STATE AND OTHER POLICE, AND CERTAIN POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND INSPECTIONS OF THE DIVISION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

M.G.L. pt. Part I, tit. Title XX, ch. c. 147

in effect

M.G.L. c. 147, § 1 Definitions and duties of commissioner and division of occupational licensure

c. 147, § 1. Definitions and duties of commissioner and division of occupational licensure Section 1. The commissioner of the division of occupational licensure, in this chapter called the commissioner, shall have charge of the administration and enforcement of all laws, rules and regulations which it is the duty of the division of occupational licensure, in this chapter called the division, to administer and enforce, and shall, except as is otherwise provided, direct all inspections and investigations. He shall, subject to the approval of the governor, make all necessary rules for the government of his division, for reports to be made by officers under him and for the performance of their duties. He shall make an annual report.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 2 Inspectors; powers and duties; appointment as special state police

c. 147, § 2. Inspectors; powers and duties; appointment as special state police Section 2. All inspectors of the office of public safety and inspections of the division shall have and exercise throughout the commonwealth the powers of constables, police officers and watchmen, except as to the service of civil process. The governor may command their services in suppressing riots and in preserving the peace. The commissioner may request the colonel of state police to appoint such inspectors as special state police officers and invest them with such of the powers of the state police officers as said colonel may deem advisable. The commissioner, with the approval of the governor, may authorize the inspectors of the office of public safety and inspections of the division to carry badges, revolvers, clubs, handcuffs and twisters, or such other articles as may be required in the performance of their duties.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 3 Rewards or gifts for services; failure to perform duties

c. 147, § 3. Rewards or gifts for services; failure to perform duties Section 3. Any inspector of the division who directly or indirectly receives a reward, gift or gratuity on account of his official services shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than three months, and shall also be discharged from office. Any inspector who fails to faithfully perform his duties shall be immediately discharged from office.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 8 County police; appointment; badge; powers

c. 147, § 8. County police; appointment; badge; powers Section 8. County commissioners may appoint as police officers persons who are in the employment of the county, who shall, when on duty, wear in plain sight a metallic badge inscribed with the words ''County Police'' and the name of the county for which they are appointed. Such officers may preserve order in any court house or in any room or building used for county business and upon the adjoining premises. They may, without a warrant, arrest idle or disorderly persons who by their presence or conduct obstruct or annoy persons using county buildings or premises, or who violate section ninety-seven of chapter two hundred and sixty-six, and may take persons so arrested to the nearest police station or other place of lawful detention.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 8A Carrying police weapons and equipment

c. 147, § 8A. Carrying police weapons and equipment Section 8A. A sheriff, any of his deputies, and any officer of any institution under the supervision of a sheriff if so authorized by him, the commissioner of correction, and the deputy commissioners and any other officer of the department of correction or of any institution under its supervision if so authorized by said commissioner, the chairman of the parole board and any other officer of the parole board if so authorized by said chairman, and the penal institutions commissioner of the city of Boston, his deputy, and any officer of any institution under the supervision of said penal institutions commissioner if so authorized by him, may carry revolvers, clubs, handcuffs and twisters and such other weapons as are necessary in the performance of their duties.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 10F Parking control officers

c. 147, § 10F. Parking control officers Section 10F. Any board or officer authorized to appoint police officers in any city or town which accepts this section, and any college, university or other educational institution empowered by law to make or establish rules or regulations regulating the parking of motor vehicles, may appoint parking control officers who shall have only those powers and duties conferred or imposed on police officers by section twenty A or twenty A1/2 of chapter ninety.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 11 Cities authorized to establish police force; appointments to force

c. 147, § 11. Cities authorized to establish police force; appointments to force Section 11. Any city in which the city council, with the approval of the mayor, accepts this and the two following sections or has accepted corresponding provisions of earlier laws, may establish a reserve police force; and appointments thereto shall, subject to chapter thirty-one, be made in the same manner as appointments to the regular police force of said city.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 12 Number of members

c. 147, § 12. Number of members Section 12. The number of members of such reserve force shall not exceed five in cities in which the number of members of the regular force does not exceed fifteen. If the number of members of the regular force exceeds fifteen, one member may be added to the reserve force for every three of the regular force above fifteen and not above thirty; one for every five of the regular force above thirty and not above eighty; and one for every ten of the regular force above eighty.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 13 Assignment to duty; powers and duties; compensation

