The bill establishes a permanent law revision commission within Chapter 3 of the General Laws, aimed at identifying and recommending reforms for outdated and inequitable laws in the Commonwealth. The commission will consist of various appointed members, including co-chairs from the joint committee on the judiciary, the attorney general or a designee, and several attorneys and experts in law and history. The commission is tasked with examining common law, statutes, and judicial decisions to identify defects and anachronisms, as well as receiving suggestions for legal changes from various stakeholders. It will meet at least four times a year and is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature at the end of each regular session.
Additionally, the bill outlines the initial staggered terms for the first members of the commission, with some serving four years, others three years, and a few for two years. This structure is designed to ensure continuity and a diverse representation of legal expertise within the commission. The bill emphasizes the importance of modernizing the law to reflect current conditions and improve accessibility, including the potential use of open-source software tools.