Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the oaths and affirmations of public office

This bill proposes an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution to allow public officials who decline taking a traditional oath to instead make a solemn affirmation. The key provision requires that any affirmation omit the phrase "So help me God" and replace it with "This I do under the pains and penalties of perjury." The change also directs that the word "swear" be removed from the standard text and replaced with "affirm" for those choosing this alternative. This update would directly affect any state employee or elected official who objects to swearing an oath on religious or personal grounds.