c. 147, § 13. Assignment to duty; powers and duties; compensation Section 13. The mayor, chief of police or city marshal of a city in which such reserve force is established may assign the members thereof to duty in said city whenever and for such length of time as said mayor, chief of police or marshal may deem necessary; and when on duty the members of said reserve force shall have all the powers and duties of members of the regular police force of said city. The compensation of the members of said reserve force shall be fixed by the city council.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 13A Towns authorized to establish reserve police force; number; appointments; removal; regulations; powers and duties; compensation

c. 147, § 13A. Towns authorized to establish reserve police force; number; appointments; removal; regulations; powers and duties; compensation Section 13A. A town having an organized police force or department, other than a town in which a reserve police force is established under special law, which accepts the provisions of this section, may establish a reserve police force consisting of such number of members as the town may determine. Appointments to such force shall be made in the same manner and subject to the same provisions of law as appointments to its regular police force. Members of said reserve force may be removed by the selectmen at any time for any reason satisfactory to them and shall be subject to such rules and regulations as the selectmen may prescribe. Said members shall, when on duty, have all the powers and duties of members of the regular police force of said town and shall be paid by the town such compensation as the selectmen may fix.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 13B Reserve police forces in cities; appointments from civil service eligible list

c. 147, § 13B. Reserve police forces in cities; appointments from civil service eligible list Section 13B. In any city which has accepted sections eleven to thirteen, inclusive, or the corresponding provisions of earlier laws, or has a reserve police force under authority of special law, and accepts this section, no person shall, after the date of acceptance of this section, be appointed to the reserve police force thereof unless the name of such person shall have been placed, on or before said date, on an eligible list established under chapter thirty-one and the rules made thereunder for such appointments.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 13C Reserve police forces in towns; appointments from civil service eligible list

c. 147, § 13C. Reserve police forces in towns; appointments from civil service eligible list Section 13C. In any town which has accepted section thirteen A, or has a reserve police force under authority of special law, and accepts this section, no person shall, after the date of acceptance of this section, be appointed to the reserve police force thereof unless appointments to such force are subject to chapter thirty-one and the name of such person shall have been placed, on or before said date, on an eligible list established under chapter thirty-one and the rules made thereunder for such appointments.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 14 Days off for police; one day out of thirty

c. 147, § 14. Days off for police; one day out of thirty Section 14. Members of the police department of every city, except Boston and such cities as have accepted chapter two hundred and ten of the acts of nineteen hundred and eleven or chapter one hundred and sixty-six of the acts of nineteen hundred and twenty, and of every town which accepted chapter four hundred and seventy-six of the acts of nineteen hundred and eight and afterward did not accept chapter two hundred and ten of the acts of nineteen hundred and eleven or chapter one hundred and sixty-six of the acts of nineteen hundred and twenty, shall be excused from duty for one day out of every thirty without loss of pay.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 15 Days off for police; one day out of fifteen

c. 147, § 15. Days off for police; one day out of fifteen Section 15. Except in Boston, members of the police department of every town which accepted chapter two hundred and ten of the acts of nineteen hundred and eleven and did not accept chapter one hundred and sixty-six of the acts of nineteen hundred and twenty shall be excused from duty for one day out of every fifteen without loss of pay.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 16 Days off for police; one day out of eight

c. 147, § 16. Days off for police; one day out of eight Section 16. Except in Boston, members of the police department of every town which accepts or has accepted the provisions of this section by vote of its city council or selectmen, or has accepted the corresponding provisions of earlier laws in the manner therein provided, shall be excused from duty for one day out of every eight without loss of pay.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 16A Days off for police; one day out of seven

c. 147, § 16A. Days off for police; one day out of seven Section 16A. Members of the police department of every town which has heretofore accepted this section shall, so long as its provisions are operative therein, be excused from duty for one day out of every seven without loss of pay.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 16B Days off for police; one day out of six

c. 147, § 16B. Days off for police; one day out of six Section 16B. Except in Boston, members of the police department of every town which accepts this section by vote of its city council in case of a city or of the town, in case of a town, whether or not section fourteen, fifteen, sixteen or sixteen A has theretofore been operative therein, shall be excused from duty for one day out of every six without loss of pay.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 16C Five day weeks; vote of voters; petition question on ballot

