FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 148, sec. 54 — MA Code / Part I / Title XX / Chapter 148 / Section 54
Lighted cigarettes, etc. likely to cause fire; dropping or throwing from vehicles or placing on forest lands or fields
Status: in_force

Section 54. Whoever drops or throws from any vehicle while the same is upon a public or private way running along or near forest land or open fields, or, except as permitted by law, drops, throws, deposits or otherwise places in or upon forest land, any lighted cigarette, cigar, match, live ashes or other flaming or glowing substance, or any substance or thing which in and of itself is likely to cause a fire, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days.

Section 54. Whoever drops or throws from any vehicle while the same is upon a public or private way running along or near forest land or open fields, or, except as permitted by law, drops, throws, deposits or otherwise places in or upon forest land, any lighted cigarette, cigar, match, live ashes or other flaming or glowing substance, or any substance or thing which in and of itself is likely to cause a fire, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, sec. 59 — MA Code / Part III / Title I / Chapter 218 / Section 59
Powers, duties and procedure; jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Section 59. Except as otherwise provided by law, the divisions of the juvenile court department shall have and exercise, within their respective jurisdictions, the same powers, duties, and procedure as the divisions of the district court department; and all laws relating to district courts or municipal courts in their respective counties or officials thereof or proceedings therein, shall, so far as applicable, apply to said divisions of the juvenile court department. The divisions of the juvenile court department shall also have jurisdiction in equity concurrent with the supreme judicial court and with the superior court department in all cases and matters arising under the provisions of chapters 119 and 210.

Section 59. Except as otherwise provided by law, the divisions of the juvenile court department shall have and exercise, within their respective jurisdictions, the same powers, duties, and procedure as the divisions of the district court department; and all laws relating to district courts or municipal courts in their respective counties or officials thereof or proceedings therein, shall, so far as applicable, apply to said divisions of the juvenile court department.

The divisions of the juvenile court department shall also have jurisdiction in equity concurrent with the supreme judicial court and with the superior court department in all cases and matters arising under the provisions of chapters 119 and 210.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 44, sec. 45 — MA Code / Part I / Title VII / Chapter 44 / Section 45
Powers of director; attendance of witnesses; production of books and documents
Status: in_force

Section 45. The director may require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and documents, and may examine witnesses under oath in the same manner as in the superior court.

Section 45. The director may require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and documents, and may examine witnesses under oath in the same manner as in the superior court.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 176S, sec. 2 — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 176S / Section 2
Physician assistants to be recognized as participating providers subject to Sec. 3
Status: in_force

Section 2. The commissioner and the group insurance commission shall require that all carriers recognize physician assistants as participating providers subject to section 3 and shall include coverage on a nondiscriminatory basis to their insureds for care provided by physician assistants for the purposes of health maintenance, diagnosis and treatment. Such coverage shall include benefits for primary care, intermediate care and inpatient care, including care provided in a hospital, clinic, professional office, home care setting, long-term care setting, mental health or substance abuse program, or any other setting when rendered by a physician assistant who is a participating provider and is practicing within the scope of his or her professional authority as defined by statute, rule and physician delegation to the extent that such policy or contract currently provides benefits for identical services rendered by a provider of health care licensed by the commonwealth.

Section 2. The commissioner and the group insurance commission shall require that all carriers recognize physician assistants as participating providers subject to section 3 and shall include coverage on a nondiscriminatory basis to their insureds for care provided by physician assistants for the purposes of health maintenance, diagnosis and treatment. Such coverage shall include benefits for primary care, intermediate care and inpatient care, including care provided in a hospital, clinic, professional office, home care setting, long-term care setting, mental health or substance abuse program, or any other setting when rendered by a physician assistant who is a participating provider and is practicing within the scope of his or her professional authority as defined by statute, rule and physician delegation to the extent that such policy or contract currently provides benefits for identical services rendered by a provider of health care licensed by the commonwealth.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 15A, sec. 9A — MA Code / Part I / Title II / Chapter 15A / Section 9A
American Sign Language
Status: in_force

Section 9A. American Sign Language is hereby recognized as a full and legitimate language, as the language of a unique culture in the United States, and as the equivalent of a spoken language for the purposes of foreign language study and course credit.

