Should S913 be enacted, the commission would evaluate existing common laws and statutes for defects and recommend necessary reforms. It would receive suggestions from a range of stakeholders, including judicial authorities and the public, promoting a comprehensive approach to addressing legal obsolescence. The commission is mandated to meet at least four times a year and produce reports detailing its findings, thereby enhancing transparency in the legislative reform process.
Bill S913, presented by Senator William N. Brownsberger, seeks to address the issue of archaic laws within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by establishing a permanent law revision commission. The proposed commission would consist of various legal professionals, including co-chairs from the judiciary, attorneys, and appointees from relevant organizations. The primary aim of this bill is to identify and recommend changes to outdated and inequitable rules of law, ensuring that Massachusetts law evolves alongside modern conditions and societal needs.
While the bill is seen as a step toward necessary legal modernization, a potential point of contention might arise concerning the balance of power between state and local governance. Critics could argue that a centralized commission might overlook specific local needs or nuances that are best addressed at the local level. The proposal to repeal certain sections of existing laws, which are deemed outdated, could also lead to discussions on which laws are removed and how this impacts communities across Massachusetts.