c. 147, § 16C. Five day weeks; vote of voters; petition question on ballot Section 16C. Members of the police department of every city or town which accepts this section by vote of the city council, subject to the provisions of the charter, or by vote of the town at an annual town meeting, as the case may be, or, if said city council or town fails to accept this section, by vote of the voters thereof as hereinafter provided, shall be excused from duty for two days out of every seven without loss of pay. Upon petition of not less than ten per cent of the registered voters in a city or town, duly certified by the registrars of voters and filed with the city or town clerk not less than thirty days before the regular municipal election of such city in any year, or before the annual town election of such town in any year, or if such petition is filed with the state secretary not less than ninety days before a biennial state election, the city or town clerk or the state secretary, as the case may be, shall cause to be printed upon the official ballot to be used in such city or town at such election the following question:— ''Shall the city (or town) accept the provisions of section sixteen C of chapter one hundred and forty-seven of the General Laws providing for a five day week for members of the police forces in cities and towns?''. If a majority of the votes in answer to said question in any city or town is in the affirmative, this section shall take full effect therein, but not otherwise.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 17 Time for days off; effect; emergencies; minimum days annually; effect on annual vacations

c. 147, § 17. Time for days off; effect; emergencies; minimum days annually; effect on annual vacations Section 17. The time and manner of excusing members of police departments from duty in any town subject to any of the six preceding sections shall be determined by the chief, superintendent or other officer or board at the head of the police department. A member so excused shall be exempt from duty and from attendance at a police station or other place, but otherwise shall be subject to all laws, rules and regulations relating to members of the department to which he belongs. The chief, superintendent or other officer or board at the head of the police department of any such town may, in case of any public emergency, or of any unusual demand for the services of the police in that town, prevent any member of the department from taking the day off at the time when he is entitled thereto, or at the time assigned therefor, provided that such day off shall be granted to him as soon thereafter as is practicable. In no case shall the number of such days off be less than twelve in each year in a town subject to section fourteen, or twenty-four in each year in a town subject to section fifteen, or forty-five in each year in a town subject to section sixteen, or fifty-two in each year in a town subject to section sixteen A, or sixty in each year in a town subject to section sixteen B, or one hundred and four in each year in a town subject to section sixteen C, and they shall be in addition to any annual vacation now or hereafter allowed to members of the said departments, and such annual vacation shall not be diminished on account thereof.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 17A Additional days off or pay

c. 147, § 17A. Additional days off or pay Section 17A. If any police officer of a city or town is required to work on January the first, July the fourth or Christmas day, or the day following when any of said days occurs on Sunday, or the third Monday in February, the third Monday in April, the last Monday in May, the first Monday in September, the second or fourth Monday in October or Thanksgiving day, he shall be given an additional day off, or, if such additional day off cannot be given because of personnel shortage or other cause, he shall be entitled to an additional day's pay; provided, that, in the case of any such police officer whose regular day off, vacation day or a day on which he is absent from duty because of injuries sustained in line of duty, falls on any of the aforementioned holidays, an additional day off shall be allowed, or payment in lieu of one day shall be allowed. Such additional day's pay shall be based on the hourly rate of his regular compensation for his average weekly hours of regular duty or such higher rate as may be determined by the person or persons authorized to establish pay scales in the respective police departments. This section shall take effect in a city having a Plan E charter when accepted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the city council, and in the case of other cities by vote of the city council subject to the provisions of its charter, and in a town by a majority vote at an annual town meeting.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 17B Five day and forty hour week; compensation for additional service; reduction in compensation

c. 147, § 17B. Five day and forty hour week; compensation for additional service; reduction in compensation Section 17B. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the services of all regular or permanent police officers of every city and town which accepts this section shall be restricted to five days and to forty hours in any one week; provided, that service in excess of the aforesaid days and hours may be authorized by the police commissioner, chief, superintendent or other officer or board at the head of the police department of any such city or town and the officer performing such additional service shall be compensated at the hourly rate of his regular compensation for his average weekly hours of regular duty or such higher rate as may be determined by the person or persons authorized to establish pay scales in the respective police departments. The compensation payable to any such police officer shall not be reduced by reason of the acceptance of this section. This section shall take effect in a city having a Plan E or Plan D charter when accepted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the city council and in the case of other cities by vote of the city council, subject to the provisions of its charter, and in a town by a majority vote at the annual town meeting.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 17C Time off or pay for overtime duty

