MassachusettsUpton fire chief could keep serving until age 70 if able
If enacted, the bill would let Upton fire chief Michael Marchand serve until age 70 or an earlier retirement or removal, and set rules for his retirement deductions and allowance.
What it does
Upton’s fire chief, Michael Marchand, could keep serving until age 70, retirement, or removal by town leaders, if he remains able to do the job.
After age 65, retirement deductions from Marchand’s regular pay would stop for later service. When he retires for superannuation, his allowance would match what he would have received at age 65.
Argument forKeeping Marchand as chief could help Upton maintain steady leadership, if he remains able to perform the job.
Argument againstUpton could face added costs if town leaders require annual exams, since the town would pay for them.
More detail
If enacted, Michael Marchand could continue serving as Upton’s fire chief until the first of three specified events. This applies only to Michael Marchand as Upton’s fire chief. He must remain mentally and physically able to perform the job. The select board or town manager may require an annual exam by a physician they choose, at the town’s expense. The permission would end when he turns 70, retires, or is relieved of his duties by the select board or town manager, whichever happens first.
If enacted, retirement deductions from Marchand’s regular pay would stop for service after he reaches age 65, and his retirement allowance would be set at the age-65 amount. These rules apply to Michael Marchand’s regular pay and superannuation retirement allowance. The deduction rule would apply to service after he reaches age 65; the allowance would be set when he retires for superannuation.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 14Signed by the Governor Maura Healey, Chapter 245 of the Acts of 2026Latest
- Oct 5Enacted and laid before the GovernorMajor
- Oct 5EnactedBecame Law
- Oct 1Read second, ordered to a third reading, read third and passed to be engrossedPassed 2nd Chamber
- Oct 1Taken out of the Orders of the Day
- Sep 10Read; and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session
- Sep 8Read third and passed to be engrossedPassed 1st Chamber
- Aug 20Read second and ordered to a third readingMinor
- Aug 20Rules suspended
- Aug 20Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
- Aug 6Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and SchedulingMinor
- Jun 3Hearing rescheduled to 06/03/2026 from 11:00 AM-11:45 AM in B-2 Hearing updated to New End Time
- May 22Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2026 from 11:00 AM-04:00 PM in B-2
- Apr 27Senate concurred
- Apr 23Referred to the committee on Public ServiceIntroduced
Public Safety