Sen. Will Brownsberger

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent law revision commission in Massachusetts to identify and recommend changes to outdated or obsolete laws. The commission would include judges, attorneys, academics, and representatives from various legal organizations, who would meet at least four times a year to review statutes and common law for defects or anachronisms. Additionally, the legislation repeals several specific sections of state law that address historical offenses such as common night walking and street walking, which are no longer relevant in modern society. By creating this ongoing review process and removing archaic statutes, the bill aims to bring the state's legal code into harmony with current conditions.

Senate, May 8, 2023 -- (Filed by Mr. Brownsberger) Order relative to the calling of a joint session of the two Houses for the purpose of considering proposals for amendments to the Constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend the Massachusetts Constitution to replace gendered language with gender-neutral terms when referring to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Specifically, it would change pronouns like "his" and "he" to "his or her" and "he or she" throughout the sections of the state constitution that define the powers and duties of these executive offices. The change aims to ensure the legal documents accurately reflect that both men and women can hold these positions without relying on outdated phrasing. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the amendment would update the constitutional text to be inclusive of all potential officeholders.

By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2622) of Steven Owens, John J. Lawn, Jr., and William N. Brownsberger (with the approval of the city council) relative to further regulating the appointment of special police officers in the city of Watertown. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge and Senator Brownsberger, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5217) of David M. Rogers and William N. Brownsberger (by vote of the town) relative to the retirement classification of certain public safety employees of the town of Belmont. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1661) of William N. Brownsberger and Michael J. Barrett for legislation relative to civil service resident preference. Public Service.

Senate, December 27, 2022 -- Text of the further Senate amendment to the House Bill to reduce traffic fatalities (House, No. 5103).

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge and Senator Brownsberger, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5215) of David M. Rogers and William N. Brownsberger (by vote of the town) that the town of Belmont be authorized to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. [Local Approval Received.]

By Mr. Owens of Watertown, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven C. Owens, John J. Lawn, Jr. and William N. Brownsberger (with the approval of the city council) relative to property tax classifications in the city of Watertown. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, Senate, No. 0000) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William N. Brownsberger for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to select boards. Municipalities and Regional Government.