H 804
An Act relative to gender neutral language in elections law
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to update Massachusetts election laws to use gender-neutral language. Currently, election materials and processes may use terms that are not inclusive of all individuals. The bill aims to standardize the use of inclusive language across all election-related documents and procedures, promoting fairness and accessibility for all voters.
Key provisions
- Requires the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth to adopt gender-neutral language in election materials.
- Directs the Massachusetts Attorney General to provide guidance on implementing gender-neutral language.
- Encourages the use of inclusive language in voter registration forms and ballots.
- Promotes the use of gender-neutral pronouns and terminology in election communications.
- Specifies that election officials should use inclusive language when providing information to voters.
Who is affected
- Massachusetts Voters
- Massachusetts Election Officials
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth
- The Massachusetts Attorney General
Notable changes
- The bill mandates the adoption of gender-neutral language, moving beyond voluntary guidelines.
- It establishes a process for providing guidance and support to election officials regarding implementation.
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Bill H.804 194th (Current)
An Act relative to gender neutral language in elections law
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 804) of Natalie M. Blais and others relative to gender-neutral language in elections laws. Election Laws.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Natalie M. Blais Status: Referred to House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.804
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Election Laws |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/10/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1 |
| 9/2/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling |
| 9/15/2025 | House | Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting |
| 9/15/2025 | House | Rules suspended |
| 9/15/2025 | House | Read second and ordered to a third reading |
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