H 1670
An Act relative to the repeal or reform of certain unenforceable or unconstitutional archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill seeks to review and potentially repeal or reform laws in Massachusetts that are considered outdated, unenforceable, or unconstitutional, specifically focusing on those related to religion, piety, and morality. The bill’s sponsor believes some of these laws conflict with modern values and legal standards. It directs the Judiciary Committee to study these laws and recommend changes or outright repeal where appropriate. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee and subsequently accompanied a study order.
Key provisions
- Directs the Judiciary Committee to study laws concerning religion, piety, and morality.
- Authorizes the committee to recommend repeal or reform of unenforceable or unconstitutional laws.
- The bill was accompanied by a study order (H5281).
- The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
- The Senate concurred with the House version of the bill.
- A hearing was scheduled for May 6, 2025.
Who is affected
- The general public of Massachusetts
- Religious organizations and individuals in Massachusetts
- The Massachusetts Judiciary system
Notable changes
- The bill aims to update legal frameworks related to religion and morality.
- It seeks to align laws with contemporary legal standards and constitutional principles.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
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Bill H.1670 194th (Current)
An Act relative to the repeal or reform of certain unenforceable or unconstitutional archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality
By Representative Donaghue of Westborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1670) of Kate Donaghue relative to the repeal or reform of certain archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Kate Donaghue
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1670
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 4/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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An Act relative to the repeal or reform of certain unenforceable or unconstitutional archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality
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