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Delegation says special bill filed to address firefighter Nick Spinelli’s compensation; hearing expedited
Summary
Delegation members told the Select Board a late-filed bill to provide compensation for firefighter Nick Spinelli was filed by the Governor and heard on an expedited basis before the Joint Committee on Public Service; they expect it to proceed swiftly through the legislative process.
Legislators told the Select Board on June 15 that they worked with Town Council, House Counsel and the Governor’s Office to craft a late-filed bill addressing compensation for firefighter Nick Spinelli.
Because the situation required bypassing the town’s typical home‑rule petition route, the delegation said the Governor filed the bill. The measure was assigned to the Joint Committee on Public Service and received an expedited hearing with testimony from firefighters, union representatives and the legislative delegation.
"This is a bill that we had to craft ... with the help of Town Council," one lawmaker said, and added that committee members and participants recognized the "sense of urgency." Delegation members said they expect the bill to move through the remaining legislative steps quickly, though they cautioned timetable uncertainty in government processes.
Why it matters: The Select Board and members of the public have urged the delegation to secure a legislative solution due to the unusual procedural pathway and the perceived urgency of the case.
What’s next: Delegation members said they will continue to monitor the bill’s progress in committee and through the legislative calendar and noted that testimony and town input were part of the expedited hearing record.
