Massachusetts § 17B - Five day and forty hour week; compensation for additional service; reduction in compensation

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 17B — Five day and forty hour week; compensation for additional service; reduction in compensation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17B. Five day and forty hour week; compensation for additional service; reduction in compensation

Section 17B. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the services of all regular or permanent police officers of every city and town which accepts this section shall be restricted to five days and to forty hours in any one week; provided, that service in excess of the aforesaid days and hours may be authorized by the police commissioner, chief, superintendent or other officer or board at the head of the police department of any such city or town and the officer performing such additional service shall be compensated at the hourly rate of his regular compensation for his average weekly hours of regular duty or such higher rate as may be determined by the person or persons authorized to establish pay scales in the respective police departments. The compensation payable to any such police officer shall not be reduced by reason of the acceptance of this section. This section shall take effect in a city having a Plan E or Plan D charter when accepted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the city council and in the case of other cities by vote of the city council, subject to the provisions of its charter, and in a town by a majority vote at the annual town meeting.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 17B

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 17B cover?

Section 17B ("Five day and forty hour week; compensation for additional service; reduction in compensation") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 17B?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 17B" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 17B apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.