c. 147, § 17C. Time off or pay for overtime duty Section 17C. If a regular police officer in the service of a city or town which has not accepted section seventeen B shall be required to be on duty for any period in excess of his regular hours of duty as from time to time established, he may be given time off equal to such period of overtime duty or, if time off cannot be given by reason of a personnel shortage or other cause, he may be paid for such period of overtime duty at such an hourly rate as may be determined by the authority in charge of the police department, which rate shall in no event be less than one and one half times the hourly rate of his regular compensation for his average weekly hours of regular duty.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 17D Annual convention of Massachusetts Police Association

c. 147, § 17D. Annual convention of Massachusetts Police Association Section 17D. Members of police departments shall be excused from duty and from attendance at a police station or other place for two days without loss of pay while in attendance as an official delegate at the annual convention of the Massachusetts Police Association held within the commonwealth.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 17E Overtime compensation upon discharge, resignation, retirement or death

c. 147, § 17E. Overtime compensation upon discharge, resignation, retirement or death Section 17E. Whenever the employment of any police officer subject to section one hundred and eleven H of chapter forty-one or sections seventeen A, seventeen B, and seventeen C of this chapter is terminated during a year by dismissal through no fault or delinquency on his part or by resignation, retirement or death, without his having received the compensation to which he is entitled under such sections, he, or in case of his death, his estate, shall be paid the full amount of such compensation, provided that no monetary or other allowance has already been made therefor. The official head of the department in which the police officer was last employed shall enter on the departmental payroll all amounts payable under this section.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 17F Police chiefs; working on holidays; additional pay

c. 147, § 17F. Police chiefs; working on holidays; additional pay Section 17F. If the superintendent of police in the city of Lowell, the city marshal in the cities of Newburyport and Salem, or the chief of police in any other city or town, is on duty at any time on January the first, July the fourth or Christmas day, or the day following when any of said days occurs on Sunday, or the third Monday in February, the third Monday in April, the last Monday in May, the first Monday in September, the second or fourth Monday in October or Thanksgiving day, he shall be granted an additional day's pay.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 17G Five day forty-hour week; overtime pay

c. 147, § 17G. Five day forty-hour week; overtime pay Section 17G. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the services of all regular or permanent police officers of every city and town which accepts this section shall be restricted to five days and to forty hours in any one week; provided, that service in excess of the aforesaid days and hours may be authorized by the police commissioner, chief, superintendent or other officer or board at the head of the police department of any such city or town and the officer performing such additional service shall be compensated at an hourly rate equal to one and one half times the hourly rate of his regular compensation for his average weekly hours of regular duty or such higher rate as may be determined by the person or persons authorized to establish pay scales in the respective police departments. The compensation payable to any such police officer shall not be reduced by reason of the acceptance of this section. This section shall take effect in a city having a Plan E or Plan D charter when accepted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the city council and in the case of other cities by vote of the city council, subject to the provisions of its charter, and in a town by a majority vote at the annual town meeting.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 18 Police stations for detention of women; appointment of matrons

c. 147, § 18. Police stations for detention of women; appointment of matrons Section 18. In every city having a population of over thirty thousand inhabitants as shown by the latest federal census, except Boston, the mayor shall, and in any other city the mayor, and in Boston, the police commissioner, may designate one or more police stations for the detention and confinement of females under arrest, and for the detention and lodging of females not under arrest, within such city. Such mayor or police commissioner may at any time designate additional stations, or may discontinue any stations so designated; but one such station shall always remain so designated, except in Boston. The police commissioner of Boston and the mayor of any other city shall appoint, as soon as may be after any station has been so designated, one or two police matrons to be attached thereto.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 19 Qualifications for appointment; removal; compensation; residence; on call status; powers and duties; accommodations for women held at stations

