Massachusetts Laws
127 articles · page 1 of 3
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Are Autopsy Reports Public in Massachusetts? (2026)
Massachusetts autopsy reports are not public records. Learn who can request one from the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the fee, processing time, and how it differs from a death certificate.
Are Brass Knuckles Legal in Massachusetts? (2026 Law)
Carrying metal or plastic knuckles in Massachusetts brings up to 5 years in state prison under G.L. c. 269, § 10(b), more for repeat offenses.
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Massachusetts? Psilocybin Laws (2026)
Psilocybin is a Class C drug in Massachusetts. Possession can bring up to 1 year of imprisonment, and sale or intent to distribute up to 5 years in state prison.
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Bankruptcy in Massachusetts (2026): Exemptions & Means Test
Massachusetts lets filers choose state or federal exemptions. The declared homestead protects up to $1,000,000, the automatic homestead is $125,000, plus the means test.
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Common Law Marriage in Massachusetts: Is It Recognized? (2026)
Massachusetts has never recognized common law marriage formed in-state; no primary source confirms a 1977 abolition date. Massachusetts recognizes valid common law marriages from other states.
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Does Massachusetts Allow Legal Separation? Separate Support Explained
Massachusetts has no legal separation decree by that name. Learn how separate support under G.L. c. 209 s. 32 works and what the court can order without a divorce.
Does Massachusetts Have an Age Verification Law? (2026)
Massachusetts has no enacted adult-content age-verification law. H.1626 was sent to a study order in March 2026, and a separate social-media bill also stalled.
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Felony vs Misdemeanor in Massachusetts: Sentences and Probation
Massachusetts has no felony classes: a felony is any crime punishable in state prison. See sentence rules, penalty examples, probation and repeat-offender laws.
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How Long Is a Life Sentence in Massachusetts? (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to life sentences in Massachusetts: parole eligibility, LWOP rules, notable cases, recent legislative changes, and sentencing statutes. Updated March 2026.
How to Find a Cause of Death in Massachusetts (2026)
How to find someone's cause of death in Massachusetts: it is on the public death certificate from RVRS or the town clerk. Autopsy reports go to next of kin.
How to Get a Massachusetts Death Certificate (2026)
Order a Massachusetts death certificate from the city or town clerk or the state Registry. Fees start at $54, and death records are public, so anyone may request a certified copy.
How to Get a Police Report in Massachusetts (2026 Guide)
How to get a Massachusetts crash report from the RMV, request an incident report under the Public Records Law, and where bodycam access stands with no statute.
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Is Blackmail Illegal in Massachusetts? Extortion Laws and Penalties
Massachusetts extortion under G.L. c. 265, section 25 carries up to 15 years in state prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. See the threats it covers and sextortion rules.
Is Jaywalking Illegal in Massachusetts? Rules and $1 Fine (2026)
Massachusetts fines a pedestrian rule violation $1, or $2 from the fourth in a year (c. 90, s. 18A). State highways require crosswalks within 300 feet.
Is Kratom Legal in Massachusetts? Schedule I Emergency Rule (2026)
Massachusetts placed kratom, including the leaf, mitragynine and 7-OH, in Schedule I by a DPH emergency regulation in force from August 28, 2026 to August 28, 2027.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Massachusetts? (2026 Law)
Lane splitting is not allowed in Massachusetts: G.L. c. 89, s. 4A keeps riders within a single lane. A violation is a $100 civil infraction plus a $5 surcharge.
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Massachusetts Adoption Records: Original Birth Certificates Since 2022
Massachusetts adult adoptees can request the original birth certificate directly from the Registry of Vital Records. Chapter 158 of 2022 opened access.
Massachusetts Age of Consent Laws: Statutes, Penalties, Reporting
How Massachusetts criminal law protects children under 14 and 16, and persons under 18 against mandated reporters, with penalties, registration and where to report.
Massachusetts AI Laws and Regulation (2026)
Guide to Massachusetts AI laws, regulation, and legislation covering deepfakes, employment AI, healthcare AI, and more.
Massachusetts AI Meeting Recording Laws (2026)
Massachusetts AI meeting recording laws under Section 99: all-party consent, felony penalties up to 5 years/$10,000, AG AI advisory, and compliance for AI tools.
Massachusetts Alimony Laws: Types, Duration Limits, and the Reform Act (2026)
Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act (2011) set four types of alimony under M.G.L. c. 208 ss. 48-55: general term, rehabilitative, reimbursement, and transitional. Durational caps, amount limits, and termination rules explained.
