FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 175, sec. 47P — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 175 / Section 47P
Off-label use of prescription drugs for HIV/AIDS treatment; advisory panel
Status: in_force

Section 47P. The commissioner shall establish an eleven member advisory panel to advise the commissioner on whether off-label uses for HIV/AIDS treatment not included in any of the standard reference compendia or in the medical literature are medically appropriate. The panel shall advise the commissioner whenever a dispute about coverage of such off-label prescription drugs prescribed by a physician is brought to the commissioner. This eleven member panel shall include: (a) three medical infectious disease specialists selected by the Massachusetts department of public health, (b) two physicians selected by the Massachusetts department of public health, (c) one physician representing a nonprofit hospital and medical service corporation, one physician representing health maintenance organizations, and one physician representing commercial insurers; (d) two consumers selected by the Massachusetts department of public health, and (e) one representative from an AIDS service organization or consumer advocacy group selected by the Massachusetts department of public health. After consulting with said advisory panel, the commissioner may direct an insurer to make payments required by section forty-seven O of chapter one hundred and seventy-five, section eight P of chapter one hundred and seventy-six A, section four O of chapter one hundred and seventy-six B, and section four F of chapter one hundred and seventy-six G.

Section 47P. The commissioner shall establish an eleven member advisory panel to advise the commissioner on whether off-label uses for HIV/AIDS treatment not included in any of the standard reference compendia or in the medical literature are medically appropriate. The panel shall advise the commissioner whenever a dispute about coverage of such off-label prescription drugs prescribed by a physician is brought to the commissioner. This eleven member panel shall include: (a) three medical infectious disease specialists selected by the Massachusetts department of public health, (b) two physicians selected by the Massachusetts department of public health, (c) one physician representing a nonprofit hospital and medical service corporation, one physician representing health maintenance organizations, and one physician representing commercial insurers; (d) two consumers selected by the Massachusetts department of public health, and (e) one representative from an AIDS service organization or consumer advocacy group selected by the Massachusetts department of public health.

After consulting with said advisory panel, the commissioner may direct an insurer to make payments required by section forty-seven O of chapter one hundred and seventy-five, section eight P of chapter one hundred and seventy-six A, section four O of chapter one hundred and seventy-six B, and section four F of chapter one hundred and seventy-six G.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, sec. 12Q — MA Code / Part I / Title XVI / Chapter 112 / Section 12Q
Collection of data
Status: in_force

Section 12Q. The commissioner of public health shall collect aggregate data on abortions performed by a physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife on a form promulgated by the commissioner that shall include, but not be limited to, the: (i) date and place of the abortions performed; (ii) ages of the pregnant patients; (iii) method used to perform the abortions; and (iv) gestational age when the abortions were performed. The commissioner shall prepare from these forms such statistical tables with respect to maternal health, abortion procedures and gestational age as the commissioner deems useful and shall make an annual report thereof to the general court. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the department of public health to require reports pursuant to sections 24A and 25A of chapter 111. [ Second paragraph added by 2025, 16, Sec. 13 effective November 5, 2025. For text of section effective until November 5, 2025, see above.] The commissioner of public health shall not collect, maintain, use, disclose or disseminate disaggregated surveillance data or individually identifiable surveillance data on abortions performed in the commonwealth. The name, home address, personal email address, home telephone number and mobile telephone number of individuals engaged in the provision, facilitation or promotion of reproductive health care services, as defined in section 11 I 1/2 of chapter 12, shall not be considered a public record under chapter 66.

Section 12Q. The commissioner of public health shall collect aggregate data on abortions performed by a physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife on a form promulgated by the commissioner that shall include, but not be limited to, the: (i) date and place of the abortions performed; (ii) ages of the pregnant patients; (iii) method used to perform the abortions; and (iv) gestational age when the abortions were performed. The commissioner shall prepare from these forms such statistical tables with respect to maternal health, abortion procedures and gestational age as the commissioner deems useful and shall make an annual report thereof to the general court. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the department of public health to require reports pursuant to sections 24A and 25A of chapter 111.

[ Second paragraph added by 2025, 16, Sec. 13 effective November 5, 2025. For text of section effective until November 5, 2025, see above.]