Section 9A. American Sign Language is hereby recognized as a full and legitimate language, as the language of a unique culture in the United States, and as the equivalent of a spoken language for the purposes of foreign language study and course credit.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 114, sec. 3A — MA Code / Part I / Title XVI / Chapter 114 / Section 3A
Cemetery corporations; ownership of unclaimed graves; reuse of occupied graves
Status: in_force

Section 3A. No cemetery corporation created by special charter or organized under the provisions of section one shall take over ownership of an unoccupied grave unless a minimum of seventy-five years has elapsed after issuance of a license for the grave by the cemetery corporation or its predecessor in interest; and the cemetery corporation cannot locate the license holder or the holder's successor in interest after making a diligent search. If ownership of the license is ascertained after such a taking occurs, then the cemetery corporation shall pay the fair value of the license at the time of its taking to the owner. No cemetery corporation created by special charter or organized under the provisions of section one shall reuse an occupied grave except: upon the request and with the consent of a relative or descendant of the decedent occupying the grave, providing no other descendant objects; to provide for the burial of a relative or descendant of the decedent occupying the grave; and if the remains of the decedent occupying the grave will remain in the grave. The municipality where the cemetery is located shall determine, by by-law or ordinance, the method to be used in reusing such occupied graves and may reasonably limit the circumstances under which such reuse can occur.

Section 3A. No cemetery corporation created by special charter or organized under the provisions of section one shall take over ownership of an unoccupied grave unless a minimum of seventy-five years has elapsed after issuance of a license for the grave by the cemetery corporation or its predecessor in interest; and the cemetery corporation cannot locate the license holder or the holder's successor in interest after making a diligent search. If ownership of the license is ascertained after such a taking occurs, then the cemetery corporation shall pay the fair value of the license at the time of its taking to the owner.

No cemetery corporation created by special charter or organized under the provisions of section one shall reuse an occupied grave except: upon the request and with the consent of a relative or descendant of the decedent occupying the grave, providing no other descendant objects; to provide for the burial of a relative or descendant of the decedent occupying the grave; and if the remains of the decedent occupying the grave will remain in the grave. The municipality where the cemetery is located shall determine, by by-law or ordinance, the method to be used in reusing such occupied graves and may reasonably limit the circumstances under which such reuse can occur.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 233, sec. 17 — MA Code / Part III / Title II / Chapter 233 / Section 17
Affirmation by Quakers
Status: in_force

Section 17. A Friend or Quaker when called on to take an oath may solemnly and sincerely affirm under the penalties of perjury.

Section 17. A Friend or Quaker when called on to take an oath may solemnly and sincerely affirm under the penalties of perjury.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51, sec. 18 — MA Code / Part I / Title VIII / Chapter 51 / Section 18
Political representation by board of registrars
Status: in_force

Section 18. In the original and in each succeeding appointment and in filling vacancies, registrars of voters shall be so appointed that the members of the board shall represent the two leading political parties, and in no case shall an appointment be so made as to cause a board to have more than two members, including the city or town clerk, of the same political party.

Section 18. In the original and in each succeeding appointment and in filling vacancies, registrars of voters shall be so appointed that the members of the board shall represent the two leading political parties, and in no case shall an appointment be so made as to cause a board to have more than two members, including the city or town clerk, of the same political party.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, sec. 12BB — MA Code / Part I / Title XVI / Chapter 112 / Section 12BB
Lead poisoning screening
Status: in_force

Section 12BB. Each physician duly registered under the provisions of section two, two A, nine, nine A, or nine B shall screen patients for lead poisoning at the intervals and using the methods specified in the regulations adopted pursuant to section one hundred and ninety-three of chapter one hundred and eleven. Each licensed, registered or approved health care facility serving children under six years of age, including but not limited to hospitals and clinics licensed under the provisions of section fifty-one of chapter one hundred and eleven and health maintenance organizations approved under the provisions of chapter one hundred and seventy-six G, shall take appropriate steps to ensure that their patients receive such lead poisoning screening.

