H 1670 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to the repeal or reform of certain unenforceable or unconstitutional archaic laws on religion, piety, and morality

This bill repeals or amends several Massachusetts statutes related to religious references in legal contexts. It specifically removes archaic provisions requiring religious oaths (like "so help me God") and replaces them with a new standard: legal oaths must make no religious reference, requiring individuals to simply hold up their hand and affirm truthfulness under penalty of perjury. The bill directly affects anyone taking legal oaths (e.g., in court, for official documents) and the officials administering those oaths. Key provisions include repealing sections in Chapters 71, 233, and 272 that mandated religious elements in oaths or related legal procedures. The change modernizes legal practice by ensuring oaths are secular and accessible to all.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Kate Donaghue
Kate Donaghue
DDemocratic
MA
19th Worcester