FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 266, sec. 116A — MA Code / Part IV / Title I / Chapter 266 / Section 116A
Protection of certain flowers
Status: in_force

Section 116A. No person shall pull up or dig up the plant of a wild azalea, wild orchid or cardinal flower (lobelia cardinalis), or any part thereof, or injure any such plant or any part thereof except in so far as is reasonably necessary in procuring the flower therefrom, within the limits of any state highway or any other public way or place, or upon the land of another person without written authority from him, and no person shall buy or sell, or offer or expose for sale, any such flower, or the whole or any part of the plant thereof, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that in procuring such flower or plant the foregoing provisions have been violated. Violation of any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five dollars.

Section 116A. No person shall pull up or dig up the plant of a wild azalea, wild orchid or cardinal flower (lobelia cardinalis), or any part thereof, or injure any such plant or any part thereof except in so far as is reasonably necessary in procuring the flower therefrom, within the limits of any state highway or any other public way or place, or upon the land of another person without written authority from him, and no person shall buy or sell, or offer or expose for sale, any such flower, or the whole or any part of the plant thereof, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that in procuring such flower or plant the foregoing provisions have been violated. Violation of any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five dollars.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 155A — MA Code / Part I / Title XX / Chapter 140 / Section 155A
Indemnification of law enforcement officers; damages caused by dogs used in performance of official duties
Status: in_force

Section 155A. If an action is brought against a law enforcement officer because of damage caused by a dog which said officer was caring for or maintaining in connection with his official duties, the commonwealth or the political subdivision employing said officer shall indemnify him for expenses or damages incurred in the settlement or defense of such action; provided that in the case of an officer employed by the commonwealth the settlement or defense of such case shall have been made by the attorney general, and that in the case of an officer employed by a city or town such settlement or defense shall have been made by the city solicitor or town counsel or by an attorney legally employed for the purpose by a city or town.

Section 155A. If an action is brought against a law enforcement officer because of damage caused by a dog which said officer was caring for or maintaining in connection with his official duties, the commonwealth or the political subdivision employing said officer shall indemnify him for expenses or damages incurred in the settlement or defense of such action; provided that in the case of an officer employed by the commonwealth the settlement or defense of such case shall have been made by the attorney general, and that in the case of an officer employed by a city or town such settlement or defense shall have been made by the city solicitor or town counsel or by an attorney legally employed for the purpose by a city or town.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 62C, sec. 42 — MA Code / Part I / Title IX / Chapter 62C / Section 42
Abatement of taxes by appellate tax board
Status: in_force

Section 42. Taxes with interest and costs thereon, due to the commonwealth, which are unpaid and uncollectible, may be abated by the appellate tax board on the recommendation of the commissioner at any time after the expiration of two years from the date when the same became payable.

Section 42. Taxes with interest and costs thereon, due to the commonwealth, which are unpaid and uncollectible, may be abated by the appellate tax board on the recommendation of the commissioner at any time after the expiration of two years from the date when the same became payable.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 71, sec. 38N — MA Code / Part I / Title XII / Chapter 71 / Section 38N
Proposed annual budgets; public hearings required; quorum
Status: in_force

Section 38N. The school committee of each city, town or regional school district shall hold a public hearing on its proposed annual budget not less than seven days after publication of a notice thereof in a newspaper having general circulation in such city, town or district. Prior to such public hearing said committee shall make available to the public at least one copy of said proposed budget for a time period of not less than forty-eight hours either at the office of the superintendent of schools or at a place so designated by said committee. At the time and place so advertised or at any time or place to which such hearing may from time to time be adjourned all interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the whole or any part of the proposed budget. Such hearing shall be conducted by a quorum of the school committee. For the purposes of this section a quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of said school committee.

Section 38N. The school committee of each city, town or regional school district shall hold a public hearing on its proposed annual budget not less than seven days after publication of a notice thereof in a newspaper having general circulation in such city, town or district. Prior to such public hearing said committee shall make available to the public at least one copy of said proposed budget for a time period of not less than forty-eight hours either at the office of the superintendent of schools or at a place so designated by said committee. At the time and place so advertised or at any time or place to which such hearing may from time to time be adjourned all interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the whole or any part of the proposed budget. Such hearing shall be conducted by a quorum of the school committee. For the purposes of this section a quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of said school committee.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 5K — MA Code / Part I / Title IX / Chapter 59 / Section 5K
Property tax liability reduced in exchange for volunteer services; persons over age 60
Status: in_force

[First paragraph effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023. See 2023, 50, Sec. 49.]

[First paragraph effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023. See 2023, 50, Sec. 49.]

Section 5K. In any city or town which accepts the provisions of this section, the board of selectmen of a town or in a municipality having a town council form of government, the town council or the mayor with the approval of the city council in a city may establish a program to allow persons over the age of 60 to volunteer to provide services to such city or town. In exchange for such volunteer services, the city or town shall reduce the real property tax obligations of such person over the age of 60 on his tax bills and any reduction so provided shall be in addition to any exemption or abatement to which any such person is otherwise entitled and no such person shall receive a rate of, or be credited with, more than the current minimum wage of the commonwealth per hour for services provided pursuant to such reduction nor shall the reduction of the real property tax bill exceed $2,000 in a given tax year. It shall be the responsibility of the city or town to maintain a record for each taxpayer including, but not limited to, the number of hours of service and the total amount by which the real property tax has been reduced and to provide a copy of such record to the assessor in order that the actual tax bill reflect the reduced rate. A copy of such record shall also be provided to the taxpayer prior to the issuance of the actual tax bill. Such cities and towns shall have the power to create local rules and procedures for implementing this section in any way consistent with the intent of this section.

In no instance shall the amount by which a person's property tax liability is reduced in exchange for the provision of services be considered income, wages, or employment for purposes of taxation as provided in chapter 62, for the purposes of withholding taxes as provided in chapter 62B, for the purposes of workers' compensation as provided in chapter 152 or any other applicable provisions of the General Laws, but such person while providing such services shall be considered a public employee for the purposes of chapter 258, but such services shall be deemed employment for the purposes of unemployment insurance as provided in chapter 151A.

[Third paragraph effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023. See 2023, 50, Sec. 49.]

A city or town, by vote of its legislative body, subject to its charter, may adjust the exemption in this clause by: (1) allowing an approved representative, for persons physically unable, to provide such services to the city or town; or (2) allowing the maximum reduction of the real property tax bill to be based on 125 volunteer service hours in a given tax year, rather than $2,000.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 126, sec. 33 — MA Code / Part I / Title XVIII / Chapter 126 / Section 33
Fuel, bedding and clothing for prisoners
Status: in_force

Section 33. The keeper of the jail and the superintendent of the house of correction in Suffolk county shall, at the expense of the county, provide necessary fuel, bedding and clothing for all prisoners in their custody upon charge or conviction of crime against the commonwealth, and shall present to the auditor of Boston a full account of their charges so incurred or incurred for necessary furniture for said institutions, which, upon the allowance thereof by the auditor, shall be paid by the county.

Section 33. The keeper of the jail and the superintendent of the house of correction in Suffolk county shall, at the expense of the county, provide necessary fuel, bedding and clothing for all prisoners in their custody upon charge or conviction of crime against the commonwealth, and shall present to the auditor of Boston a full account of their charges so incurred or incurred for necessary furniture for said institutions, which, upon the allowance thereof by the auditor, shall be paid by the county.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, sec. 23X — MA Code / Part I / Title XVI / Chapter 112 / Section 23X
Revocation or suspension of respiratory therapist license
Status: in_force

Section 23X. The board may, after a hearing pursuant to chapter thirty A, revoke, suspend, cancel the license or place on probation, reprimand, censure, or otherwise discipline a licensee upon proof satisfactory to a majority of the board that said person:— (a) has obtained or attempted to obtain a license by fraud or deception, (b) has been convicted of a felony or of a crime involving moral turpitude, (c) has been grossly negligent in his practice of respiratory therapy, (d) has been adjudged mentally ill or incompetent by the court of competent jurisdiction, (e) has used drugs or intoxicating liquors to the extent which adversely affects his practice, (f) has acted in a manner which is professionally unethical according to ethical standards of the profession of respiratory care.

Section 23X. The board may, after a hearing pursuant to chapter thirty A, revoke, suspend, cancel the license or place on probation, reprimand, censure, or otherwise discipline a licensee upon proof satisfactory to a majority of the board that said person:—

(a) has obtained or attempted to obtain a license by fraud or deception,

(b) has been convicted of a felony or of a crime involving moral turpitude,

(c) has been grossly negligent in his practice of respiratory therapy,

(d) has been adjudged mentally ill or incompetent by the court of competent jurisdiction,

(e) has used drugs or intoxicating liquors to the extent which adversely affects his practice,

(f) has acted in a manner which is professionally unethical according to ethical standards of the profession of respiratory care.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 152, sec. 7C — MA Code / Part I / Title XXI / Chapter 152 / Section 7C
Representation of claimants; compensation; denial or suspension of right to practice or appear
Status: in_force

Section 7C. Any party appearing before the division of dispute resolution may be heard in person, or may be represented by an attorney or by any other person designated by such party. No person who is not an attorney shall be compensated for representing a claimant in such a proceeding; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall bar payment by a labor organization, employee association, or insurer of any payment of regular wages or salary to a full time employee for time spent in representing a claimant. The senior judge may, for cause, deny or suspend the right of any person to practice or appear before the department. Any person denied or suspended under this provision shall have the right to appeal to the commissioner any denial or suspension within fourteen days of receipt of the notice. Upon receipt of such appeal, the commissioner shall refer the matter to the division of administrative law appeals within the executive office of administration and finance which shall have the authority to reverse, uphold or modify the removal or suspension after a hearing held pursuant to section thirteen of chapter thirty A. Any party aggrieved by said hearing shall have the right to appeal as set forth in section fourteen of said chapter thirty A.

Section 7C. Any party appearing before the division of dispute resolution may be heard in person, or may be represented by an attorney or by any other person designated by such party. No person who is not an attorney shall be compensated for representing a claimant in such a proceeding; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall bar payment by a labor organization, employee association, or insurer of any payment of regular wages or salary to a full time employee for time spent in representing a claimant. The senior judge may, for cause, deny or suspend the right of any person to practice or appear before the department. Any person denied or suspended under this provision shall have the right to appeal to the commissioner any denial or suspension within fourteen days of receipt of the notice. Upon receipt of such appeal, the commissioner shall refer the matter to the division of administrative law appeals within the executive office of administration and finance which shall have the authority to reverse, uphold or modify the removal or suspension after a hearing held pursuant to section thirteen of chapter thirty A. Any party aggrieved by said hearing shall have the right to appeal as set forth in section fourteen of said chapter thirty A.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 12, sec. 20 — MA Code / Part I / Title II / Chapter 12 / Section 20
Additional legal assistants; tenure; compensation; powers
Status: in_force

Section 20. The district attorneys may each employ additional legal assistants. The length of time of such employment shall in no instance exceed six months. The amount of compensation shall be determined by the district attorney providing that for legal assistants who devote their entire time to the duties of legal assistants and do not, either directly or indirectly, engage in the private practice of law said compensation shall in no instance exceed ten thousand dollars and for part-time legal assistants shall in no instance exceed five thousand dollars. Such compensation shall be paid, subject to appropriation, by the commonwealth upon presentation of bills approved by the district attorney. In matters connected with the work for which he is so employed a legal assistant shall have all the powers and authority of an assistant district attorney.

Section 20. The district attorneys may each employ additional legal assistants. The length of time of such employment shall in no instance exceed six months. The amount of compensation shall be determined by the district attorney providing that for legal assistants who devote their entire time to the duties of legal assistants and do not, either directly or indirectly, engage in the private practice of law said compensation shall in no instance exceed ten thousand dollars and for part-time legal assistants shall in no instance exceed five thousand dollars. Such compensation shall be paid, subject to appropriation, by the commonwealth upon presentation of bills approved by the district attorney. In matters connected with the work for which he is so employed a legal assistant shall have all the powers and authority of an assistant district attorney.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, sec. 35 — MA Code / Part I / Title XIX / Chapter 131 / Section 35
Failure to carry license and wear it visibly; exception under automated licensing system
Status: in_force

Section 35. The provisions of section thirty-four, except as hereinafter provided, shall not apply to any holder of a sporting, hunting, fishing or trapping license who violates section twelve in that he fails to carry such license on his person and wear it in a visible manner on his outer clothing while fishing, hunting or trapping; provided, that he furnishes definite proof to the person demanding production of his license for inspection, as authorized in section thirty-two, that he is the holder of a valid license. In the event that the holder of such license fails to carry it on his person and wear it in a visible manner, he shall for his first offence be reported to the director of law enforcement; upon his second such offence, his license shall be surrendered and shall be suspended for a period of thirty days from the date of the notice of his second offence, after which it will be returned to him by said director; and upon a subsequent offence his license shall be subject to the provisions of section thirty-four. A person shall surrender such license on demand of any officer empowered to enforce this chapter. The provisions of this section which relate to the wearing of a license shall be in effect until such time as the division of fisheries and wildlife has instituted an automated licensing system for hunting, fishing, sporting and trapping licenses.

Section 35. The provisions of section thirty-four, except as hereinafter provided, shall not apply to any holder of a sporting, hunting, fishing or trapping license who violates section twelve in that he fails to carry such license on his person and wear it in a visible manner on his outer clothing while fishing, hunting or trapping; provided, that he furnishes definite proof to the person demanding production of his license for inspection, as authorized in section thirty-two, that he is the holder of a valid license. In the event that the holder of such license fails to carry it on his person and wear it in a visible manner, he shall for his first offence be reported to the director of law enforcement; upon his second such offence, his license shall be surrendered and shall be suspended for a period of thirty days from the date of the notice of his second offence, after which it will be returned to him by said director; and upon a subsequent offence his license shall be subject to the provisions of section thirty-four. A person shall surrender such license on demand of any officer empowered to enforce this chapter.

The provisions of this section which relate to the wearing of a license shall be in effect until such time as the division of fisheries and wildlife has instituted an automated licensing system for hunting, fishing, sporting and trapping licenses.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 109A, sec. 6 — MA Code / Part I / Title XV / Chapter 109A / Section 6
Fraudulent transfer or obligation where creditor's claim arose before transfer or obligation
Status: in_force

Section 6. (a) A transfer made or obligation incurred by a debtor is fraudulent as to a creditor whose claim arose before the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred if the debtor made the transfer or incurred the obligation without receiving a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the transfer or obligation and the debtor was insolvent at that time or the debtor became insolvent as a result of the transfer or obligation. (b) A transfer made by a debtor is fraudulent as to a creditor whose claim arose before the transfer was made if the transfer was made to an insider for an antecedent debt, the debtor was insolvent at that time, and the insider had reasonable cause to believe that the debtor was insolvent.

Section 6. (a) A transfer made or obligation incurred by a debtor is fraudulent as to a creditor whose claim arose before the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred if the debtor made the transfer or incurred the obligation without receiving a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the transfer or obligation and the debtor was insolvent at that time or the debtor became insolvent as a result of the transfer or obligation.

(b) A transfer made by a debtor is fraudulent as to a creditor whose claim arose before the transfer was made if the transfer was made to an insider for an antecedent debt, the debtor was insolvent at that time, and the insider had reasonable cause to believe that the debtor was insolvent.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 175, sec. 111E — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 175 / Section 111E
Professional liability policies
Status: in_force

Section 111E. With the prior written approval of the commissioner of insurance, a group liability insurance policy may be issued by a company affording professional liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage including wanton and reckless assault and battery, but excluding wilful or intentional assault and battery; provided, such policy insures the members of an association formed under the authority of chapter one hundred and eighty consisting of at least five hundred members of whom not less than seventy-five per cent are insured thereunder.

Section 111E. With the prior written approval of the commissioner of insurance, a group liability insurance policy may be issued by a company affording professional liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage including wanton and reckless assault and battery, but excluding wilful or intentional assault and battery; provided, such policy insures the members of an association formed under the authority of chapter one hundred and eighty consisting of at least five hundred members of whom not less than seventy-five per cent are insured thereunder.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 183, sec. 6A — MA Code / Part II / Title I / Chapter 183 / Section 6A
Instruments conveying unregistered land; sufficient description or identification; recording; failure to comply
Status: in_force

Section 6A. No instrument conveying unregistered land shall be accepted for recording unless (a) the instrument indicates that the land conveyed is the same as described in or conveyed by prior recorded instruments identified sufficiently to locate the place of recording within the registry, or states that the instrument does not create any new boundaries, or (b) the instrument identifies the land conveyed either by reference to a plan or plans previously recorded in the same registry of deeds and identified sufficiently to locate the place of recording therein, or by reference to a plan or plans recorded with the conveyance. Failure to comply with this section shall not affect the validity of any instrument.

Section 6A. No instrument conveying unregistered land shall be accepted for recording unless (a) the instrument indicates that the land conveyed is the same as described in or conveyed by prior recorded instruments identified sufficiently to locate the place of recording within the registry, or states that the instrument does not create any new boundaries, or (b) the instrument identifies the land conveyed either by reference to a plan or plans previously recorded in the same registry of deeds and identified sufficiently to locate the place of recording therein, or by reference to a plan or plans recorded with the conveyance. Failure to comply with this section shall not affect the validity of any instrument.