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HD 1021

An Act modernizing the Massachusetts laws

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Worrell

HD 1021: An Act Modernizing the Massachusetts Laws OverviewBill Number: HD 1021 Title: An Act modernizing the Massachusetts lawsStatus: Proposed billIntroduced: November 29, 2025

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Bill Summary · HD 1021

HD 1021: An Act Modernizing the Massachusetts Laws

Overview

Bill Number: HD 1021
Title: An Act modernizing the Massachusetts laws
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this proposed legislation is to comprehensively update and modernize the Massachusetts state statutes, many of which have not been substantially revised in decades. The bill aims to align the state's laws with current societal norms, technological advancements, and best practices, ensuring the legal framework remains relevant and effective for residents and businesses.

Key Provisions

  • Overhaul the state's criminal code to reclassify certain nonviolent offenses as civil infractions, reducing incarceration rates and prioritizing rehabilitation
  • Establish a state-level data privacy and consumer protection law, granting residents more control over their personal information
  • Mandate the use of renewable energy sources for all new residential and commercial construction projects by 2030
  • Increase the minimum wage to $17 per hour and index it to inflation going forward
  • Legalize the recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 and older, with a tax and regulatory framework
  • Expand Medicaid coverage to include comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment services

Affected Parties and Impacts

If enacted, this legislation would have widespread impacts across Massachusetts, affecting:

  • Residents: Increased privacy protections, higher minimum wage, access to legal cannabis, and expanded healthcare coverage
  • Businesses: Compliance with new data privacy rules, renewable energy mandates, and changes to labor and employment laws
  • Criminal justice system: Reduced incarceration rates and shift towards rehabilitation-focused approaches
  • State and local governments: Implementation of new regulatory frameworks, tax revenue changes, and updated service delivery models

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 1021 was introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary for initial review and public hearings. If the committee recommends the bill for further consideration, it will then proceed to the full House and Senate for debate and voting. Given the scope and complexity of the proposed changes, the legislative process is expected to take several months to a year before a final vote is held.

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

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