Bill
S 1743
The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws to replace the term “A full-call fire department” with “An at large fire department” in the Fire Training Council statute.
Status: Committed to Rules (as of 2025-06-13)
Filed: 01/14/2025 — Introduced/Presented by Senator Michael O. Moore
Note on document inconsistencies
- The packet you provided includes conflicting metadata: a front-matter title about peace officers and Article 26 of the Agriculture & Markets Law and sponsor names consistent with federal Senators, but the actual bill text and filing information are for a Massachusetts state bill introduced by Michael O. Moore concerning the Massachusetts Fire Training Council. This summary is based on the actual bill text filed in the Massachusetts Senate (S.1743, Senate Docket No. 665).
Purpose and intent
- The bill makes a targeted amendment to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Section 164 to change a single statutory term used in the definition/description of membership or representation on the Massachusetts Fire Training Council. The intent appears to be to substitute one category name of fire department for another in the statute.
Key provision (exact textual change)
- Amends Section 164 of Chapter 6 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition) by:
- Striking the words: “A full-call fire department;”
- Inserting in their place: “An at large fire department;”
What this changes and potential impact
- Scope: The amendment is purely textual and replaces one category label for a fire department in the statute governing the Fire Training Council.
- Practical effect: Changing the statutory term may alter which departments are described or eligible under that clause — for example, it could affect how membership slots, representation, appointments, or voting rights are apportioned on the Fire Training Council if those are tied to department classifications. The bill does not, on its face, add new duties, funds, or substantive policy beyond the terminology swap.
- Parties affected: Municipal fire departments, volunteer/full-call/at-large departments (depending on definitions used elsewhere in law), municipal officials involved in appointments, and the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.
- Unclear consequences: Because the amendment is limited to replacing a phrase, the specific operational effect depends on how other statutes, regulations, and administrative practices define “full-call” and “at large” fire departments. If those terms have distinct legal meanings, the change could broaden or narrow eligibility or representation.
Procedural history and next steps
- Filed 01/14/2025; presented by Senator Michael O. Moore.
- Referred to committee and advanced through readings per the legislative actions listed; as of 2025-06-13 the bill is listed as “COMMITTED TO RULES.”
- Next steps would typically include consideration on the Senate calendar, potential concurrence by the House if amendments occur, and then enactment/signature to become law.
Recommendation / resources
- To assess the precise effect, review:
- The full text of Chapter 6, Section 164 (contextual clauses and cross-references).
- Any definitions elsewhere in the General Laws that define “full-call” or “at large” fire department.
- Committee reports or sponsor statements for legislative intent.
- For legal interpretation or municipal impact, consult Legislative Counsel or the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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