c. 147, § 19. Qualifications for appointment; removal; compensation; residence; on call status; powers and duties; accommodations for women held at stations Section 19. A woman shall not be appointed a police matron unless she is suitable therefor and has been recommended in writing by at least ten women of good standing, residents of the city where the appointment is to be made. The two preceding sentences shall not apply to police matrons in cities having more than thirty thousand inhabitants. A police matron may be removed by the mayor or police commissioner, as the case may be, by written order stating the cause of removal. Upon her death, resignation or removal her successor shall be appointed as soon as may be. She shall receive a reasonable compensation, which shall be fixed, except in Boston, by the city council, and in Boston, by the concurrent action of the city council and of the police commissioner, and shall be paid by the city treasurer upon the requisition of the body fixing her compensation. If only one police matron is attached to a station, she shall reside within a reasonable distance thereof and shall be ready to respond to a call therefrom at any hour of the day or night. If two police matrons are attached to a station, the hours during which they shall respond to calls therefrom, respectively, shall be so fixed by the mayor or police commissioner that one of them shall be ready to respond at any hour of the day and night, and each such matron shall, during the hours so fixed for her, remain within a reasonable distance of such station and be ready to respond to any call therefrom. One of such matrons shall remain constantly at the police station to which she is attached, ready for service, so long as any female is detained, lodged or held under arrest therein. A police matron shall have the entire care and charge of all females held under arrest, detained or lodged in the station to which she is attached, and she may call upon the officer in command of such station for assistance. She shall be subject to the authority of the head of the police department of the city where she serves, and to the rules and regulations, consistent with sections eighteen to twenty, inclusive, which may be prescribed by such authority; but she shall not be subject to the control or direction of any police officer attached to a station except the officer in command thereof at the time. In every station to which a police matron is attached, the mayor or police commissioner shall, at the expense of the city, provide sufficient and proper accommodation for females held under arrest, detained or lodged therein.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 20 Removal of women to nearest station with matron; jurisdiction

c. 147, § 20. Removal of women to nearest station with matron; jurisdiction Section 20. If a female is arrested and taken to a police station to which a matron is attached or, if not under arrest, is detained or lodged therein, the police officer there in command shall cause the matron to be summoned forthwith; and if in a city in which a police matron has been appointed, or in Boston, a female is arrested and taken to a station to which no matron is attached, or is received therein for the purpose of detention or lodging, such officer shall cause her to be removed as soon as possible to the nearest station to which a matron is attached, or in Boston, to the house of detention, and the city treasurer shall pay the reasonable expense of such removal upon the requisition of the head of the police department. Such removal of a female shall not deprive any court of any jurisdiction which it would otherwise have had.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 21 ''Police station'' and ''station'' defined

c. 147, § 21. ''Police station'' and ''station'' defined Section 21. The words ''police station'' or ''station'' in the three preceding sections shall mean any place in which persons are temporarily confined under arrest.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 21A Police cadets; appointment; qualifications; compensation; duties; status; retirement and pensions

c. 147, § 21A. Police cadets; appointment; qualifications; compensation; duties; status; retirement and pensions Section 21A. The board or officer in a city or town authorized to appoint police officers for such city or town may, when so authorized, in a city having a Plan E charter, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the city council, in any other city, by vote of the city council subject to the provisions of its charter, and in a town, by a majority vote at an annual town meeting, appoint as a police cadet, for a period of full-time ''on the job'' training, any citizen resident in such city or town who is not less than eighteen nor more than twenty-three years of age or in the city of Boston any citizen resident who is not less than eighteen nor more than twenty-five years of age who meets the physical qualifications required of applicants for appointment to the police force in such city or town, and who is determined by the appointing authority to be of good moral character. Such appointment shall not be subject to the civil service law or rules; nor shall a police cadet be entitled to any benefits of such law or rules. Such appointment may be terminated by the appointing authority at any time, and shall be terminated whenever a cadet fails to maintain a passing grade in any course of study the appointing authority determines he should undertake, and when he reaches the age of twenty-five or in the city of Boston whenever a cadet fails to maintain a passing grade in any course of study the appointing authority determines he should undertake, and when he reaches the age of twenty-seven. A police cadet shall receive such compensation and such leave with pay as the appointing authority shall determine. No person shall be too old for appointment as a cadet if he or she was of qualifying age at the time of application to a cadet program. An appointment to a cadet program shall not be terminated for age unless the cadet has completed 2 years of service. A police cadet shall maintain and file records, operate office machines, answer telephones, receive complaints, enter and index official documents, prepare routine reports, prepare and tabulate facts and figures for statistical purposes, and have similar duties of an administrative rather than an enforcement type. He shall not carry arms, nor shall he have any power of arrest other than that of an ordinary citizen. He shall be considered an employee of the city or town for the purposes of workers' compensation. A police cadet shall not be subject to or entitled to the benefits of any retirement or pension law nor shall any deduction be made from his compensation for the purpose thereof; but a police cadet who during the period of his ''on the job training'' passes a competitive civil service examination for appointment to the police force of such city or town, and is appointed a permanent full-time police officer, shall have his police cadet service considered as ''creditable service'' for purposes of retirement, provided he pays into the annuity savings fund of the retirement system such amount as the retirement board determines equal to that which he would have paid had he been a member of said retirement system during the period of his training as a police cadet.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 22 Definitions

