H865

Relative to the qualification of voters

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H865 amends voter qualification laws to clarify felony convictions that disqualify voters.

Massachusetts H865 amends the General Laws to further define felony convictions that disqualify individuals from voting. The bill specifies that certain convictions, including those under sections 13, 13b, 13b ½, 16, or 24 of chapter 265, or those punishable by life imprisonment in a state prison, will disqualify voters. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines on voter eligibility based on criminal history.

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  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Sep 16, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on Election Laws Hearing

History

Apr 2

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5311 (under House Rule 27)

Aug 29, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM in B-1

Aug 29, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order