Section 12BB. Each physician duly registered under the provisions of section two, two A, nine, nine A, or nine B shall screen patients for lead poisoning at the intervals and using the methods specified in the regulations adopted pursuant to section one hundred and ninety-three of chapter one hundred and eleven. Each licensed, registered or approved health care facility serving children under six years of age, including but not limited to hospitals and clinics licensed under the provisions of section fifty-one of chapter one hundred and eleven and health maintenance organizations approved under the provisions of chapter one hundred and seventy-six G, shall take appropriate steps to ensure that their patients receive such lead poisoning screening.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 40C, sec. 9 — MA Code / Part I / Title VII / Chapter 40C / Section 9
Maintenance, repair or replacement.
Status: in_force

Section 9. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any exterior architectural feature within an historic district which does not involve a change in design, material, color or the outward appearance thereof, nor to prevent landscaping with plants, trees or shrubs, nor construed to prevent the meeting of requirements certified by a duly authorized public officer to be necessary for public safety because of an unsafe or dangerous condition, nor construed to prevent any construction or alteration under a permit duly issued prior to the effective date of the applicable historic district ordinance or by-law.

Section 9. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any exterior architectural feature within an historic district which does not involve a change in design, material, color or the outward appearance thereof, nor to prevent landscaping with plants, trees or shrubs, nor construed to prevent the meeting of requirements certified by a duly authorized public officer to be necessary for public safety because of an unsafe or dangerous condition, nor construed to prevent any construction or alteration under a permit duly issued prior to the effective date of the applicable historic district ordinance or by-law.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 130, sec. 48 — MA Code / Part I / Title XIX / Chapter 130 / Section 48
Disposal of lobsters or lobster meat seized in unmarked containers
Status: in_force

Section 48. In case of seizure by any duly authorized officer of any lobsters or lobster meat contained in any barrel, box or other container which is not marked as provided in section forty-seven, or of any lobster measuring less than the length prescribed by section forty-four, such lobsters as are alive and measure less than such prescribed length shall be liberated by the director, and all other such lobsters and all such lobster meat found in such barrel, box or other container shall be held and disposed of as provided in section fifty.

Section 48. In case of seizure by any duly authorized officer of any lobsters or lobster meat contained in any barrel, box or other container which is not marked as provided in section forty-seven, or of any lobster measuring less than the length prescribed by section forty-four, such lobsters as are alive and measure less than such prescribed length shall be liberated by the director, and all other such lobsters and all such lobster meat found in such barrel, box or other container shall be held and disposed of as provided in section fifty.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 41, sec. 36 — MA Code / Part I / Title VII / Chapter 41 / Section 36
Powers of treasurer; prosecution of actions
Status: in_force

Section 36. He may in his own name and official capacity prosecute actions upon bonds, notes or other securities given to him or to his predecessors in office; and unless otherwise provided, he or the chief or superintendent of police or other police officer of the town may prosecute for trespasses committed in or on any public building or enclosure belonging to or within the town. If a public building or enclosure is owned in part by the town and in part by the county, such prosecution may be instituted by the treasurer of either the town or the county.

Section 36. He may in his own name and official capacity prosecute actions upon bonds, notes or other securities given to him or to his predecessors in office; and unless otherwise provided, he or the chief or superintendent of police or other police officer of the town may prosecute for trespasses committed in or on any public building or enclosure belonging to or within the town. If a public building or enclosure is owned in part by the town and in part by the county, such prosecution may be instituted by the treasurer of either the town or the county.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 149, sec. 25 — MA Code / Part I / Title XXI / Chapter 149 / Section 25
Lodging, board and trade of public employees; statute part of employment contract
Status: in_force

Section 25. Every employee in public work shall lodge, board and trade where and with whom he elects; and no person or his agents or employees under contract with the commonwealth, a county, city or town, or with a department, board, commission or officer acting therefor, for the doing of public work shall directly or indirectly require, as a condition of employment therein, that the employee shall lodge, board or trade at a particular place or with a particular person. This section shall be made a part of the contract for such employment.

Section 25. Every employee in public work shall lodge, board and trade where and with whom he elects; and no person or his agents or employees under contract with the commonwealth, a county, city or town, or with a department, board, commission or officer acting therefor, for the doing of public work shall directly or indirectly require, as a condition of employment therein, that the employee shall lodge, board or trade at a particular place or with a particular person. This section shall be made a part of the contract for such employment.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 61A, sec. 23 — MA Code / Part I / Title IX / Chapter 61A / Section 23
Use of valuation, etc. procedures to evade taxes; penalties
Status: in_force

Section 23. Any person using the valuation, assessment and taxation procedures set forth in this chapter for the purposes of evading payment of full and proper taxes shall be subject to a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisonment for one year or both and to payment to the city or town in which the land is located of an amount equal to three times the amount of taxes so evaded.