The commissioner of public health shall not collect, maintain, use, disclose or disseminate disaggregated surveillance data or individually identifiable surveillance data on abortions performed in the commonwealth. The name, home address, personal email address, home telephone number and mobile telephone number of individuals engaged in the provision, facilitation or promotion of reproductive health care services, as defined in section 11 I 1/2 of chapter 12, shall not be considered a public record under chapter 66.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, sec. 65D — MA Code / Part I / Title IX / Chapter 59 / Section 65D
Mistake in payments; appeal; abatement
Status: in_force

Section 65D. If a person having an interest in a parcel of real estate files with the appellate tax board within the time prescribed by section sixty-five an appeal with respect to a tax assessed thereon, after having paid on account of such tax the amount prescribed by section sixty-five B but by reason of mistake not having paid the amount required under section sixty-five, said board, upon motion filed within two months after the discovery of such mistake, may grant upon such appeal such abatement, if any, as the assessors by agreement with such person may determine.

Section 65D. If a person having an interest in a parcel of real estate files with the appellate tax board within the time prescribed by section sixty-five an appeal with respect to a tax assessed thereon, after having paid on account of such tax the amount prescribed by section sixty-five B but by reason of mistake not having paid the amount required under section sixty-five, said board, upon motion filed within two months after the discovery of such mistake, may grant upon such appeal such abatement, if any, as the assessors by agreement with such person may determine.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 2, sec. 55 — MA Code / Part I / Title I / Chapter 2 / Section 55
Sport of commonwealth
Status: in_force

Section 55. The sport of basketball shall be the official sport of the commonwealth.

Section 55. The sport of basketball shall be the official sport of the commonwealth.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 17, sec. 1 — MA Code / Part I / Title II / Chapter 17 / Section 1
Composition of department
Status: in_force

Section 1. There shall be a department of public health, consisting of a commissioner of public health and a public health council.

Section 1. There shall be a department of public health, consisting of a commissioner of public health and a public health council.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 231, sec. 93 — MA Code / Part III / Title II / Chapter 231 / Section 93
Retraction of libel; mitigation of damages; punitive damages
Status: in_force

Section 93. Where the defendant in an action for libel, at any time after the publication of the libel hereinafter referred to, either before or after such action is brought, but before the answer is required to be filed therein, gives written notice to the plaintiff or to his attorney of his intention to publish a retraction of the libel, accompanied by a copy of the retraction which he intends to publish, and the retraction is published, he may prove such publication, and, if the plaintiff does not accept the offer of retraction, the defendant may prove such nonacceptance in mitigation of damages. If within a reasonable time after receiving notice in writing from the plaintiff that he claims to be libelled the defendant makes such offer and publishes a reasonable retraction, and such offer is not accepted, he may prove that the alleged libel was published in good faith and without actual malice, and, unless the proof is successfully rebutted, the plaintiff shall recover only for any actual damage sustained. In no action of slander or libel shall exemplary or punitive damages be allowed, whether because of actual malice or want of good faith or for any other reason. Proof of actual malice shall not enhance the damages recoverable for injury to the plaintiff's reputation.

Section 93. Where the defendant in an action for libel, at any time after the publication of the libel hereinafter referred to, either before or after such action is brought, but before the answer is required to be filed therein, gives written notice to the plaintiff or to his attorney of his intention to publish a retraction of the libel, accompanied by a copy of the retraction which he intends to publish, and the retraction is published, he may prove such publication, and, if the plaintiff does not accept the offer of retraction, the defendant may prove such nonacceptance in mitigation of damages. If within a reasonable time after receiving notice in writing from the plaintiff that he claims to be libelled the defendant makes such offer and publishes a reasonable retraction, and such offer is not accepted, he may prove that the alleged libel was published in good faith and without actual malice, and, unless the proof is successfully rebutted, the plaintiff shall recover only for any actual damage sustained. In no action of slander or libel shall exemplary or punitive damages be allowed, whether because of actual malice or want of good faith or for any other reason. Proof of actual malice shall not enhance the damages recoverable for injury to the plaintiff's reputation.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 180, sec. 17L — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 180 / Section 17L
Public employee; payroll deductions for qualified state tuition program
Status: in_force

Section 17L. Deductions on payroll schedules may be made from the salary of a state, county, municipal or other public employee of an amount which such employee may specify in writing to any state, county or municipal officer or public department head, board, commission or agency by whom or which he is employed, for deposit into a ''qualified state tuition program'' as defined under the Internal Revenue Code and any prepaid tuition program established under general or special law if such purpose has been approved by the comptroller. An employee may withdraw such authorization for the deduction by giving at least 60 days notice in writing to the state, county or municipal officer or public department head, board, commission or agency by whom or which he is then employed. The state treasurer, the common paymaster as defined in section 133 of chapter 175, or the treasurer of the county, municipality or other public employer by which such employee is employed shall deduct from the salary of such employee such amount of authorized deductions as may be certified to him on the payroll and transmit the sum to the specified tuition program.

