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H 4255

An Act directing the city of Boston police department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Jonathan Telfort

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brandy Fluker-Reid

Waives Boston Police Department's maximum age for Jonathan Telfort/Telford's original police appointment, provided he meets all other BPD criteria.

Enacted and laid before the Governor
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Bill Summary · H 4255

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill H.4255 (An Act directing the city of Boston police department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Jonathan Telford/Telfort)

Overview

H.4255 seeks to authorize the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for the original appointment of a police officer named Jonathan Telford (spelling varies in the bill text as Telfort) so that he can be eligible for original appointment, provided he meets all other requirements set by the Boston Police Department. The bill applies specifically to this individual and would take effect upon passage.

Key context:
- The bill explicitly states it is a targeted exception to existing laws governing age limits for police officer appointments.
- It references Chapter 43 of the Acts of 2007 and uses a “notwithstanding” clause to override general or special laws for this case.
- Local approval is indicated in the petition and accompanying filing.

What the bill would do

  • Directs the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for the original appointment of police officers for Jonathan Telfort/Telford.
  • If Telfort/Telford meets all other Boston Police Department requirements, he would be eligible for certification for original appointment to the position of police officer.
  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Waives the maximum age requirement for Jonathan Telfort/Telford, allowing him to be considered for original appointment if all other criteria are satisfied.
  • Section 2: Takes effect upon passage.

Affected parties and scope

  • Primary beneficiary: Jonathan Telfort/Telford (depending on the spelling used in official materials).
  • Boston Police Department: Would apply the waiver to permit his original appointment if he meets other standards.
  • City of Boston: Local authorization pathway for targeted appointment exceptions; broader implications for age-based hiring rules remain under state law unless overridden by this act.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: July 7, 2025
  • Referred to: Joint Committee on Public Service (Public Service)
  • Legislative actions:
    • July 10, 2025: Senate concurred
    • September 3–10, 2025: Hearing scheduled and rescheduled for September 10, 2025 (A-1 and virtual, with updated end times)
  • Related/bill replacement: Related HD 4862 (replaces)
  • Effective date: Upon passage

Local approval and procedural notes

  • The petition indicates local approval (the sponsor notes the mayor and city council’s approval). This aligns with the local approval requirement for such targeted exemptions.

Potential implications and considerations

  • The bill creates a targeted exception to age requirements, raising questions about consistency with state hiring standards and precedent for individual waivers.
  • If enacted, the waiver would apply only to Jonathan Telfort/Telford, not as a broad change to officer eligibility rules.
  • No explicit fiscal appropriation is identified in the bill.

Related information

  • Related bill: HD 4862 (replaces)
  • Status updates reflect ongoing committee hearings and final legislative action timeline through 2025.

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

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