HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 5061

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, February 9, 2026.

 The committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1958) of David M. Rogers and Vanna Howard relative to advertising for justices of the peace, reports recommending that the accompanying bill (House, No. 5061) ought to pass.

For the committee,

MICHAEL S. DAY.

        FILED ON: 2/1/2026

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 5061

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act relative to advertising for justices of the peace.

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

 SECTION 1. Section 58 of chapter 207 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking, in line 2, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following word:-  their.

 SECTION 2. Said section 58 of said chapter 207 is hereby further amended by inserting, in line 3, after the word “number” the following words:- , email address.

 SECTION 3. Said section 58 of said chapter 207, is hereby further amended by striking, in lines 6 to 7, inclusive, words “newspaper, magazine, telephone directory or other publication of general circulation” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- 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.