An Act exonerating certain individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill seeks to formally exonerate individuals who were wrongly accused of witchcraft during the colonial period in Massachusetts. It acknowledges the historical injustice of these accusations and aims to provide a measure of recognition and redress for those affected. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Judiciary committee and has undergone several rescheduling adjustments for a hearing.
Key provisions
- Exonerates individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts.
- The bill was presented by Representative Steven Owens.
- The bill was accompanied by a petition from Steven Owens, Sally P. Kerans, and William C. Galvin.
- It is currently under review by the Massachusetts House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.
- The bill has been rescheduled for a hearing on November 25, 2025.
Who is affected
- Descendants of individuals wrongly accused of witchcraft.
- Researchers and historians studying colonial Massachusetts.
- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- The bill addresses a significant historical injustice.
- It is part of a series of similar bills (H.5154) aimed at achieving the same goal.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
6 on record
Primary sponsor
Steven Owens
Cosponsors
Edward R. Philips
Steven Owens
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours