Bill > H804

This bill proposes comprehensive updates to Chapter 53 of the Massachusetts General Laws to replace gender-specific language with gender-neutral terminology. The bill systematically goes through multiple sections of the law, replacing pronouns like "he", "him", and "his" with gender-neutral terms such as "they", "them", and "their". Additionally, the bill replaces gendered titles like "chairman" with gender-neutral alternatives like "chairperson", and updates references to municipal bodies by adding gender-neutral terms. For example, alongside "selectmen", the bill adds "select board", and alongside "aldermen", it adds "alderpersons". These changes aim to make the legal language more inclusive and representative, ensuring that the text does not assume a specific gender for individuals holding various public offices or performing official duties. The modifications are technical in nature and do not alter the substantive legal provisions, but instead focus on modernizing the language to reflect contemporary standards of gender inclusivity.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H804