FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 46, sec. 19 — MA Code / Part I / Title VII / Chapter 46 / Section 19
Use of records as evidence
Status: in_force

Section 19. The record of the town clerk relative to a birth, marriage or death shall be prima facie evidence of the facts recorded, but nothing contained in the record of a death which has reference to the question of liability for causing the death shall be admissible in evidence. A certificate of such a record, signed by the town clerk or assistant clerk, or a certificate of the copy of the record relative to a birth, marriage or death required to be kept in the department of public health, signed by the commissioner of public health or the registrar of vital records and statistics, shall be admissible as evidence of such record. Upon request for an abbreviated record of a birth, marriage or death, the clerk or assistant clerk, commissioner of public health or registrar of vital records and statistics, shall make an abstract of the record of the same without notation thereon of the name of the parent or parents, except by request of the applicant. Upon the written request of the person to whom the record relates or of either of his parents, the clerk or assistant clerk, commissioner of public health or registrar of vital records and statistics, shall issue a certified copy of a birth record containing no reference to the color of said person or his parents.

Section 19. The record of the town clerk relative to a birth, marriage or death shall be prima facie evidence of the facts recorded, but nothing contained in the record of a death which has reference to the question of liability for causing the death shall be admissible in evidence. A certificate of such a record, signed by the town clerk or assistant clerk, or a certificate of the copy of the record relative to a birth, marriage or death required to be kept in the department of public health, signed by the commissioner of public health or the registrar of vital records and statistics, shall be admissible as evidence of such record. Upon request for an abbreviated record of a birth, marriage or death, the clerk or assistant clerk, commissioner of public health or registrar of vital records and statistics, shall make an abstract of the record of the same without notation thereon of the name of the parent or parents, except by request of the applicant. Upon the written request of the person to whom the record relates or of either of his parents, the clerk or assistant clerk, commissioner of public health or registrar of vital records and statistics, shall issue a certified copy of a birth record containing no reference to the color of said person or his parents.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 164, sec. 9 — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 164 / Section 9
Hydro-electric plants; issue of preferred stock and bonds; acquisition of storage reservoir
Status: in_force

Section 9. An electric company which owns or operates an hydro-electric plant may, subject to all laws governing the issue of capital stock by electric companies, issue preferred stock of one or more classes to such amount, not exceeding twice the amount of the general or common stock then outstanding, as the department may from time to time approve; and, in approving, under section fourteen, the issue of stock or bonds by an hydro-electric company which has theretofore issued and has outstanding stock or bonds for which the approval of the department or its predecessors was not required, the department may direct that such new stock or bonds shall bear some distinctive designation. An electric company may, with the consent of the department and to such extent and upon such terms as the department may approve, acquire the stocks, bonds or other obligations of a corporation, association or person owning a storage reservoir in the states of Vermont or New Hampshire, the operation of which will be beneficial to an hydro-electric plant in this commonwealth owned by such company, or owning an electric system completed or under construction in another state from which such electric company derives or has contracted for an amount of electrical energy which in the opinion of the department is a substantial amount.

Section 9. An electric company which owns or operates an hydro-electric plant may, subject to all laws governing the issue of capital stock by electric companies, issue preferred stock of one or more classes to such amount, not exceeding twice the amount of the general or common stock then outstanding, as the department may from time to time approve; and, in approving, under section fourteen, the issue of stock or bonds by an hydro-electric company which has theretofore issued and has outstanding stock or bonds for which the approval of the department or its predecessors was not required, the department may direct that such new stock or bonds shall bear some distinctive designation. An electric company may, with the consent of the department and to such extent and upon such terms as the department may approve, acquire the stocks, bonds or other obligations of a corporation, association or person owning a storage reservoir in the states of Vermont or New Hampshire, the operation of which will be beneficial to an hydro-electric plant in this commonwealth owned by such company, or owning an electric system completed or under construction in another state from which such electric company derives or has contracted for an amount of electrical energy which in the opinion of the department is a substantial amount.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 206A — MA Code / Part I / Title XVI / Chapter 111 / Section 206A
Seal of approval for wellness programs implemented by businesses
Status: in_force

