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Bill > H1670


MA H1670

MA H1670
Relative to the repeal or reform of certain unenforceable or unconstitutional archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality


summary

Introduced
02/27/2025
In Committee
02/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

194th General Court

Bill Summary

Relative to the repeal or reform of certain archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality. The Judiciary.

AI Summary

This bill proposes to repeal or reform several outdated laws related to religion, piety, and morality in the Massachusetts General Laws. Specifically, the bill removes Section 30 of Chapter 71 (related to schools), amends Section 31 of Chapter 71 by striking its first sentence, and modifies Section 15 of Chapter 233 to standardize oath-taking procedures. The new oath-taking language requires individuals to simply raise their hand and affirm the truthfulness of their testimony without any religious references. The bill also completely repeals Sections 16-19 of Chapter 233, as well as Sections 26, 29, 34, 35, and 36 of Chapter 272, which likely contained archaic or unconstitutional provisions related to religious practices or moral conduct. By removing these sections, the bill aims to update Massachusetts law to remove potentially discriminatory or outdated language that may no longer be legally enforceable or consistent with modern constitutional principles of religious freedom and equal treatment.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2 (on 10/20/2025)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1670
BillText https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1670.pdf
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