c. 147, § 22. Definitions Section 22. In this section and in sections twenty-three to thirty, inclusive, the following words shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:— ''Licensee'', any person licensed under section twenty-five. ''Private detective business'', the business of private detective or private investigator, and the business of watch, guard or patrol agency. ''Private detective'' or ''private investigator'', a person engaged in business as a private detective or private investigator, including any person who, for hire, fee, reward or other consideration, (1) uses a lie-detector for the purpose of obtaining information with reference to the conduct, integrity, efficiency, loyalty or activities of any person or (2) engages in the business of making investigations for the purpose of obtaining information with reference to any of the following matters, whether or not other functions or services are also performed for hire, fee, reward or other consideration, or other persons are employed to assist in making such investigations:— (a) Crime or other acts committed or threatened against the laws or government of the United States or any state of the United States; (b) The identity, habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, reputation or character of any person; (c) Libels, fires, losses, accidents, or damage to, or loss or theft of, real or personal property; (d) Evidence to be used before any investigating committee, board of award, or board of arbitration, or in the trial of civil or criminal cases. ''Watch, guard or patrol agency'', the business of watch, guard or patrol agency, including the furnishing, for hire or reward, of watchmen, guards, private patrolmen or other persons to protect persons or property, to prevent the theft or the unlawful taking of goods, wares or merchandise, or the misappropriation or concealment thereof or of money, bonds, stocks, notes or other valuable documents, papers or articles of value, or to procure the return thereof, whether or not other functions or services are also performed for hire or reward, or other persons are employed to assist therein.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 23 Necessity of private detective license; exceptions

c. 147, § 23. Necessity of private detective license; exceptions Section 23. No person shall engage in, advertise or hold himself out as being engaged in, nor solicit private detective business or the business of watch, guard or patrol agency, notwithstanding the name or title used in describing such business, unless licensed for such purpose as provided in section twenty-five. The provisions of this section shall not apply to an agent, employee or assistant of a licensee, to any corporation, if its resident manager, superintendent or official representative is a licensee, nor to the following:— 1. A person employed by or on behalf of the commonwealth, including the general court or either of its branches, any committee of the general court or either of its branches, any special commission required to report to the general court, any political subdivision of the commonwealth or any public instrumentality, while such person is engaged in the discharge of his official duties. 2. A charitable, philanthropic or law enforcement agency, duly incorporated under the laws of the commonwealth, or any agent thereof while he is engaged in the discharge of his duties as such agent; provided, that such agency is promoted and maintained for the public good and not for private profit. 3. A person employed as an investigator, detective, watchman, guard, patrolman, or employed or assigned to perform any of the activities described in the definition ''watch, guard or patrol agency'' or whose duties include an inquiry into the fitness of an applicant for employment, in connection with the regular and customary business of his employer and whose services are not let out to another for profit or gain, but only while so acting for his employer. 4. A credit reporting bureau or agency whose business is principally the furnishing of information as to business and financial standing and credit responsibility. 5. Investigations as to the personal habits and financial responsibility of applicants for insurance or indemnity bonds, provided, such investigations do not include other activities described in section twenty-two. 6. An attorney at law in the practice of his profession. 7. Investigations with respect to, or the compilation or dissemination of, any data or statistics pertaining to any business or industry, by any trade or business association, board or organization, incorporated or unincorporated, not operated for profit, representing persons engaged in such business or industry, or by any agent of any such trade or business association while he is engaged in the discharge of his duties as such agent. 8. An insurance adjuster or investigator while acting in such capacity as an employee. 9. Any trade or business association, board or organization, incorporated or unincorporated, which furnishes as a service to members thereof, information pertaining to the business and financial standing, credit responsibility or reputation of persons with whom such members consider doing business; provided, that an investigation conducted by such association, board or organization shall be no more extensive than is reasonably required to determine the business and financial standing, credit responsibility or reputation of such person. 10. A person engaged in earning his livelihood by genealogical work and the compilation of family history while so engaged. 11. A person hired by the owner of a residential dwelling for the limited purpose of inspecting the exterior of an unoccupied residential dwelling for storm damage. 12. Individuals who are independently and currently licensed by the commonwealth in a profession or field of expertise, whereby they are exclusively utilized and confined in conducting an investigation to that profession or field of expertise, inasmuch as the context and extent of their inquiry and investigation does not exceed the particular area of their profession or field of expertise in which they are independently licensed within the commonwealth. Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 24 Applications; qualifications of applicants

