Authorizing Adam T. Jankowski to take the civil service examination for the position of police officer in the city of Haverhill notwithstanding the maximum age requirement
Summary
House Bill 4178 is a local, special act that would allow Adam T. Jankowski of Haverhill to take the civil service examination for appointment as a police officer even if he is older than the usual maximum age limit. The bill applies only to this named individual and only for the City of Haverhill. If he meets all other qualifications, he would be eligible for certification and appointment to the Haverhill Police Department.
The measure overrides any conflicting general or special law, rule, or regulation governing age limits for police officer applicants. It takes effect immediately upon passage. In practical terms, the bill creates a one-time exception to Massachusetts civil service age restrictions for a specific prospective police officer, rather than changing the statewide age requirement for all applicants.
Impact
The bill would not broadly amend Massachusetts civil service law, but it would create a narrow statutory exception to the maximum age requirement for police officer candidates in Haverhill. It would authorize the civil service examination and possible appointment of Adam T. Jankowski if he satisfies all other eligibility criteria, thereby affecting the city’s police hiring process and the application of age-based qualification rules in this individual case.
Sentiment
Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes in the provided materials, there is no documented debate or roll-call sentiment to assess. The bill’s structure and local approval suggest it is a targeted personnel exception rather than a controversial policy overhaul, and such local acts are often treated as routine accommodations when supported by the municipality.
Contention
The main point of contention inherent in the bill is the waiver of the maximum age requirement for police officer applicants, which may raise fairness or precedent concerns about treating one candidate differently from others subject to the same civil service rules. Any opposition would likely focus on equal treatment, consistency in hiring standards, and whether age limits should be enforced uniformly, while supporters would emphasize the candidate-specific nature of the relief and the local approval from Haverhill officials.