Section 206A. (a) The department, in consultation with the division of insurance, shall provide a seal of approval to wellness programs implemented by businesses. In developing criteria for a wellness seal of approval, the department shall consider: (i) actuarial equivalency to programs under section 206; (ii) whether the program provides new or innovative services; (iii) the participation rate by employees; (iv) the quality of the health education being provided; (v) whether the program promotes health screenings and other preventive health care measures; and (vi) whether the program promotes a healthy workplace environment. For the purposes of this section, ''businesses'' shall include professions, sole proprietorships, trades, businesses or partnerships (b) The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of the department of revenue, shall create a form that indicates a business is using an approved wellness program.

Section 206A. (a) The department, in consultation with the division of insurance, shall provide a seal of approval to wellness programs implemented by businesses. In developing criteria for a wellness seal of approval, the department shall consider: (i) actuarial equivalency to programs under section 206; (ii) whether the program provides new or innovative services; (iii) the participation rate by employees; (iv) the quality of the health education being provided; (v) whether the program promotes health screenings and other preventive health care measures; and (vi) whether the program promotes a healthy workplace environment. For the purposes of this section, ''businesses'' shall include professions, sole proprietorships, trades, businesses or partnerships

(b) The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of the department of revenue, shall create a form that indicates a business is using an approved wellness program.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 211, sec. 5 — MA Code / Part III / Title I / Chapter 211 / Section 5
Questions of law; hearing by full court
Status: in_force

Section 5. Questions of law arising upon exceptions, report, or appeal shall be heard and determined by the full court.

Section 5. Questions of law arising upon exceptions, report, or appeal shall be heard and determined by the full court.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 6, sec. 15QQ — MA Code / Part I / Title II / Chapter 6 / Section 15QQ
Parliamentary Law Month
Status: in_force

Section 15QQ. The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the month of April as Parliamentary Law Month and recommending that said month be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.

Section 15QQ. The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the month of April as Parliamentary Law Month and recommending that said month be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 259, sec. 1 — MA Code / Part III / Title V / Chapter 259 / Section 1
Actionable contracts; necessity of writing
Status: in_force

Section 1. No action shall be brought: First, To charge an executor or administrator, or an assignee under an insolvent law of the commonwealth, upon a special promise to answer damages out of his own estate; Second, To charge a person upon a special promise to answer for the debt, default or misdoings of another; Third, Upon an agreement made upon consideration of marriage; Fourth, Upon a contract for the sale of lands, tenements or hereditaments or of any interest in or concerning them; or, Fifth, Upon an agreement that is not to be performed within one year from the making thereof; Unless the promise, contract or agreement upon which such action is brought, or some memorandum or note thereof, is in writing and signed by the party to be charged therewith or by some person thereunto by him lawfully authorized.

Section 1. No action shall be brought:

First, To charge an executor or administrator, or an assignee under an insolvent law of the commonwealth, upon a special promise to answer damages out of his own estate;

Second, To charge a person upon a special promise to answer for the debt, default or misdoings of another;

Third, Upon an agreement made upon consideration of marriage;

Fourth, Upon a contract for the sale of lands, tenements or hereditaments or of any interest in or concerning them; or,

Fifth, Upon an agreement that is not to be performed within one year from the making thereof;

Unless the promise, contract or agreement upon which such action is brought, or some memorandum or note thereof, is in writing and signed by the party to be charged therewith or by some person thereunto by him lawfully authorized.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 44, sec. 70 — MA Code / Part I / Title VII / Chapter 44 / Section 70
Payment for municipal programs, services, and activities; federal government reimbursements and other resources
Status: in_force

Section 70. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections thirty-one and fifty-three, any city or town may, by vote of its town meeting, town council or city council authorize the collector, treasurer or other department head, with the approval of the selectmen, town manager or mayor, to enter into contracts to identify and pursue federal government reimbursements for, or other revenues or available resources that may be generated by, programs or activities being carried out by the municipality, and to provide that payments for services under such contracts may be made from the reimbursements or revenues recovered as a result of the services performed without appropriation of such revenues. The provision of this section shall not apply to reimbursements, revenues or resources that may be available from the medical care and assistance program administered by the commonwealth pursuant to chapter one hundred and eighteen E.

