Bill > S2564

This bill establishes a permanent law revision commission to systematically review and update Massachusetts state laws, removing outdated or unconstitutional provisions. The commission will consist of 12 members appointed by various state leaders, including legislative chairs, the attorney general, attorneys from different political parties, representatives from district attorneys and public counsel services, and appointees from the governor's office who include a retired judge, a law school faculty member, and a legal historian. The commission will meet at least four times annually and have broad responsibilities including identifying legal defects, considering reform recommendations from professional legal organizations, receiving public suggestions about law improvements, recommending changes to eliminate antiquated legal rules, suggesting repeals of implied or unconstitutional statutes, evaluating the consolidation of laws, and recommending ways to make state laws more open and accessible. At the end of each legislative session, the commission must submit a comprehensive report with its findings and proposed legislation to key legislative bodies. The bill also makes numerous technical amendments to various chapters of Massachusetts law, primarily removing outdated language and references to specific repealed or modified statutory sections, particularly those related to obsolete criminal statutes involving sexual conduct and public behavior.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2564