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HD 1744

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to changing the mandatory age of retirement for judges

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul McMurtry

Proposes raising mandatory retirement age for Massachusetts judges from 70 to 75 to retain experienced judges, pending voter approval in 2026 referendum.

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Bill Summary · HD 1744

Summary of HD 1744: Proposal to Change Mandatory Retirement Age for Judges

Purpose and Intent

This proposed bill seeks to amend the Massachusetts state constitution to change the mandatory retirement age for judges from the current 70 years old to 75 years old. The goal is to allow experienced judges to continue serving on the bench for longer, providing more continuity and stability within the judicial system.

Key Provisions

  • Raises the mandatory retirement age for all state judges, including those serving on the Supreme Judicial Court, Appeals Court, and trial courts, from 70 to 75 years old.
  • Applies this change to all judges currently serving, not just those appointed in the future.
  • Requires a statewide ballot referendum to approve the constitutional amendment before it can take effect.

Impact and Affected Parties

  • If enacted, this bill would allow judges to continue serving up to 5 years longer than the current mandatory retirement age.
  • It is intended to retain the expertise and institutional knowledge of veteran judges, but could also lead to an older overall judiciary.
  • The change would impact all state judges across Massachusetts, as well as the litigants, attorneys, and residents who rely on the judicial system.
  • Passage would require approval by a majority of Massachusetts voters in a statewide referendum, likely to be held in the November 2026 general election.

Timeline and Procedure

  • The bill was introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on November 29, 2025.
  • It has been referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, which will hold public hearings and vote on whether to advance the proposal.
  • If approved by the committee and both chambers of the state legislature, the constitutional amendment would then be placed on the statewide ballot for voter consideration.
  • The soonest the referendum could appear on the ballot is the November 2026 general election.
  • If approved by voters, the new 75-year retirement age for judges would take effect immediately.

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

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