An Act authorizing the town of Princeton to continue the employment of police officer Paul Quinn beyond the age of 65

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson

The bill lets a Princeton police officer continue working past 65 until 70, with annual fitness exams and no pay cut, retirement benefits unchanged from 65.

Summary of Bill HD 6182 (194th Massachusetts General Court)

Purpose and intent

This bill authorizes the town of Princeton to allow police officer Paul Quinn to continue in his position beyond the state-imposed retirement age of 65.

The extension would last until Mr. Quinn reaches age 70, retires, or is relieved of duties by the town’s select board, whichever occurs first, provided he remains mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of a police officer.

Key provisions

Age extension: Officer Paul Quinn may continue serving as a Princeton police officer beyond age 65, up to a maximum of age 70.

Condition of fitness: The select board may require annual medical/physical and mental capability examinations by a physician designated by the board to ensure ongoing ability to perform duties.

Compensation and retirement treatment:

No further deductions from Officer Quinn’s regular compensation shall be made for service beyond age 65 (i.e., continued service is at the same pay basis as prior to 65).
Upon retirement (superannuation) the retirement allowance shall be the same as what he would have received had he retired at age 65.

Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected parties

Paul Quinn, the Princeton police officer whose service extension is authorized.

The town of Princeton, specifically the Select Board, which would manage annual fitness examinations and determine continuation beyond age 65.

The town’s employee retirement and payroll framework, which would align post-65 compensation and eventual superannuation with what would have been provided if retirement occurred at 65.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill is a private act targeted to a single individual and locality (Princeton).

It requires passage and becomes effective upon enactment.

Annual physician examinations would be at the town’s expense, administered as a continuing condition of extended service.

Context and potential impact

The bill creates a targeted exception to general retirement-age laws for law enforcement personnel in Princeton.

If enacted, it could enable experienced officers to provide continuity of service and institutional knowledge, subject to fitness determinations and town budget considerations.

Fiscal impact would be limited to the cost of annual medical evaluations and any ongoing salary considerations, with retirement benefits aligned to those that would have applied at age 65.

Note: This summary presents the substantive provisions as written in the bill text and does not reflect any legislative debates, amendments, or fiscal analyses that may accompany the bill during floor action.