Bill > S1034

This bill establishes a permanent Law Revision Commission to systematically review and update Massachusetts state laws, ensuring they remain current and equitable. The commission will consist of 12 members, including legislative committee chairs, the attorney general, attorneys appointed by various legislative leaders, representatives from the District Attorneys Association and public counsel services, and three gubernatorial appointees (including a retired judge, a law school faculty member, and a legal historian). The commission's responsibilities include examining common law, statutes, and judicial decisions to identify outdated or problematic legal provisions, receiving suggestions for legal reforms from professional organizations and the public, recommending changes to eliminate antiquated rules, suggesting the repeal of unconstitutional or implied repeals, evaluating the consolidation of session laws, and improving the accessibility of state laws. The commission must meet at least four times annually and submit an annual report with its findings and recommended legislative proposals to key legislative bodies. Additionally, the bill makes several technical amendments to various chapters of Massachusetts law, including repealing or modifying sections related to outdated legal terminology and provisions, particularly in chapters dealing with criminal law and judicial procedures.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1034