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H 2752

An Act relative to allowing police and fire to work beyond the mandatory retirement age

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill would eliminate mandatory retirement ages for police and firefighters, allowing them to work longer if they pass fitness evaluations.

Accompanied a study order, see H5312 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2752

Legislative bill overview

H 2752 would allow police officers and firefighters in Massachusetts to continue working beyond the state's current mandatory retirement age. The bill removes or modifies age-based employment restrictions that currently force these public safety personnel to retire at a fixed age, allowing them to continue in their positions if they meet physical and mental fitness requirements.

Why is this important

Mandatory retirement ages directly affect workforce stability in critical public safety roles, particularly as experienced officers and firefighters become scarce. This policy impacts municipalities' ability to retain institutional knowledge, maintain adequate staffing levels, and manage pension obligations, while also affecting individual workers' financial planning and career longevity.

Potential points of contention

  • Pension system strain: Allowing extended employment could increase long-term pension liabilities and healthcare costs for municipalities already facing budget pressures
  • Career advancement for younger personnel: Longer tenure by senior staff may reduce promotion opportunities and advancement pathways for newer officers and firefighters
  • Physical demands and public safety: Questions about whether mandatory age limits exist for legitimate reasons related to the physical demands of these roles and whether fitness standards alone adequately ensure public safety capability
  • Fairness to other public employees: Other state workers may face different retirement age rules, raising equity concerns across the public sector

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

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