H 2008 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act prohibiting name-changing for registered sex offenders

This Massachusetts bill prohibits registered sex offenders from changing their names, requiring them to use only the name they provided during registration. It specifically blocks sex offenders from adopting new surnames in marriage and prevents courts from granting name change petitions for individuals listed on the sex offender registry. The law applies to all individuals required to register under Massachusetts' sex offender registration system (sections 178C-178P). These provisions directly affect registered sex offenders by restricting their ability to alter their legal name for any purpose.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors