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H 2044

An Act relative to petit treason

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tommy Vitolo

H 2044 modifies Massachusetts petit treason law, an archaic offense involving acts against authority figures, with Judiciary Committee review underway.

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 2044

Legislative bill overview

H 2044 proposes to modify Massachusetts law regarding petit treason, a historical common law offense involving acts against authority figures like employers or masters. The bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee and a hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025. The specific text of proposed changes is not publicly available in the information provided.

Why is this important

Petit treason is an archaic legal concept rarely prosecuted in modern American law, but its presence in state statutes can create ambiguity about what conduct is criminalized. Clarifying, updating, or eliminating this offense would modernize Massachusetts criminal code and ensure that prosecutions align with contemporary legal standards and constitutional protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of the offense definition: Unclear what specific conduct would constitute petit treason under the proposed revision, potentially affecting employer-employee relationships, household dynamics, or other hierarchical relationships
  • Constitutional concerns: Modern application may raise due process questions about vagueness or conflict with contemporary employment and personal liberty protections
  • Prosecutorial discretion: Changes to this offense could affect how broadly or narrowly prosecutors interpret authority-based crimes

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

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