Bill > H2276

This bill modifies the rules for appointing and reappointing full-time police officers and firefighters who are not covered by Chapter 31 of the Massachusetts General Laws, which typically governs civil service positions. The initial appointment for these public safety officers will be for one year, serving as a probationary period where they are considered "at-will" employees, meaning they can be removed without recourse. After this initial year, subsequent appointments can be made annually or for terms up to three years. During these later appointments, officers can be removed for "just cause" after a hearing. However, if these officers are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that outlines specific procedures for dismissal, then the decision not to reappoint them after their initial probationary period will be treated as a discharge or termination, and the agreement's standards and procedures will apply.