Section 70. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections thirty-one and fifty-three, any city or town may, by vote of its town meeting, town council or city council authorize the collector, treasurer or other department head, with the approval of the selectmen, town manager or mayor, to enter into contracts to identify and pursue federal government reimbursements for, or other revenues or available resources that may be generated by, programs or activities being carried out by the municipality, and to provide that payments for services under such contracts may be made from the reimbursements or revenues recovered as a result of the services performed without appropriation of such revenues. The provision of this section shall not apply to reimbursements, revenues or resources that may be available from the medical care and assistance program administered by the commonwealth pursuant to chapter one hundred and eighteen E.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 164, sec. 15A — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 164 / Section 15A
Issue or sale of bonds, etc. at less than par value or face amount
Status: in_force

Section 15A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a gas or electric company shall not issue or sell any bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness payable at periods of more than one year after the date thereof at less than the par value or face amount thereof. If the department finds than any such issue or sale below such par value or face amount is in the public interest, it may, notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other section, authorize the issue or sale of such bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness at less than the par value or face amount thereof and with such requirements for the amortization of the discount as it may deem necessary in the public interest. Its determination shall be made part of the vote of the department as provided in section fourteen and shall be certified and recorded as therein prescribed.

Section 15A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a gas or electric company shall not issue or sell any bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness payable at periods of more than one year after the date thereof at less than the par value or face amount thereof. If the department finds than any such issue or sale below such par value or face amount is in the public interest, it may, notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other section, authorize the issue or sale of such bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness at less than the par value or face amount thereof and with such requirements for the amortization of the discount as it may deem necessary in the public interest. Its determination shall be made part of the vote of the department as provided in section fourteen and shall be certified and recorded as therein prescribed.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90D, sec. 21A — MA Code / Part I / Title XIV / Chapter 90D / Section 21A
Motor vehicles or trailers; limitation on creation of sale or security interest
Status: in_force

Section 21A. In the case of motor vehicles or trailers, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a transaction does not create a sale or security interest merely because it provides that the rental price is permitted or required to be adjusted under the agreement either upward or downward by reference to the amount realized upon sale or other disposition of the motor vehicle or trailer.

Section 21A. In the case of motor vehicles or trailers, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a transaction does not create a sale or security interest merely because it provides that the rental price is permitted or required to be adjusted under the agreement either upward or downward by reference to the amount realized upon sale or other disposition of the motor vehicle or trailer.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94, sec. 296 — MA Code / Part I / Title XV / Chapter 94 / Section 296
Measurers of wood and bark
Status: in_force

Section 296. A town and the city council of a city shall annually choose one or more measures of wood and bark, who shall be sworn to the faithful performance of their duties and shall hold office during the year and until others are chosen and qualified in their stead. A town, by vote fixing the number to be chosen, may delegate the appointment of such measurers to the selectmen.

Section 296. A town and the city council of a city shall annually choose one or more measures of wood and bark, who shall be sworn to the faithful performance of their duties and shall hold office during the year and until others are chosen and qualified in their stead. A town, by vote fixing the number to be chosen, may delegate the appointment of such measurers to the selectmen.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 124, sec. 5 — MA Code / Part I / Title XVIII / Chapter 124 / Section 5
Reports to governor
Status: in_force

Section 5. The commissioner shall, at least once in six months, report in writing to the governor the condition of the correctional institutions of the commonwealth, and shall so report to the governor when, in his judgment, the conditions of administration, financial management or discipline in any of said institutions require executive action.

