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H 4031

An Act increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in the town of Weston

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Alice Peisch

Raises the age limit for retired officers to serve as Weston's special police officers from 65 to 70, expanding staffing options for the Weston Police Department.

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 4 of the Acts of 2026
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Bill Summary · H 4031

Summary: H.4031 – An Act increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in the town of Weston

What this bill does

  • The bill amends Chapter 74 of the Acts of 2020 (An Act Providing for the Appointment of Retired Police Officers as Special Police Officers in the Town of Weston).
  • It raises the eligibility age for retired police officers to serve as special police officers in Weston from 65 to 70.
  • The change is implemented by striking the number “65” in Section 7 of the 2020 act and substituting the number “70” in both instances where it appears.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Purpose and intent

  • To broaden the pool of eligible retired police officers who may serve as special police officers in Weston.
  • Likely aimed at addressing staffing needs, public safety coverage, or operational flexibility for the Weston police department, by enabling officers who are younger than the current cap but up to age 70 to continue serving in a limited or special capacity.

Key provisions

  • SECTION 1: Amends Section 7 of Chapter 74 of the Acts of 2020 by changing the age limit from 65 to 70 in both places it appears.
  • SECTION 2: Take effect upon passage.
  • The bill is a local approval measure specific to the Town of Weston and does not alter statewide rules for special police officers.

Who/what is affected

  • Retired police officers who are residents or otherwise eligible to serve in Weston as special police officers.
  • Weston’s local police operations and administrative processes related to the deployment of special police officers.
  • The Town of Weston, acting through its local government, which administers the program under the amended act.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: April 14, 2025 (House No. 4031; joint petition by Rep. Peisch and Sen. Barrett).
  • Local approval status: Described as receiving local approval.
  • Committee track: Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Service; later actions show the bill moving through the standard local approval and chamber processes.
  • Recent status: As of October 23, 2025, listed as “Read second and ordered to a third reading.” Previous actions include passage in the Senate, committee reports, and scheduling steps, with hearings and votes occurring across 2025.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • Hearing scheduled: May 12, 2025 (public hearing noted in the record).
  • Senate concurred (initial step in advanced stages): April 17, 2025.
  • Multiple readings and committee actions occurred through mid to late 2025.
  • Final effect: Upon passage, the age change takes effect immediately.

Practical considerations

  • Fiscal impact: Not specified in the text; as a local measure, any costs would relate to overseeing the expanded eligibility and any staffing implications for Weston.
  • Implementation: Local officials would implement the change by applying the new age threshold to appointments of special police officers under the Weston program, consistent with the amended statute.

This bill is a focused, local reform intended to ease staffing constraints for Weston by allowing retired officers up to age 70 to serve as special police officers.

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

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