Bill would let Haverhill resident take firefighter civil‑service exam despite age limit

Representative Andres X. Vargas filed House Docket No. 5175 (House No. 4573) on Sept. 23, 2025, asking the General Court to allow Sean Duffy of Haverhill to take the civil‑service examination for the position of firefighter notwithstanding the maximum age requirement.

The bill text says that, "notwithstanding any general or special law or rule or regulation to the contrary regulating the maximum age of applicants for appointment as firefighter," Sean Duffy shall be eligible for appointment if he meets all other requirements. Section 2 of the bill states that the act would take effect upon its passage. The filing record notes local approval from the mayor and city council.

The measure is a single‑subject local act that, if passed by the Legislature and signed into law, would create an individual exemption to the civil‑service age limit for certification and appointment by the Haverhill fire department. The bill does not specify which statute or administrative rule sets the maximum age, nor does it explain the reason the exemption is being requested.

Legislative filings of this type are commonly used to provide an individual authorization that alters eligibility for civil‑service appointment in a single municipality. Passage would require the usual legislative process in the Massachusetts General Court and gubernatorial action; the bill text itself makes clear the exemption would be effective only upon enactment.

No vote tally, committee referral, or sponsor statement explaining the request appears in the filing text provided. The petition lists Andres X. Vargas (3rd Essex) and notes "with the approval of the mayor and city council." The document identifies the petitioner, the docket number (House Docket No. 5175) and the bill number (House No. 4573).