HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4221        FILED ON: 3/16/2023

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Kate Donaghue

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying proposal for constitutional amendment:

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to oaths of office.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4221        FILED ON: 3/16/2023

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)

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Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to oaths of office.

A majority of all the members elected to the Senate and House of Representatives, in joint session, hereby declares it to be expedient to alter the Constitution by the adoption of the following Article of Amendment, to the end that it may become a part of the Constitution [if similarly agreed to in a joint session of the next General Court and approved by the people at the state election next following]:
 

ARTICLE OF AMENDMENT.
 

ARTICLE VI of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution is hereby amended by striking in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the following oath shall be taken and subscribed by every person chosen or appointed to any office, civil or military under the government of this commonwealth, before such person shall enter on the duties of his or her office, to wit: “I, A.B., do solemnly swear or affirm [and when appropriate, “under the penalties of perjury”], that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and will support the constitution thereof.”