H 4396
An Act relative to archaic laws
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Bill overview
This bill establishes a permanent Law Revision Commission to review and recommend reforms to outdated or obsolete laws in Massachusetts. The commission will be composed of diverse members including judges, attorneys, representatives from bar associations, and public interest groups. Its primary goal is to identify and eliminate antiquated and inequitable laws, bringing the state’s legal system into alignment with modern conditions and improving accessibility to state laws.
Key provisions
- Creates a permanent Law Revision Commission.
- The commission will examine common law, statutes, and judicial decisions for outdated laws.
- The commission will consider recommendations from legal organizations and public suggestions.
- The commission will recommend changes to eliminate obsolete laws and modernize the legal system.
- The commission will recommend the repeal of statutes repealed by implication or deemed unconstitutional.
- The commission will evaluate consolidation of session laws into the General Laws.
- The commission will recommend ways to improve the openness and accessibility of state laws.
- The commission will meet at least four times annually and submit reports to the legislature.
Who is affected
- The public
- Lawyers
- Judges
- Legislators
- Legal professionals
Notable changes
- The commission will have a diverse membership representing various legal and public interest perspectives.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
Jay D. Livingstone
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
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Bill H.4396 194th (Current)
An Act relative to archaic laws
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.4396
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 8/18/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 8/18/2025 | House | New draft of H1849 |
| 8/18/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently |
| 9/11/2025 | House | Discharged to the committee on House Rules |
| 10/27/2025 | House | Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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