Massachusetts Annulment Laws: Void Marriages and How to File (2026)
How annulment works in Massachusetts under G.L. c. 207 s. 14: which marriages are void, who can file, out-of-state residency, and what happens to children.
Massachusetts Assault and Battery Laws: Charges and Penalties (2026)
Massachusetts punishes assault and assault and battery in one statute, G.L. c. 265, s. 13A. See when it is a felony, the penalties and protected victims.
Massachusetts At-Will Employment Laws: Exceptions and Your Rights
Is Massachusetts an at-will state? Yes. Learn the three exceptions, the narrow good-faith covenant (Fortune/Gram), RTW status, and your rights if fired.
Massachusetts Audio Recording Laws
Massachusetts audio recording laws explained. Secret recording of any conversation is a felony under MGL ch. 272 s.99 with up to 5 years prison, $10,000 fine.
Massachusetts Background Check Laws (2026 Guide)
Massachusetts background check laws: Ban the Box, lookback periods, Clean Slate, employer and housing checks.
Massachusetts Biometric Privacy Laws: Collection, Consent & Penalties (2026)
Massachusetts has no standalone biometric privacy law, but 201 CMR 17.00, Chapter 93A treble damages, and the pending Data Privacy Act (S.2608) protect biometric data.
Massachusetts Birth Certificate: How to Order, Fees and Access Rules
The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records issues certified birth certificates for $20 in person, $32 by mail or $54 online. Routes, access rules and corrections.
Massachusetts Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim
Massachusetts is a no-fault state with a $2,000 PIP threshold. Learn about the 3-year SOL, 25/50/30 minimums, mandatory UM coverage, and modified comparative negligence.
Massachusetts Car Seat Laws (2026): Ages, Belt Rule & $25 Fine
Massachusetts requires a child restraint to age 8 or 57 inches, then a seat belt to age 13, under c. 90 7AA. The maximum fine is $25. See exemptions.
Massachusetts Child Custody Laws (2026): Types, Best Interests, and Your Rights
Massachusetts child custody law uses the best-interests standard under G.L. c. 208, §31. Learn types of custody, the MCCJA (not UCCJEA), relocation rules, and how to modify a custody order.
Massachusetts Child Support Laws (2026): Guidelines & Calculator
Massachusetts uses the Income Shares Model. The 2025 guidelines (effective Dec 1, 2025) cap combined income at $450,000/yr, set a $15/wk minimum, and raise the childcare benchmark to $430/wk.
Massachusetts Court Records: How to Search, What's Public, and How to Seal Them
Search Massachusetts court records at masscourts.org. Learn what's public under Trial Court rules and how sealing differs from expungement in this state.
Massachusetts Dashcam Laws
Massachusetts dashcam laws. Dashcams are legal but audio recording passengers without disclosure is a felony. Placement rules and evidence use explained.
Massachusetts Data Breach Notification Laws: Reporting Rules & Timelines (2026)
Learn Massachusetts data breach notification rules under Chapter 93H and 201 CMR 17.00, including WISP requirements, penalties, and credit monitoring obligations.
Massachusetts Data Privacy Laws: Security Rules & Consumer Rights (2026)
Massachusetts data privacy laws include 201 CMR 17.00 security regulations, Chapter 93H breach notification rules, and pending comprehensive privacy legislation.
Massachusetts Death Records: Are They Public + How to Get Them
Massachusetts death records are public. Anyone can order a certified death certificate from the city or town clerk or the state Registry of Vital Records, with no waiting period.
Massachusetts Debt Collection Laws: Wage Garnishment, Statute of Limitations, and Repossession
Massachusetts debt collection laws: the 85%/50x trustee-process formula, the self-executing $2,500 bank exemption, and the court-hearing repossession rule.
Massachusetts Deepfake Laws: AI Images, Voice Cloning & Penalties (2026)
Massachusetts outlaws sexual deepfakes under M.G.L. ch. 265, § 43A (eff. Sept. 2024), with penalties up to 2.5 years prison. Election deepfake bills passed the House in 2026 but are not yet law.
Massachusetts Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
Massachusetts defamation laws explained: a three-year statute of limitations (c. 260, 4), no punitive damages, the anti-SLAPP statute, and how to sue.
