H 2561
An Act respecting autonomy in name choice for newly married partners
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to give newly married couples more autonomy in choosing their names after marriage. Currently, Massachusetts law requires a married woman to take her husband’s last name. This legislation would allow both partners to select a new name, or to retain their existing names, without legal requirements dictating one partner’s name change.
Key provisions
- Allows couples to choose a new name together.
- Permits individuals to retain their existing name after marriage.
- Eliminates the requirement for a woman to automatically take her husband’s last name.
Who is affected
- Newly married couples
- Women entering into marriage
- Massachusetts residents
Notable changes
- Changes the current legal requirement for women to adopt their husband’s last name.
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Bill H.2561 194th (Current)
An Act respecting autonomy in name choice for newly married partners
By Representative Vitolo of Brookline, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2561) of Tommy Vitolo relative to the adoption of names upon marriage. Public Health.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Tommy Vitolo
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.2561
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Health |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/30/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/10/2025 from 09:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1 |
| 3/16/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5234 |
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An Act respecting autonomy in name choice for newly married partners
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