H 5154 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act exonerating certain individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts

This bill amends Massachusetts' historical exoneration record for individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial times. It adds eight specific names - Margaret Jones, Alice Lake, Elizabeth Kendall, Anne Hibbens, Goody Glover, Hugh Parsons, Eunice Cole, and Elizabeth Morse - to the official list of exonerated people. The bill removes the specific year "1692" from the text and adds explanatory language acknowledging others who faced accusations without conviction. It does not create new legal rights or affect current laws; it solely updates historical records to correct past injustices. This is a symbolic, non-procedural correction of historical documentation.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 26, 2026 Last action Feb 26, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Feb 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on The Judiciary
lower
0 primary · 5 co-sponsors

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