Section 17L. Deductions on payroll schedules may be made from the salary of a state, county, municipal or other public employee of an amount which such employee may specify in writing to any state, county or municipal officer or public department head, board, commission or agency by whom or which he is employed, for deposit into a ''qualified state tuition program'' as defined under the Internal Revenue Code and any prepaid tuition program established under general or special law if such purpose has been approved by the comptroller. An employee may withdraw such authorization for the deduction by giving at least 60 days notice in writing to the state, county or municipal officer or public department head, board, commission or agency by whom or which he is then employed. The state treasurer, the common paymaster as defined in section 133 of chapter 175, or the treasurer of the county, municipality or other public employer by which such employee is employed shall deduct from the salary of such employee such amount of authorized deductions as may be certified to him on the payroll and transmit the sum to the specified tuition program.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 5 — MA Code / Part IV / Title II / Chapter 276 / Section 5
Service of notice
Status: in_force

Section 5. The notice shall, not less than fourteen days before the time appointed for trial, be served upon the person, if any, alleged to be the owner of the articles seized, by an officer authorized to serve criminal process, by leaving an attested copy thereof with him personally or at his usual place of abode and by posting an attested copy thereof on the house or building in which the articles were seized, if they were found in a house or building; otherwise, in a public place in the town where they were seized.

Section 5. The notice shall, not less than fourteen days before the time appointed for trial, be served upon the person, if any, alleged to be the owner of the articles seized, by an officer authorized to serve criminal process, by leaving an attested copy thereof with him personally or at his usual place of abode and by posting an attested copy thereof on the house or building in which the articles were seized, if they were found in a house or building; otherwise, in a public place in the town where they were seized.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 159, sec. 88 — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 159 / Section 88
Association of railroad corporation with relief corporations
Status: in_force

Section 88. A railroad corporation operating a railroad or portion thereof in the commonwealth, or a railway company, may, by vote of its directors, associate itself with seven or more of its employees in forming a corporation under section eighty-six, or may, upon the invitation of any such corporation, become a member thereof, and may from time to time aid such corporation by contributions to its funds or otherwise. The by-laws of such corporation shall provide for the manner in which the railroad corporation or railway company shall vote and be represented in said corporation. The funds of such corporation shall not be liable to attachment by trustee process, or be liable to be taken on execution or on any other process, legal or equitable, to satisfy any debt or liability of the railroad corporation or railway company or of any member of the corporation.

Section 88. A railroad corporation operating a railroad or portion thereof in the commonwealth, or a railway company, may, by vote of its directors, associate itself with seven or more of its employees in forming a corporation under section eighty-six, or may, upon the invitation of any such corporation, become a member thereof, and may from time to time aid such corporation by contributions to its funds or otherwise. The by-laws of such corporation shall provide for the manner in which the railroad corporation or railway company shall vote and be represented in said corporation. The funds of such corporation shall not be liable to attachment by trustee process, or be liable to be taken on execution or on any other process, legal or equitable, to satisfy any debt or liability of the railroad corporation or railway company or of any member of the corporation.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 9, sec. 10A — MA Code / Part I / Title II / Chapter 9 / Section 10A
Administration and enforcement of chapter 110A; staff
Status: in_force

Section 10A. For the administration and enforcement of chapter one hundred and ten A the state secretary may employ such assistants and other employees as are required.

Section 10A. For the administration and enforcement of chapter one hundred and ten A the state secretary may employ such assistants and other employees as are required.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 175, sec. 186B — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 175 / Section 186B
Effect of lack of sworn statement of loss; laws applicable
Status: in_force

Section 186B. The provisions of section one hundred and two, relative to certain rights of an insured who has failed to render a sworn statement of loss, shall apply in case of claims for loss or damage from any hazard insured against under any policy of insurance issued in the commonwealth.

Section 186B. The provisions of section one hundred and two, relative to certain rights of an insured who has failed to render a sworn statement of loss, shall apply in case of claims for loss or damage from any hazard insured against under any policy of insurance issued in the commonwealth.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 18B, sec. 25 — MA Code / Part I / Title II / Chapter 18B / Section 25
Multiple 51A reports; quarterly report
Status: in_force

Section 25. In addition to the immediate notification required under subsection (n) of section 7, the commissioner shall report quarterly on the total number of cases of multiple 51A reports reviewed by the department under subsection (r) of section 51B of chapter 119, the types of those cases, and their resolutions. The report shall be filed with the governor, the clerks of the senate and the house, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, and the child advocate.

