Bill > H4392

This bill aims to modernize Massachusetts law by removing outdated provisions related to "tramps, vagrants, and vagabonds," terms historically used to criminalize homelessness and perceived idleness. Specifically, it repeals several sections of Chapter 272 of the General Laws, which previously dealt with these offenses, and also removes language from Chapter 71 and Chapter 264 that may be related to these archaic concepts. For instance, it strikes the first sentence of a section in Chapter 71, repeals Section 16A of Chapter 264, and removes the phrase "by the Communist Party or" from Section 22 of Chapter 264, indicating a broader effort to update laws that may have been used for political or social control in the past. Additionally, it removes the phrase "either with mankind or" from Section 34 of Chapter 272, which likely refers to outdated laws concerning sexual offenses. In essence, this bill cleans up the legal code by eliminating provisions that are no longer relevant or are considered discriminatory.