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HD 464

An Act designating the official jazz song of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Orlando Ramos

Designates the song Massachusetts by Montenia as the official jazz song of the Commonwealth, with no funding or usage mandates.

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Bill Summary · HD 464

Summary of: An Act designating the official jazz song of the Commonwealth (HD 464)

Overview

  • Bill Number: HD 464
  • Title: An Act designating the official jazz song of the Commonwealth
  • Sponsor: Representative Orlando Ramos (Springfield, 9th Hampden)
  • Session Status: Introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court. The bill is a proposed act.
  • Introduced / Filing Dates: Introduction reported as November 29, 2025 (per provided header). The accompanying text indicates the bill was filed January 9, 2025 as House Docket No. 464 (House No. 3407). There is a note that a similar matter was filed in a prior session (House No. 3105, 2023-2024).

Purpose and Intent

  • Designate a specific musical work, the song titled “Massachusetts” (words and music by Montenia), as the official jazz song of the Commonwealth.
  • Establish this designation by adding a new provision to the General Laws.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment Scope: Adds a new section to Chapter 2 of the General Laws.
  • New Section: Section 65 — The song “Massachusetts,” with words and music by Montenia, shall be the official jazz song of the Commonwealth.
  • Nature of Provisions: Pure designation; the bill does not specify funding, usage requirements, licensing terms, or enforcement mechanisms beyond the designation itself.
  • Effective Mechanism: If enacted, the designation would become part of Massachusetts law via the added Section 65.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary Beneficiary/Recognizer: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including state agencies, educational institutions, and organizers of official events that may wish to reference or feature the official jazz song.
  • Rights Holder: Montenia (composer/lyricist) and any associated rights holders, who would hold recognition as the creator of the official jazz song.
  • Broader Impacts: May influence the selection of songs for state ceremonies, educational programs, promotional materials, and cultural branding. No explicit funding or mandated usage is stated.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Process: As with other acts, would require passage by both the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives and signature by the Governor to become law.
  • Timeline Notes: The bill’s current status is a proposed act; no fiscal appropriation is indicated. No specific effective date is provided beyond standard enactment timing upon final passage.
  • Related Legislation: Similar matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (House 3105), indicating ongoing interest in formalizing an official jazz song.

Additional Observations

  • The bill is purely declaratory, establishing an official status without prescribing usage rules or associated funding.
  • It designates a specific song and credits Montenia for both words and music.

This summary focuses on the substantive content and potential implications of HD 464, offering a clear, nonpartisan outline of what the bill would do if enacted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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