Section 25. In addition to the immediate notification required under subsection (n) of section 7, the commissioner shall report quarterly on the total number of cases of multiple 51A reports reviewed by the department under subsection (r) of section 51B of chapter 119, the types of those cases, and their resolutions. The report shall be filed with the governor, the clerks of the senate and the house, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, and the child advocate.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93, sec. 1 — MA Code / Part I / Title XV / Chapter 93 / Section 1
Massachusetts Antitrust Act; short title applicable to Secs. 1 to 14A; purpose
Status: in_force

Section 1. Sections one to fourteen A, inclusive, shall be known, and may be cited, as the ''Massachusetts Antitrust Act''. It is the purpose of this chapter to encourage free and open competition in the interests of the general welfare and economy by prohibiting unreasonable restraints of trade and monopolistic practices in the commonwealth. This chapter shall be construed in harmony with judicial interpretations of comparable federal antitrust statutes insofar as practicable.

Section 1. Sections one to fourteen A, inclusive, shall be known, and may be cited, as the ''Massachusetts Antitrust Act''. It is the purpose of this chapter to encourage free and open competition in the interests of the general welfare and economy by prohibiting unreasonable restraints of trade and monopolistic practices in the commonwealth. This chapter shall be construed in harmony with judicial interpretations of comparable federal antitrust statutes insofar as practicable.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 277, sec. 60 — MA Code / Part IV / Title II / Chapter 277 / Section 60
Homicide if injury is in one county and death in another; venue
Status: in_force

Section 60. If a mortal wound is given, or if other violence or injury is inflicted, or if poison is administered, in one county, by means whereof death ensues in another county, the homicide may be prosecuted and punished in either county.

Section 60. If a mortal wound is given, or if other violence or injury is inflicted, or if poison is administered, in one county, by means whereof death ensues in another county, the homicide may be prosecuted and punished in either county.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 253, sec. 39 — MA Code / Part III / Title IV / Chapter 253 / Section 39
Dam to flow cranberry land; erection; license
Status: in_force

Section 39. An owner or lessee of land appropriated or which he desires to appropriate to the cultivation and growth of cranberries may erect and maintain a dam upon and across a stream to flow and irrigate said land, subject to this chapter so far as applicable; but he shall not erect and maintain a dam across a navigable stream or across the outlet of a great pond, without a license therefor from the department of environmental management.

Section 39. An owner or lessee of land appropriated or which he desires to appropriate to the cultivation and growth of cranberries may erect and maintain a dam upon and across a stream to flow and irrigate said land, subject to this chapter so far as applicable; but he shall not erect and maintain a dam across a navigable stream or across the outlet of a great pond, without a license therefor from the department of environmental management.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 101, sec. 6 — MA Code / Part I / Title XV / Chapter 101 / Section 6
Neglect or refusal by transient vendor to file statement; false representations
Status: in_force

Section 6. Any transient vendor who neglects or refuses to file the statement described in the preceding section, if required by the aldermen, selectmen or other like board, or makes a false or fraudulent representation therein, shall be punished by a fine of not less than five nor more than twenty dollars for each day on which he keeps or exposes for sale any goods, wares or merchandise.

Section 6. Any transient vendor who neglects or refuses to file the statement described in the preceding section, if required by the aldermen, selectmen or other like board, or makes a false or fraudulent representation therein, shall be punished by a fine of not less than five nor more than twenty dollars for each day on which he keeps or exposes for sale any goods, wares or merchandise.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 160, sec. 226 — MA Code / Part I / Title XXII / Chapter 160 / Section 226
Obstruction of passing of train
Status: in_force

Section 226. Whoever wilfully obstructs, or aids or abets in obstructing, or wilfully does or causes to be done anything with the intent to obstruct, the passing of an engine or car upon a railroad, or wilfully endangers, or aids or abets in endangering, or wilfully does or causes to be done anything with the intent to endanger, the safety of persons conveyed in or upon the same, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years, or both, and shall for each offence forfeit to the use of the corporation treble the amount of damages which it has sustained thereby.

Section 226. Whoever wilfully obstructs, or aids or abets in obstructing, or wilfully does or causes to be done anything with the intent to obstruct, the passing of an engine or car upon a railroad, or wilfully endangers, or aids or abets in endangering, or wilfully does or causes to be done anything with the intent to endanger, the safety of persons conveyed in or upon the same, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years, or both, and shall for each offence forfeit to the use of the corporation treble the amount of damages which it has sustained thereby.