Bill > H4140

This bill allows the town of Wellesley to modify the existing residency requirement for police and fire department personnel beyond the standard 15-mile limit. Currently, Massachusetts law (specifically section 99A of chapter 41 of the General Laws) requires public safety personnel to live within 15 miles of their workplace. This bill would give Wellesley the authority to extend that residency limit, but with an important condition: any expansion of the residency radius must be negotiated through a collective bargaining agreement under chapter 150E of the General Laws, which governs labor relations for public employees. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, providing the town flexibility in hiring and retaining public safety personnel by potentially allowing employees to live further from the town. This local legislation appears designed to address specific staffing needs or challenges in the Wellesley police and fire departments by creating more geographic flexibility in residency requirements.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4140