(BOSTON 6/30/2026) — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey today signed a home rule petition raising the maximum age of eligibility to begin the process of becoming a Worcester Police Officer from 32 years of age or younger to 39 years of age or younger. The bill, unanimously approved by the Worcester City Council in November 2024, was shepherded through the Legislature by Senator Michael Moore and Representative James O’Day.
Previously, a recruit over the age of 32 on the date of their entrance examination was ineligible to have their name certified for appointment to the position of police officer within the City of Worcester. With the enactment of H.3929, the cutoff is raised to those over the age of 39. Individuals with military service are given an additional three years to begin the process of becoming an officer under both the old and new ages of eligibility.
In recent years, the City of Worcester has struggled to recruit enough qualified candidates training to become police officers, falling from 1,200 to 1,500 potential recruits per year in the past to 200 to 250 more recently. City officials say that this law will increase the number of eligible candidates and help the Worcester Police Department better serve the city.
“I was proud to work with the City of Worcester and Representative O’Day to get this home rule petition across the finish line. This minor change to the Worcester Police’s age of eligibility guidelines will expand the pool of qualified individuals to recruit from without sacrificing the safety or security of Worcester’s neighborhoods,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The people of Worcester deserve to feel safe in their communities. By passing this law, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting our police and the city they serve.”
“As the lead sponsor of this bill, I worked closely with my colleagues in the House, Senator Moore, and Senator Kennedy to successfully advance the proposal through the legislative process,” said Representative James O’Day (D-Worcester). “At a time when police departments across the Commonwealth are working to recruit and retain qualified officers, Worcester should have all the available resources and tools necessary to attract strong candidates and keep our neighborhoods safe. I'm pleased that the city's request has been laid before the Governor for final passage, and I'm confident that this measure will improve public safety going forward"
"I want to thank Senator Moore and our state delegation for their partnership in passing H.3929,” said Worcester Mayor Joe Petty. “By expanding the eligibility age, we will welcome a broader pool of dedicated recruits who bring valuable life and professional experience to the Worcester Police Department.”
“The passing of this bill will have a profound impact on the Worcester Police Department’s ability to recruit more officers,” said Worcester City Manager Eric Batista. “With officers retiring, officers on long-term disability, and officers deployed in the military, this recruiting age increase will help us fill these vacancies and ensure we’re able to provide the level of public safety service our residents deserve. Thank you to Senator Moore and Rep. O’Day for their advocacy and support with pushing this bill forward.”
Changing the maximum age to begin the process of becoming a police officer to 39 aligns Worcester with cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth, including Boston, Plymouth, and Taunton.
After its passage by the Worcester City Council on November 12th, 2024 in a 11-0 vote, the home rule petition was filed in the Legislature on March 20th, 2025. With Representative O’Day as its House sponsor, it was passed in the House on May 26th, 2026, with passage through the Senate on June 18th led by Senator Moore as its Senate sponsor.
Having been signed by the Governor, the bill is now law.
###