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Bill

H 1958

An Act relative to advertising for justices of the peace

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Vanna Howard and 2 co-sponsors

Expands JP vacancy ads to digital, adds email contact, uses gender-neutral language, drops business-card condition, broadening outreach and accessibility to more residents.

Accompanied a new draft, see H5061
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Bill Summary · H 1958

Summary of H.1958: An Act relative to advertising for justices of the peace

Purpose and intent

  • Modernize and expand how justices of the peace (JPs) may advertise official vacancies and related information.
  • Update language to be gender-neutral and reflect contemporary communication methods, reducing reliance on traditional print media.
  • Clarify and broaden acceptable channels for JP advertising to include digital and online platforms.

Key provisions (as amended text describes)

  • Amend Section 58 of Chapter 207 of the 2020 Official Edition.
  • Language changes to include gender neutrality:
    • Insert after the phrase “advertise his” the words “or her.”
  • Contact information update:
    • Insert after the words “telephone number” the words “email address.”
  • Media and communication channels:
    • Replace the phrase “newspaper, magazine, telephone directory or other publication of general circulation” with a broader description: “printed or digital public media, such as a telephone directory, electronic or computer accessed justice of the peace directory, newspaper or other periodical, or through written, electronic, computer-accessed or similar types of communication, including websites, social media platforms, and digital video platforms.”
  • Removal of a previous conditional:
    • Strike the clause “, that if a justice of the peace uses a business card.”

In short, the bill expands and modernizes advertising options for JPs, makes the language gender-neutral, and requires inclusion of an email contact, while removing a requirement tied to business cards.

Affected parties

  • Justices of the peace in Massachusetts and prospective JP vacancies (advertising and outreach requirements).
  • Public or entities seeking JP appointments (access to more current and diverse channels to obtain information).
  • Media and directory publishers (print and digital), as well as digital platforms (websites, social media, video platforms) that could be used for JP advertising.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Judiciary Committee (the bill’s sponsor is Rep. David M. Rogers, with co-sponsors Rep. Vanna Howard and Rep. Francisco E. Paulino).
  • Status updates indicate ongoing committee consideration with scheduling changes for a public hearing:
    • Hearing rescheduled to November 4, 2025 (initially listed with different end times in notices; later updates show a revised end time).
  • Related actions:
    • Bill HD 2504 (replaces) and a related matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (House No. 1737).

Related context

  • The bill is part of ongoing efforts to modernize judicial advertising practices in the Commonwealth, aligning with broader shifts toward digital communications.
  • The "Similar matter" note indicates continuity with prior legislative activity on this topic.

Potential impact

  • JP vacancies may be publicized through a wider array of channels, including electronic directories, websites, social media, and other digital platforms.
  • Advertising requirements will be more accessible to a broader audience through digital means, potentially increasing awareness of JP positions.
  • The changes could simplify or broaden compliance for JP offices and public disseminators of JP information.

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

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