Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H5124

Introduced
11/25/24  

Caption

Authorizing the continued employment of Steven A. Hilliger, firefighter of the town of Lancaster

Impact

Should this bill pass, it would amend the standards governing employment in public service for firefighters, allowing exceptions to be made regarding age limits. This reflects an acknowledgment of individual capabilities over arbitrary age restrictions. The bill is seen as a response to local community needs, ensuring that experienced personnel remain available for fire services without the pressure of age-related employment limitations.

Summary

House Bill 5124 proposes to allow the continued employment of Steven A. Hilliger, a firefighter in the town of Lancaster, beyond the maximum age requirement stipulated in existing laws. The bill is initiated by Representatives Meghan K. Kilcoyne and John J. Cronin, reflecting local approval for maintaining Hilliger's position until his voluntary retirement or reassignment by the Fire Chief. Key provisions include ensuring that he remains mentally and physically capable of performing his job duties, which will be evaluated by a designated impartial physician.

Contention

While the bill enjoys local support, it may raise questions about broader implications for age-related employment policies within the public sector. Critics might argue that allowing exceptions for individual cases could set a precedent, potentially leading to disparities in how employment laws are applied across different municipalities. Additionally, the bill underscores the importance of assessing employees' fitness for duty, which may resonate with concerns regarding public safety and operational efficiency.

Companion Bills

MA H4081

Similar To Authorizing the town of Acushnet to continue the employment of Call Deputy Fire Chief

MA H4461

Similar To Similar Bills

MA H4513

Similar To Authorizing the continued employment of Anthony Tranghese as an environmental police officer in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

MA H4768

Similar To Authorizing the city of Springfield to continue the employment of police officer Lawrence E. Akers

MA H5121

Similar To Authorizing the town of Acushnet to continue the employment of Call Deputy Fire Chief

Previously Filed As

MA H2879

Authorizing the continued employment of Steven A. Hilliger, firefighter of the town of Lancaster

MA H4212

Authorizing the town of Lancaster to dissolve its animal control commission

MA H4177

Exempting certain positions of the police department in the town of Lancaster from the civil service law

MA H4213

Relative to the continued employment of firefighters in the town of Egremont

MA S3088

Authorizing a certain employment contract for the town of Boylston

MA H5440

Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey certain parcels of land to the town of Bolton, the town of Lancaster or a municipal utility serving the town of Bolton or the town of Lancaster

MA H5389

Authorizing the continued employment of Michael Marchand, the fire chief in the town of Upton

MA H4236

Authorizing the town of Northfield to continue the employment of Floyd Dunnell, III

MA H4742

Authorizing the town of Pelham to continue the employment of Gary L. Thomann as police chief

MA H4235

Authorizing the town of Rochester to continue the employment of fire chief Scott Weigel

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.