c. 147, § 24. Applications; qualifications of applicants Section 24. An application for a license to engage in the private detective business or a license to engage in the business of watch, guard or patrol agency shall be filed with the colonel of the state police on forms furnished by him, and statements of fact therein shall be under oath of the applicant. Such application shall include a certification by each of three reputable citizens of the commonwealth residing in the community in which the applicant resides or has a place of business, or in which the applicant proposes to conduct his business, that he has personally known the applicant for at least three years, that he has read the application and believes each of the statements made therein to be true, that he is not related to the applicant by blood or marriage, and that the applicant is honest and of good moral character. The applicant, or, if the applicant is a corporation, its resident manager, superintendent or official representative, shall be of good moral character, and, unless such application is for a license to engage in the business of watch, guard or patrol agency, shall have been regularly employed for not less than three years as a detective doing investigating work, a former member of an investigative service of the United States, a former police officer, of a rank or grade higher than that of patrolman, of the commonwealth, any political subdivision thereof or an official police department of another state, or a police officer in good standing formerly employed for not less than ten years with the commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof or with an official police department of another state.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 25 License; disqualification of convicts; duration; posting; name of licensee and approval; renewal and revocation

c. 147, § 25. License; disqualification of convicts; duration; posting; name of licensee and approval; renewal and revocation Section 25. The colonel of the state police may grant to an applicant complying with the provisions of section twenty-four a license to engage in the private detective business or a license to engage in the business of watch, guard or patrol agency; provided, however, that no such license shall be granted to any person who has been convicted in any state of the United States of a felony. No person convicted of a violation of section ninety-nine or ninety-nine A of chapter two hundred and seventy-two of the general laws shall be granted a license and any license previously granted to such person shall be revoked. Such license shall be for one year, shall state the name under which the licensed business is to be conducted and the address of its principal office, and shall be posted by the licensee in a conspicuous place in such office. Such name shall be subject to the approval of the colonel of the state police; provided that such name shall not contain the words ''police'', ''fire'', nor any name which denotes or implies any association with agencies of the governments of the United States, the commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions. Failure to comply with the provisions of this paragraph shall constitute cause for revocation of such license. The colonel of the state police may annually renew and may at any time for cause, after notice and a hearing, revoke, any such license. An application for a renewal shall be on a form furnished by the colonel.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 26 License fees; bond

c. 147, § 26. License fees; bond Section 26. The fee for an original license and for a renewal of any license shall be determined annually by the commissioner of administration under the provision of section three B of chapter seven for the filing thereof. If a person fails to apply for a renewal of a license within six months after the expiration thereof he shall pay for a renewal the fee herein provided for an original license. Each licensee shall give to the commissioner a bond in the sum of five thousand dollars, executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company authorized to do business as such in the commonwealth as surety. Such bond shall be in such form as the commissioner may prescribe, conditioned upon the honest conduct of the business of the licensee and the right of any person including the officer of any aggrieved labor union or association, whether or not incorporated, injured by the wilful, malicious or wrongful act of the licensee to bring in his own name an action on the bond.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 27 Employment to determine labor conditions or disseminate propaganda; penalty

