Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H5427: An Act authorizing the town of Natick to continue the employment of Police Chief James Hicks beyond the age of 65
Status: Signed into law, October 1, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, May 14, 2026:
SECTION I. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, James Hicks, Police Chief of the Town of Natick, may continue to serve in that position until reaching age 67, the date of his retirement, or the date he is relieved of his duties by the Select Board at their discretion, whichever occurs first; provided, however, that he is mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of Police Chief. The Select Board may, at the Town's own expense, require that James Hicks be examined annually by a physician designated by the Select Board, to determine such physical and mental capability to perform the duties of his office. No further deductions shall be made from the regular compensation of James Hicks, pursuant to chapter 32 of the General Laws for service subsequent to his reaching age 65; and upon retirement for superannuation, he shall receive a superannuation retirement allowance equal to the allowance that he would have been entitled had he retired upon reaching age 65.
Sponsors
- David Linsky (D, 5th Middlesex) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Signed by the Governor, Chapter 230 of the Acts of 2026
- : Enacted and laid before the Governor
- : Enacted
- : Read third and passed to be engrossed
- : Taken out of the Orders of the Day
- : Read, rules suspended, read second and ordered to a third reading
- : Read third and passed to be engrossed
- : Read second and ordered to a third reading
- : Rules suspended
- : Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
Votes
- Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Public Service (July 22, 2026): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is H5427?
- H5427 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act authorizing the town of Natick to continue the employment of Police Chief James Hicks beyond the age of 65.
- What is the status of H5427?
- Signed into law as of October 1, 2026. Latest action: Signed by the Governor, Chapter 230 of the Acts of 2026 (October 1, 2026).
- Who sponsored H5427?
- David Linsky (D, 5th Middlesex).
- Where is the official record for H5427?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5427
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.