Rep. Todd Smola

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Ware to hire permanent full-time police and fire department members who are older than the usual state-mandated age limit. The town's selectboard, town council, or other appointing authority can approve these appointments as long as the candidates meet all other civil service requirements. Essentially, it gives the town flexibility to consider older applicants for these roles without violating existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Steven Perkins, a member of the Warren fire department, to continue working until he reaches age 70 or retires, whichever comes first. Under the law, the town can require him to undergo a medical exam to ensure he remains physically and mentally capable of performing his duties. Additionally, the bill ensures that Perkins does not lose retirement benefits due to working past age 65 and will receive a pension equal to what he would have gotten if he had retired at 65.