Gov. Healey signs bill that moves Fall River Police Chief to civil service position

On Jan 29, 2026, Governor Healey signed the bill that moves the Fall River Police Chief position from a contract position to civil service with a contract.

The change request originated in May of 2025 when current Fall River Police Department Chief Kelly Furtado was appointed to a 1-year contract. The Fall River City Council voted down a 3-year contract for Furtado but agreed to a 1-year contract in return for a home rule petition to make the police chief position civil service in the future. This bill is a result of that.

Chief Furtado’s contract expires on May 13, 2026 leaving the mayor and city council three months to address the issue. It’s uncertain if Furtado qualifies for civil service as she doesn’t meet the educational requirements of a college degree.

The bill was presented by State Rep. Carole Fiola and State Senator Michael Rodrigues.

Here is the text of House Bill 4214:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the position of Police Chief in the City of Fall River shall, upon the effective date of this Act, be subject to the provisions of Chapter 31 of the Massachusetts General Laws and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder governing civil service.

 SECTION 2. The Mayor of the City of Fall River shall remain the appointing authority for the Police Chief and the terms and conditions of the Police Chief’s employment contract shall be subject to Section 1080 of General Laws Chapter 41, for a period not to exceed three (3) years.

 SECTION 3. The Police Chief shall be the head of the Fall River Police Department, shall be responsible for the management and operation of said police department, and shall be the “Appointing Authority” for all employees of the police department in accordance with Section of General Laws Chapter 31, with all the rights, duties and privileges appurtenant thereto and as contained in subsequent sections of Chapter 31 and any other general or special law applicable to chiefs of departments.

 SECTION 4. This Act shall apply to any vacancy in the position of Police Chief occurring on or after the effective date of this Act. Nothing in this Act shall affect the civil service status, seniority, or rights of any person employed in the Fall River Police Department as of the effective date of this Act.

 SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its passage.