Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H5429: An Act providing injured on duty compensation to Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinale
Status: In committee, October 21, 2026
What the bill says
An Act providing injured on duty compensation to Chelmsford Firefighter Nicholas Spinale." Nicholas Spinale, an active-duty fire fighter for the Chelmsford Fire Department and a Support Branch staff member at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, was tragically injured on April 7, 2026, while supporting fire fighter training. The Academy is run by the Department of Fire Services (DFS), and trains over 13,000 fire fighters at every level of experience across the state each year…
From the introduced text, May 14, 2026:
An Act providing injured on duty compensation to Chelmsford Firefighter Nicholas Spinale." Nicholas Spinale, an active-duty fire fighter for the Chelmsford Fire Department and a Support Branch staff member at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, was tragically injured on April 7, 2026, while supporting fire fighter training. The Academy is run by the Department of Fire Services (DFS), and trains over 13,000 fire fighters at every level of experience across the state each year. The Academy provides training at no cost to municipalities and relies on instructors and support staff, who, like Mr. Spinale, are active-duty or retired fire fighters. Mr. Spinale has performed critical, life-saving work in both roles and deserves our steadfast support as he recovers. This legislation ensures that Mr. Spinale will receive full pay and benefits and maintain his full-time position with the Chelmsford Fire Department while he recovers from his injuries. All costs will be borne by the state. Every day, fire fighters bravely step into dangerous situations to keep us safe. Academy staff are vital to the professional training and development that prepare them for these duties. Mr. Spinale exemplifies this courageous spirit. He deserves the support this legislation will provide as he recovers. I therefore urge your prompt consideration of this bill. of Respectfully submitted, Maura T. Healey, Governor of HOUSE . . . …
Sponsors
- Healey, Maura T. (I) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : New draft substituted, see H5698
- : Read second, amended (as recommended by the committee on House Ways and Means)
- : Rules suspended
- : Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting for a second reading with the amendment pending
- : Referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling with the amendment pending
- : Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting therefor a bill with the same title, see H5698
- : Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
- : Hearing rescheduled to 06/03/2026 from 11:00 AM-11:45 AM in B-2 <br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- : Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2026 from 11:00 AM-04:00 PM in B-2
- : Senate concurred
Votes
- Committee Vote - House Committee on Ways and Means (October 20, 2026): 31 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Public Service (June 26, 2026): 17 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is H5429?
- H5429 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act providing injured on duty compensation to Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinale.
- What does H5429 do?
- In its own words: An Act providing injured on duty compensation to Chelmsford Firefighter Nicholas Spinale." Nicholas Spinale, an active-duty fire fighter for the Chelmsford Fire Department and a Support Branch staff member at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, was tragically injured on April 7, 2026, while supporting fire fighter training. The Academy is run by the Department of Fire Services (DFS), and trains over 13,000 fire fighters at every level of experience across the state each year…
- What is the status of H5429?
- In committee as of October 21, 2026. Latest action: New draft substituted, see H5698 (October 21, 2026).
- Who sponsored H5429?
- Healey, Maura T. (I).
- Where is the official record for H5429?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5429
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.