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H 4256

An Act directing the city of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Jose Ortiz

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Russell Holmes

The bill directs Boston to waive the maximum age for Jose Ortiz to qualify for original appointment as a police officer if all other requirements are met.

Read third and passed to be engrossed
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Bill Summary · H 4256

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill H.4256

Overview

  • Bill Number: H.4256
  • Title: An Act directing the city of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Jose Ortiz
  • Introduced: July 7, 2025
  • Status: Hearing rescheduled to September 10, 2025; hearing time adjusted to 1:00 PM–1:30 PM (in A-1) with a virtual option; Senate concurred on July 10, 2025
  • Classification: Local/public service measure
  • Legislative action history:
    • Referred to the Committee on Public Service (July 7, 2025)
    • Senate concurred (July 10, 2025)
    • Related House document: HD 4861 (replaces)
  • Local approval: Indicates local approval received (Boston mayor and city council)

Purpose and Intent

The bill would authorize the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for the original appointment of a specific applicant, Jose Ortiz. If Ortiz satisfies all other requirements established by the Boston Police Department, he would be eligible for certification for original appointment as a police officer, despite the usual age limitation.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Notwithstanding Chapter 43 of the Acts of 2007 or any other law, the Boston Police Department shall waive the maximum age requirement for the original appointment of police officers for Jose Ortiz. If he meets all other requirements set by the Boston Police Department, his name shall be eligible for certification for original appointment as a police officer.
  • Section 2: The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Affected individual: Jose Ortiz (the bill’s targeted applicant)
  • Affected entity: City of Boston Police Department, and by extension, the process for original appointment of police officers in Boston
  • Nature of change: A targeted carve-out to the general age eligibility rules for a single applicant; does not establish a broad policy change for all applicants

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: July 7, 2025
  • Referral: Committee on Public Service (July 7, 2025)
  • Senate action: Concurred (July 10, 2025)
  • Hearing details: Public hearings scheduled for September 10, 2025; initial time window indicated, later updated to 1:00 PM–1:30 PM (A-1) with a virtual option
  • Effective date: Upon passage

Potential Implications

  • Legal: Creates a targeted exemption from existing age limits for a named individual; intended to facilitate his potential appointment.
  • Administrative: Requires the Boston Police Department to certify Ortiz’s name for original appointment if all other requirements are met.
  • Equity/Policy considerations: Establishes a precedent of individualized waivers to general eligibility rules; no broader policy change is stated.

Related Measures

  • Related Bill: HD 4861 (replaces the current measure)
  • Local approval and sponsor: Petition by Rep. Russell E. Holmes (with local city approval noted)

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor the September 10, 2025 hearing for updates on discussion, public testimony, and potential amendments.
  • If enacted, expect implementation in Boston’s original appointment process for the named individual, subject to meeting all other departmental requirements.

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

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