Section 23. Any person using the valuation, assessment and taxation procedures set forth in this chapter for the purposes of evading payment of full and proper taxes shall be subject to a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisonment for one year or both and to payment to the city or town in which the land is located of an amount equal to three times the amount of taxes so evaded.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90H, sec. 2 — MA Code / Part I / Title XIV / Chapter 90H / Section 2
Gateway Roads Program; purpose
Status: in_force

Section 2. There is hereby established in the department of highways a program to be known as the Gateway Roads Program for the purpose of undertaking improvements of the gateway roads defined in section one, which are deemed to be essential routes for the convenience of tourists entering the commonwealth and for the movement of commerce within the commonwealth.

Section 2. There is hereby established in the department of highways a program to be known as the Gateway Roads Program for the purpose of undertaking improvements of the gateway roads defined in section one, which are deemed to be essential routes for the convenience of tourists entering the commonwealth and for the movement of commerce within the commonwealth.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 33A, sec. 23 — MA Code / Part I / Title V / Chapter 33A / Section 23
Who may convene special courts-martial
Status: in_force

Article 23. Who may convene special courts-martial. (a) Special courts-martial may be convened by: (1) any person who may convene a general court-martial; (2) the commanding officer of a garrison, fort, post, camp, station, air national guard base or naval base or station; (3) the commanding officer of a brigade, regiment, detached battalion or corresponding unit of the army; (4) the commanding officer of a wing, group, separate squadron or corresponding unit of the air force; or (5) the commanding officer or officer in charge of any other command when empowered by the adjutant general. (b) If an officer authorized under subsection (a) to convene special courts-martial is an accuser, the court shall be convened by superior competent authority and may, in any case, be convened by such superior authority if considered desirable by that authority.

Article 23. Who may convene special courts-martial.

(a) Special courts-martial may be convened by:

(1) any person who may convene a general court-martial;

(2) the commanding officer of a garrison, fort, post, camp, station, air national guard base or naval base or station;

(3) the commanding officer of a brigade, regiment, detached battalion or corresponding unit of the army;

(4) the commanding officer of a wing, group, separate squadron or corresponding unit of the air force; or

(5) the commanding officer or officer in charge of any other command when empowered by the adjutant general.

(b) If an officer authorized under subsection (a) to convene special courts-martial is an accuser, the court shall be convened by superior competent authority and may, in any case, be convened by such superior authority if considered desirable by that authority.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94H, sec. 5 — MA Code / Part I / Title XV / Chapter 94H / Section 5
Scope of requirements; application to retail or outpatient pharmacies
Status: repealed

[Text of section effective until December 31, 2026. Repealed by 2016, 52, Sec. 55 as amended by 2016, 351, Sec. 6. See 2016, 52, Sec. 77 as amended by 2021, 102, Sec. 45.]

[Text of section effective until December 31, 2026. Repealed by 2016, 52, Sec. 55 as amended by 2016, 351, Sec. 6. See 2016, 52, Sec. 77 as amended by 2021, 102, Sec. 45.]

Section 5. (a) The requirements established by the department, in consultation with Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, the Interagency Council on Substance Abuse and other stakeholders, may exceed, but shall not conflict with, any obligations imposed on a manufacturer by a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall require a retail pharmacy or a pharmacist practicing in a retail setting to participate in the collection, securing, transport or disposal of unwanted drugs.

(c) No stewardship program shall require an outpatient pharmacy to participate in the collection, securing, transport or disposal of unwanted drugs or to provide a space for or to maintain a collection kiosk within an outpatient pharmacy unless the pharmacy certifies, in writing, that this participation is voluntary.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 247, sec. 21 — MA Code / Part III / Title IV / Chapter 247 / Section 21
Writ of return; form
Status: in_force

Section 21. The writ of return in actions of replevin shall be substantially in the form heretofore established and used in like cases.

Section 21. The writ of return in actions of replevin shall be substantially in the form heretofore established and used in like cases.