By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 544) of William N. Brownsberger, Joanne M. Comerford, Dylan A. Fernandes and Jason M. Lewis for legislation to prohibit the mistreatment of birds. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 224) of Lydia Edwards, William N. Brownsberger, Cindy F. Friedman and Mike Connolly for legislation to eliminate forced real estate broker's fees. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1169) of Joan B. Lovely, William N. Brownsberger, Jacob R. Oliveira and Susannah M. Whipps for legislation to ensure that survivors of childhood sexual abuse shall not be subject to a limitation on damages. The Judiciary.
By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1037) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation relative to indigency. The Judiciary.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent Law Revision Commission to identify and recommend updates to Massachusetts' outdated legal language. The commission, composed of legal experts, judges, and public officials, will review statutes, common law, and judicial decisions to eliminate archaic terms (like "common night walker" and references to "sodomy") and modernize laws. It specifically amends multiple statutes across chapters 272 and 277 by removing obsolete references (e.g., repealing Section 34 of Chapter 272 and updating Section 35 to use plain language about public exposure). The changes directly affect Massachusetts' legal code, making it more accessible and relevant to current standards. The commission must submit annual reports with specific legislative proposals to the state legislature.
Senate, July 24, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill amending certain archaic laws (Senate, No. 2564) (being the text of Senate, No. 1034, printed as amended)
By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1426) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation relative to recovery damages related to bodily injury or property damages from defective public ways. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1427) of William N. Brownsberger, Joanne M. Comerford, Colleen M. Garry and Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to prohibit municipal bans of face coverings for protective or medical use. Municipalities and Regional Government.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to install automated cameras to enforce specific traffic violations, including running red lights, illegal right turns on red, speeding, and blocking intersections. Municipalities must hold public hearings to approve camera locations and annually report safety data, crash statistics, and enforcement results to MassDOT. Registered vehicle owners face fines of $25-$150 for violations caught by cameras, but for 60 days after installation, only warnings are issued instead of fines. The bill ensures these violations do not count as moving violations for insurance surcharges or appear on a driver’s record.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2152) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to designate June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
