MassachusettsS 1898194th General Court (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act authorizing the appointment of retired police officers to perform police details in the town of Plainville

Sponsored By: Rebecca L. Rausch (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Special officers cannot receive certain retirement benefits

Plainville special officers appointed under this law cannot receive benefits under sections 85H or 85H½ of chapter 32. Those sections do not apply to them. The law does not state the benefits' dollar value.

Special officers face costs and employment exclusions

Before appointment, retired officers must pass and provide proof of a medical exam by a physician the police chief selects. The exam checks their ability to perform essential duties; the chief can require further fitness exams after appointment. Officers pay for all required medical exams. They also pay for training equipment and uniforms unless the chief decides otherwise. The chief can require officers to buy insurance covering the town's workers' compensation costs for injuries during their duties. These officers are excluded from chapter 31, chapter 150E, and sections 98A and 111F of chapter 41. These exclusions change the state employment rules that cover them; the law gives no dollar amounts for required expenses.

Special officers get protection against covered costs

Plainville special officers appointed under this law are entitled to protection against covered costs under section 100 of chapter 41. This protection is called indemnification. The act does not specify payment amounts or the circumstances covered by that section.

Special officers stop pension deductions after 65

Special officers appointed under this law have no further chapter 32 deductions from regular pay for service after reaching age 65. The law does not state the deduction amount or explain effects on other retirement benefit calculations.

Retired Plainville officers get limited detail work

The law took effect upon passage and lets Plainville's town administrator appoint retired town officers as special police officers. Eligible retirees must have served as regular, full-time officers and retired in good standing based on age and service. They can work police details and handle duties arising during detail work, even when unrelated to the detail. While working, they have the same arrest powers and police authority as regular town officers. Appointments last one year, starting July 1. Officers serve at the town's pleasure; the administrator can suspend them anytime or remove them with 14 days' written notice. The usual state pension-law maximum age rules do not apply, but officers cannot serve past age 70. Officers must follow department rules, maintain state police certification and good standing, and complete required annual and other training. State pension-law limits on hours worked and earnings still apply. The police chief controls assignments and can limit the types of details officers work. Officers must be sworn before the town clerk, who records appointments and expiration dates.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Rebecca L. Rausch
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 6 • No: 0

committee vote • 10/28/2025

Committee Favorable: Ought to pass