Massachusetts H4321: An Act authorizing the Dalton Fire District to continue the employment of interim fire chief Christopher Francis Cachat

What the bill says

From the introduced text, March 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, Christopher Francis Cachat, the interim fire chief of the Dalton Fire District, may continue to serve in that position until he reaches 70 years of age, the date of his retirement or the date he is removed or suspended from office by the board of water commissioners for the Dalton fire district in accordance with applicable laws, rules or regulations, whichever occurs first; provided, however, that he remains physically and mentally capable of performing the duties of the position. If requested, Christopher Francis Cachat shall, at the expense of the fire district, be examined by an impartial physician designated by the board to determine such capability. No deductions shall be made from the regular compensation of Christopher Francis Cachat pursuant to chapter 32 of the General Laws for any service subsequent to him reaching 65 years of age and, upon retirement, Christopher Francis Cachat shall receive a superannuation retirement allowance equal to that which he would have been entitled had he retired at the age of 65. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Leigh Davis (D) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. July 28, 2026: Signed by the Governor, Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2026
2. July 20, 2026: Enacted and laid before the Governor
3. July 20, 2026: Enacted
4. July 16, 2026: Read second, ordered to a third reading, read third and passed to be engrossed
5. July 16, 2026: Rules suspended
6. July 16, 2026: Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session
7. April 21, 2026: Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Rules
8. April 16, 2026: Read third and passed to be engrossed
9. March 16, 2026: Read second and ordered to a third reading
10. October 14, 2025: Placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting (under the last sentence of Rule 7A) for a second reading

Votes

• Committee Vote - Senate Committee on Rules (July 15, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (August 25, 2025): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H4321?

H4321 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act authorizing the Dalton Fire District to continue the employment of interim fire chief Christopher Francis Cachat.

What is the status of H4321?

Signed into law as of July 28, 2026. Latest action: Signed by the Governor, Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2026 (July 28, 2026).

Who sponsored H4321?

Leigh Davis (D).

Where is the official record for H4321?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4321