Bill
H 1927
Overview: H 1927, An Act exonerating certain individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts, was introduced on February 27, 2025. The hearing on this bill has been res
Overview: H 1927, An Act exonerating certain individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts, was introduced on February 27, 2025. The hearing on this bill has been rescheduled to November 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM-04:00 PM in A-2 and the virtual hearing has been updated to a new end time.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to formally exonerate and clear the names of individuals who were accused and convicted of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts during the 17th century. The goal is to acknowledge the historical injustice and provide closure for the descendants of those wrongfully persecuted.
Key Provisions:
- Vacates the convictions and sentences of all individuals executed or imprisoned for witchcraft
- Directs the state to issue formal apologies and exoneration certificates to the families of those affected
- Establishes a memorial fund to support educational initiatives about the colonial witch trials
- Requires the development of curriculum materials for schools to teach about this dark chapter in the state's history
Affected Parties and Impacts: This bill would directly benefit the descendants of those accused and convicted of witchcraft, providing them with formal exoneration and closure. The broader public would also benefit from increased education and awareness about this historical injustice.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The hearing on this bill has been rescheduled to November 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM-04:00 PM in A-2, and the virtual hearing has been updated to a new end time. Further legislative action and a potential vote are pending the outcome of the rescheduled hearing.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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