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April 15, 2026 Clouds | 70°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.516 194th (Current)

An Act to protect democracy

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 516) of John F. Keenan, James K. Hawkins and Michael O. Moore for legislation to protect democracy. Election Laws.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
John F. Keenan
Status:
Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
This bill declares harassment and intimidation of state and local election workers or their families a punishable crime. Bill defines intimidation and harassment to include overt threats in various forms and includes the sharing of personally identifying information in the definition if the act of sharing seeks to promote harassment or intimidation. It includes necessarily severe punishments to deter dangerous actors. Those guilty of first offenses face imprisonment up to four years, a fine of up to $10,000 or both. Second offenders face ten years, fine of up to $25,000 or both.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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