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H 3916

An Act to authorize the city of Westfield to establish an age limit for original appointment to the position of police officer

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Pease

Bill H 3916 allows Westfield to set a maximum age of 40 for police officer candidates, impacting recruitment by favoring younger applicants for the force.

Enacted and laid before the Governor
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Bill Summary · H 3916

Summary of Bill H 3916: An Act to Authorize the City of Westfield to Establish an Age Limit for Original Appointment to the Position of Police Officer

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 3916 aims to grant the city of Westfield, Massachusetts, the authority to set an age limit for individuals seeking original appointment as police officers. Specifically, the bill seeks to establish a maximum age of 40 years on the date of the entrance examination for prospective candidates.

Key Provisions

  • Age Limit: The bill stipulates that no individual who has reached their 40th birthday by the date of the entrance examination will be eligible for certification for original appointment as a police officer in Westfield.
  • Examination Applicability: This age limit will apply only to competitive examinations that are administered on or after the effective date of the act.
  • Override of Existing Laws: The bill explicitly overrides Section 58A of Chapter 31 of the General Laws of Massachusetts and any other relevant laws that may contradict this provision.

Affected Parties

  • Prospective Police Officers: The primary group affected by this legislation will be individuals aspiring to become police officers in Westfield, particularly those aged 40 and above at the time of the examination.
  • City of Westfield: The local government will gain the authority to enforce this age limit, potentially impacting the demographics of future police recruits.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced on March 17, 2025, by Representative Kelly W. Pease, with local approval from the mayor and city council.
  • Legislative Progress:
    • The bill has undergone several readings and has been ordered to a third reading as of November 13, 2025.
    • It has been favorably reported by the committee and has passed through various legislative stages, including a scheduled hearing on May 12, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The act will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Conclusion

Bill H 3916 represents a significant change in the hiring practices for police officers in Westfield, Massachusetts, by instituting an age limit that could influence the recruitment of younger candidates. The bill reflects a local initiative to tailor police force demographics to meet specific community needs and standards.

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

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