Heirs' property

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gilda Cobb-Hunter and 14 co-sponsors

A local act grants a one-time age exemption for William Rob Cargill to take the Haverhill firefighter exam and, if he meets all other requirements, be certified and hired.

Act No. 149

Quick context

Bill number: H 4477

Title: An Act authorizing William (Rob) Cargill to take the civil service examination for the position of firefighter in the city of Haverhill notwithstanding the maximum age requirement

Introduced: September 4, 2025

Sponsor: Representative Andres X. Vargas (Haverhill)

Local approval: Petitioner notes mayor and city council support; local approval received

Related bill: HD 5101 (replaces)

Purpose of the bill

The bill provides a narrow, targeted exemption to allow a specific individual, William (Rob) Cargill, to take the civil service examination for the firefighter position in Haverhill despite the usual maximum age requirement. If Cargill satisfies all other hiring requirements, he would be eligible to be certified and appointed as a firefighter for the City of Haverhill.

Key provisions

Section 1: Notwithstanding any general or special law or rule/regulation governing the maximum age of applicants for firefighter appointments, William (Rob) Cargill of Haverhill shall be eligible for appointment to the firefighter position if he meets all other requirements. If so, he shall be eligible for certification and appointment to the Haverhill Fire Department.

Section 2: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiary: William (Rob) Cargill (individual)

City of Haverhill Fire Department: would consider him for certification and appointment if he meets other requirements

General public and hiring processes: this is a targeted exception that does not alter statewide statutory age rules for all applicants

Procedural and timeline details

Filed: September 3, 2025

Referred to committee: September 4, 2025 (Public Service)

Senate action: Senate concurred on September 8, 2025

Hearing: Scheduled for October 15, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in hearing room B-1

Notable notes: The bill’s hearing appears on the schedule as part of the normal committee review process for local dual-murted local acts

Potential impact and considerations

Policy impact: The bill creates a one-time exception to the maximum age requirement for a single candidate. It does not establish a broad policy change to retirement or age limits for firefighters statewide.

Fiscal/operational impact: Likely minimal direct cost; potential indirect implications if the candidate is hired and added to staffing in the Haverhill Fire Department.

Legal considerations: Uses “notwithstanding” language to override age limits, raising questions about consistency with civil service rules. Local approval indicates municipal consent for the exception.

Conclusion

H 4477 is a targeted local act intended to permit a specific individual to pursue and potentially obtain firefighter certification and employment in Haverhill by bypassing the standard maximum-age restrictions, contingent on meeting all other requirements. The measure is proceeding through the Massachusetts legislative process, with a scheduled public hearing in October 2025 and prior Congressional approvals noted. If enacted, the act would take effect upon passage.

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