Section 5. The commissioner shall, at least once in six months, report in writing to the governor the condition of the correctional institutions of the commonwealth, and shall so report to the governor when, in his judgment, the conditions of administration, financial management or discipline in any of said institutions require executive action.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 130, sec. 28 — MA Code / Part I / Title XIX / Chapter 130 / Section 28
Exclusive right of ownership and control of fish of riparian owners of ponds; cultivation rights
Status: in_force

Section 28. The proprietors of lands upon which a pond is created and maintained by excavating and enclosing the same and by the artificial flowing of same with coastal waters, for the purpose of cultivating and maintaining fish thereon, shall have the exclusive rights to cultivate and the exclusive ownership and control of, all fish thereon or therein, whether artificially or naturally propagated; provided, that no fish determined by the director to be injurious may be cultivated or maintained thereon or therein, and that no fish may be taken therefrom of a size, of an age, at a season, or for a purpose, prohibited by law; and provided, further, that before any such excavation shall be made plans for an artificial flowage of the same with coastal waters shall be approved by the director and the department of environmental protection.

Section 28. The proprietors of lands upon which a pond is created and maintained by excavating and enclosing the same and by the artificial flowing of same with coastal waters, for the purpose of cultivating and maintaining fish thereon, shall have the exclusive rights to cultivate and the exclusive ownership and control of, all fish thereon or therein, whether artificially or naturally propagated; provided, that no fish determined by the director to be injurious may be cultivated or maintained thereon or therein, and that no fish may be taken therefrom of a size, of an age, at a season, or for a purpose, prohibited by law; and provided, further, that before any such excavation shall be made plans for an artificial flowage of the same with coastal waters shall be approved by the director and the department of environmental protection.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 98, sec. 42 — MA Code / Part I / Title XV / Chapter 98 / Section 42
Failure to comply with notice; sealing on premises; interference with sealer; penalty
Status: in_force

Section 42. After giving said notice, said sealers shall go to the houses, stores, shops, vehicles, or other commercial premises, during normal business hours, of a person not complying therewith, and shall test and adjust, seal or condemn in accordance with the results of their tests, the weighing and measuring devices of such person; provided, however, that no such person shall use a weighing or measuring device without first having it tested and sealed; provided further, that devices for determining the measurement of leather bought, sold or offered for sale shall be tested at least semiannually; and provided, further, that when a vehicle tank used in the sale of commodities by liquid measure has once been sealed, it shall not be necessary to seal it again while it remains in the same condition as when first sealed. A person who neglects or refuses to exhibit his weighing or measuring device to a sealer or deputy, or who hinders, obstructs or in any way interferes with a sealer or deputy in the performance of duty, or violates any provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars for the first offense and a fine of not more than one thousand dollars for each subsequent offense, or shall be subject to a civil citation or order as provided in section 29A.

Section 42. After giving said notice, said sealers shall go to the houses, stores, shops, vehicles, or other commercial premises, during normal business hours, of a person not complying therewith, and shall test and adjust, seal or condemn in accordance with the results of their tests, the weighing and measuring devices of such person; provided, however, that no such person shall use a weighing or measuring device without first having it tested and sealed; provided further, that devices for determining the measurement of leather bought, sold or offered for sale shall be tested at least semiannually; and provided, further, that when a vehicle tank used in the sale of commodities by liquid measure has once been sealed, it shall not be necessary to seal it again while it remains in the same condition as when first sealed. A person who neglects or refuses to exhibit his weighing or measuring device to a sealer or deputy, or who hinders, obstructs or in any way interferes with a sealer or deputy in the performance of duty, or violates any provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars for the first offense and a fine of not more than one thousand dollars for each subsequent offense, or shall be subject to a civil citation or order as provided in section 29A.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 128, sec. 38C — MA Code / Part I / Title XIX / Chapter 128 / Section 38C
Agricultural fairs; facilities and land resources; preservation and rehabilitation
Status: in_force

Section 38C. The commissioner may develop a program to assist in the preservation and rehabilitation of facilities and land resources of agricultural fairs in the commonwealth through short-term preservation covenants, grants, demonstration projects and other means. The commissioner may promulgate regulations relative thereto.

Section 38C. The commissioner may develop a program to assist in the preservation and rehabilitation of facilities and land resources of agricultural fairs in the commonwealth through short-term preservation covenants, grants, demonstration projects and other means. The commissioner may promulgate regulations relative thereto.