HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 6279 FILED ON: 7/22/2026
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 5606
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Erika Uyterhoeven
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act authorizing the appointment of special police officers in the city of Somerville.
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PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: | Date Added: |
Erika Uyterhoeven | 27th Middlesex | 7/22/2026 |
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 6279 FILED ON: 7/22/2026
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 5606
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5606) of Erika Uyterhoeven (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Somerville be authorized to appoint special police officers in said city. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.] |
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act authorizing the appointment of special police officers in the city of Somerville.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. The mayor of the city of Somerville may appoint special police officers for the city as the mayor deems necessary for the safety and protection of the citizens.
SECTION 2. Special police officers appointed under this act shall have the same power to make arrests and to perform other police functions as reserve and intermittent police officers in or upon lands or structures owned, used or occupied by Somerville Housing Authority residents and staff and to perform any police duties arising therefrom. Special police officers appointed under this act shall be subject to the applicable training requirements of such officers established by the municipal police training committee and the city.
SECTION 3. Special police officers shall be appointed for a term to be determined by the mayor, subject to removal by the mayor with the recommendation of the chief of police. Special police officers shall be confirmed by the city council and sworn before the city clerk who shall keep a record of all such appointments and the term of appointment.
SECTION 4. The Somerville police chief may, in the Chief’s sole discretion, adopt rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and requirements that shall be applicable to all or certain special police officers including, but not to be limited to, requirements regarding medical examinations to determine continuing capability to perform the duties of a special police officer, requirements for training, requirements for firearms licensing and qualifications, manner of performance of duties, and requirements regarding uniforms and equipment.
SECTION 5. Special police officers appointed pursuant to this act shall not be subject to chapter 31 of the General Laws, section 99A of chapter 41 of the General Laws, or chapter 150E of the General Laws.
SECTION 6. This act shall take effect upon its passage.