Massachusetts Disorderly Conduct and Trespass Laws (2026)
Massachusetts punishes disorderly persons under c.272 s.53(b): a fine of up to $150 for a first offense. Trespass under c.266 s.120 is up to $100 or 30 days.
Massachusetts Divorce Laws (2026): Grounds, Residency, and Process
Massachusetts divorce: no-fault 1A joint or 1B contested petition, 1-year residency, 90/120-day nisi period, equitable distribution, Probate and Family Court.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights
Learn Massachusetts dog bite laws under M.G.L. c. 140, § 155. Strict liability rules, defenses, dangerous dog process, and filing deadlines explained.
Massachusetts Drone Laws (2026): Privacy, Trespass, and Warrant Rules
Massachusetts has no drone-specific privacy statute. Learn how trespass, the all-party wiretap law, harassment law, and pending 2026 legislation govern drones.
Massachusetts E-Scooter Laws: Sidewalk, Helmet & Age Rules (2026)
Massachusetts e-scooter laws under MGL c.90 section 1E: a driver's license is required to ride, the speed cap is 20 mph, and the helmet rule applies to every rider, regardless of age.
Massachusetts Easement and Eminent Domain Laws (2026)
Massachusetts prescriptive easements take 20 years of uninterrupted use (G.L. c. 187, s. 2). Landlocked land, blocking notices, takings and compensation.
Massachusetts Emancipation Laws: How Minors Become Emancipated in Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts has no emancipation statute. Learn how minors become emancipated by military service or common law, what rights apply under G.L. c. 112 s. 12F, and how child support rules work in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Embezzlement and Forgery Laws: Larceny and Penalties
Massachusetts treats most embezzlement as larceny (c. 266, s. 30), generally a felony over $1,200. Forgery and uttering each carry up to 10 years.
Massachusetts Employee Monitoring Laws (2026): What Employers Can Track
Massachusetts employee monitoring law explained: the all-party consent wiretap law's business exception, the G.L. c. 214 privacy right, and hidden camera restrictions.
Massachusetts Expungement and Record Sealing Laws (M.G.L. c. 276)
Massachusetts law offers two paths to a clean slate: record sealing under M.G.L. c. 276, §§ 100A–100C and expungement under §§ 100E–100U. Learn waiting periods, eligibility, and how to file.
Massachusetts Final Paycheck Laws: Same-Day Pay, Triple Damages
Massachusetts final paycheck law: same-day pay for a firing under M.G.L. c. 149 Section 148, and the mandatory treble-damages penalty under Section 150.
Massachusetts Fireworks Laws (2026): Full Ban Explained
Massachusetts bans all consumer fireworks, including sparklers, under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 148, Section 39. See the toy-cap exception and the penalties.
Massachusetts GPS Tracking Laws: Is It Legal to Put a Tracker on a Car? (2026)
Is it legal to put a GPS tracker on a car in Massachusetts? There is no device-specific crime, but harassment charges and the 2024 coercive control law apply.
Massachusetts Grandparents' Rights: The Blixt v. Blixt Harm Standard
Massachusetts grandparent visitation under G.L. c.119 Section 39D really means Blixt v. Blixt's significant-harm standard. Here's how it works.
Massachusetts Guardianship Laws: Minors, Adults and Conservators (2026)
How Massachusetts guardianship works under G.L. c. 190B: findings for adults, counsel, minor guardianship grounds, the 60-day temporary agent and conservators.
Massachusetts Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Learn about Massachusetts hit and run laws, including penalties for leaving the scene of an accident, reporting requirements, and your legal obligations.
Massachusetts Homestead Exemption: Tax Breaks and Declared Homestead
Massachusetts has no statewide homestead tax exemption. How the local residential exemption, senior credits and the $1,000,000 declared homestead work.
Massachusetts Identity Theft Laws: Penalties and Victim Rights
Massachusetts identity fraud is a crime under M.G.L. c.266 Section 37E, with mandatory restitution and a 24-hour police report right. See penalties and rights.
Massachusetts Jury Duty Laws: Pay, Exemptions and Employer Rules
Massachusetts jury duty rules: employers pay the first three days, the state pays $50 a day after that, the age 70 election, postponements and penalties.
Massachusetts Knife Laws (2026): Section 10(b) and the Canjura Ruling
Massachusetts bans carrying listed knife types under c.269 section 10(b). See the 2024 Canjura switchblade ruling, school and airport rules, and penalties.