Natick Elective and Administrative bodies: The Select Board would oversee annual medical evaluations and make decisions regarding continued tenure if mental/physical capacity declines.

Natick taxpayers: Public funds would bear costs associated with the annual physician examinations and any related decision-making and potential continued employment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill specifies a temporary departure from general or special laws that otherwise set a different age retirement standard.

If enacted, the extension is effective immediately under the bill’s terms, contingent on Hicks meeting capability requirements and the Select Board’s determinations.

Action history indicates the bill was referred to the Committee on Public Service on May 14, 2026.

Additional context

The bill is a local approval measure requested by Natick and sponsored by Rep. David Linsky (with a co-sponsor). It requires standard legislative process and local approval to enable Natick to maintain continuity in police leadership.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to typical Massachusetts retirement rules for police chiefs or outline potential fiscal implications for Natick based on annual testing costs.