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HD 5227

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Worrell

Authorizes Boston Police to waive the department's maximum age for Luisa Fernandes's original police appointment, if she meets all other requirements, creating a targeted exemption.

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Bill Summary · HD 5227

Summary: HD 5227 — An Act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Luisa Fernandes

Overview

HD 5227 is a local, single-subject bill proposed in the 2025-2026 Massachusetts General Court. Filed October 9, 2025 by Representative Christopher J. Worrell (Boston), the bill seeks to override the City of Boston’s standard aging requirement for a specific individual: Luisa Fernandes. The measure would allow the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age limit for her original appointment as a police officer, contingent on her meeting all other departmental requirements.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize the City of Boston Police Department to bypass the established maximum age requirement for Luisa Fernandes to be appointed as a police officer.
  • To certify her name for original appointment if she satisfies all other applicable BP duties and standards.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Notwithstanding any general or special law (including Chapter 43 of the Acts of 2007), the Boston Police Department shall waive the maximum age requirement for Luisa Fernandes’s original appointment as a police officer. If Fernandes meets all other requirements set by the Boston Police Department, she shall be eligible for certification for original appointment.
  • Section 2: Severability. If any part of the act is found unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions remain in force.

Affected Parties and Entities

  • Primary beneficiary: Luisa Fernandes.
  • City of Boston Police Department (Boston PD), which would implement the age waiver if the bill becomes law.
  • Massachusetts General Court, which would enact and, if necessary, interpret the local act.
  • Local government process: The bill notes “Local Approval Received” and references approval by the mayor and city council, indicating a locally configured proposal.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Bill number: House Docket No. 5227; House No. 4604.
  • Filed: October 9, 2025.
  • Status: The provided materials indicate local approval steps and petition details but do not specify final enacted status.
  • Legislative classification: Local approval legislation; a proposed act directed at a specific city and individual rather than a statewide reform.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Individual focus: Creates a tailored exception for one applicant, which could raise questions about consistency and equal treatment for applicants generally subject to age restrictions.
  • Precedent risk: If enacted, may prompt consideration of similar waivers for other individuals or groups.
  • Legal considerations: The bill explicitly attempts to override existing age requirements, including references to Chapter 43 of the Acts of 2007, though the practical effect would depend on compliance with constitutional and statutory constraints.
  • Drafting note: The text uses “his name” in reference to Luisa Fernandes, which appears to be a drafting inconsistency since the name is feminine; this may warrant review for accuracy in official publication.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to how other local waivers have been handled or outline potential compliance steps for the Boston Police Department if the bill progresses.

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

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