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Bill

H 5420

An Act relative to extending the police chief's service to the town of Leicester

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Peter Durant and 2 co-sponsors

Allows Leicester Police Chief Kenneth M. Antanavica to continue serving beyond retirement until Apr 30, 2028 or retirement/removal, subject to fitness to serve.

Hearing rescheduled to 06/03/2026 from 11:00 AM-11:45 AM in B-2 Hearing updated to New End Time
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 5420

Overview

This Massachusetts bill, H.5420 from the 194th General Court ( filed May 6, 2026 ), authorizes the town of Leicester to extend the service of its current police chief, Kenneth M. Antanavica, beyond the standard retirement framework. The bill is presented as a local approval measure and, if enacted, allows the chief to remain in office under specific conditions until a defined date or retirement.

Main purpose and intent

  • To permit Leicester’s Police Chief Kenneth M. Antanavica to continue serving as Chief beyond a normal retirement point, extending his tenure through:
    • Up to April 30, 2028, which is the last day of the month of his 70th birthday, or
    • Until retirement, non-reappointment, or removal by the town, whichever occurs first.
  • To ensure the continuation of his service only if he remains mentally and physically capable of performing the duties.

Key provisions and changes

  • Legal authorization for continued service:
    • Overrides standard retirement provisions under Chapter 32 of the General Laws, specifically for Kenneth M. Antanavica.
  • Term and conditions:
    • The extension lasts until April 30, 2028 (the last day of the month of the chief’s 70th birthday), or until retirement or removal, whichever occurs first.
  • Compensation and benefits:
    • No further deductions from the chief’s regular compensation under Chapter 32 for service after April 30, 2025.
    • Upon retirement, he would receive a superannuation retirement allowance equal to what he would have received if he had retired on April 30, 2025.
  • Eligibility criteria:
    • The extension is contingent on the chief’s mental and physical ability to perform duties.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Kenneth M. Antanavica (Police Chief of Leicester) – his tenure and compensation are directly affected.
  • Town governance: Leicester’s ability to retain a long-serving chief beyond the typical retirement age.
  • General public: Potential implications for police leadership continuity and local public safety administration during the extended tenure.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status: Referred to the committee on Public Service (as of May 11, 2026).
  • Effective date: The act would take effect upon passage.
  • Local approval: Indicates that the measure is supported by Leicester (noted as Local Approval Received in petition materials).

Potential implications and considerations

  • Continuity vs. retirement norms: The bill favors leadership continuity in Leicester’s police department by extending a chief’s service beyond standard retirement rules.
  • Fiscal implications: No extra deductions from the chief’s pay after April 30, 2025; retirement benefits would be based on the decision date of retirement, potentially impacting municipal budgeting and pension planning.
  • Accountability and capability: The extension is conditioned on the chief’s mental and physical capacity, underscoring the importance of performance and fitness to serve.

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

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