c. 147, § 27. Employment to determine labor conditions or disseminate propaganda; penalty Section 27. No licensee shall enter, or cause any person to enter, any place of employment for any purpose having to do with the organizing or organization of employees in said establishment, or any purpose having to do with hours of labor, wages or salaries paid, or conditions of employment in such establishment or its branches or subsidiaries or related units, or to disseminate propaganda of any sort among employees in such establishment, or to be concerned with labor conditions of employees as a group, nor shall any licensee or agent or employee of a licensee pose as an employee in any such establishment for any of the aforementioned purposes. Violation of any provision of this section shall be cause for the suspension of such license for not less than one year, after a public hearing by the colonel of the state police, on written complaint of any aggrieved person, or the officer of any aggrieved labor union or association, whether incorporated or otherwise.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 28 Assistants; employment; divulgence of information or false report; penalty

c. 147, § 28. Assistants; employment; divulgence of information or false report; penalty Section 28. A licensee may employ to assist him in his business as many persons as he may deem necessary but shall not knowingly employ in connection with his business in any capacity any person who has been convicted of a felony or any former licensee whose license has been revoked. If a licensee falsely states or represents that a person is or was in his employ, such false statement or representation shall be cause for revocation of his license. Whoever falsely states or represents that he has been a licensee or employed by a licensee shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars. No person shall be employed by any licensee until he shall have executed and furnished to such licensee a statement under oath setting forth his full name, date of birth and residence; his parents' names and places of birth; the business or occupation in which he has been engaged for the three years immediately preceding the date of filing his statement; and that he has not been convicted of a felony or of any offence involving moral turpitude. Such statements shall be kept on file by the licensee and furnished to the colonel of the state police on demand. Any person who is or has been an employee of a licensee and any licensee who divulges to anyone other than to his employer or as his employer shall direct, except before an authorized tribunal, any information acquired by him during such employment in respect to any of the work to which he has been assigned by such employer, and any such employee who wilfully makes a false report to his employer in respect to any such work, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. No minor shall be employed as an investigator or guard by a licensee if the use of firearms is required in the performance of his duties.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 29 Badges, identification cards, weapons, equipment and vehicles

c. 147, § 29. Badges, identification cards, weapons, equipment and vehicles Section 29. No licensee or employee or agent of a licensee shall use a badge of any kind for identification purposes except a guard or watchman in uniform who shall wear any such badge on the left breast of his uniform. Such badge shall not contain the word ''Police'' or any part of the seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or of any political subdivision thereof. A licensee or his employee or agent shall carry only such weapons and equipment as are authorized by the colonel of the state police; provided, however, that if said licensee, employee or agent, is authorized to carry a firearm, as defined in section one hundred and twenty-one of chapter one hundred and forty, said firearm shall be loaded while in the performance of his duties. A licensee, or his employee or agent, while in the performance of his duties, shall not carry an imitation firearm as defined in said section one hundred and twenty-one of said chapter one hundred and forty. A licensee or his employee or agent may use as identification a card, approved as to form by the colonel of the state police, which shall bear the signature of the licensee and, if such card is used as identification by an employee or agent, the signature of such employee or agent. No motor vehicle used in the business of a licensee shall have displayed therein or thereon the words ''police'' or ''emergency'', and no such motor vehicle shall be deemed to be a special purpose motor vehicle assigned to emergency disaster services under the provisions of section seven I of chapter ninety. Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 29A Daily records concerning guards carrying guns required

c. 147, § 29A. Daily records concerning guards carrying guns required Section 29A. Any watch, guard or patrol agency shall maintain daily records which shall include the names of guards and other employees carrying guns in the performance of their duties, the purpose of their carrying such guns and whether such guns are the personal property of the guards and other employees or issued by such agency.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 30 Prohibited acts; penalty

c. 147, § 30. Prohibited acts; penalty Section 30. No licensee nor any of his employees shall knowingly:— 1. Incite, encourage or aid any person who has become a party to any strike to commit any unlawful act against any person or property. 2. Incite, stir up, create or aid in the inciting of discontent, or dissatisfaction among the employees of any person with the intention of having them strike. 3. Interfere with or prevent lawful and peaceful picketing during strikes. 4. Interfere with, restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of their right to form, join or assist any labor organization of their own choosing. 5. Interfere with or hinder lawful or peaceful collective bargaining between employers and employees. 6. Pay, offer or give any money, gratuity, consideration or other thing of value, directly or indirectly, to any person for any verbal or written report of the lawful activities of employees in the exercise of their right to organize, form or assist any labor organization and to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing. 7. Advertise for, recruit, furnish or replace, or offer to furnish or replace for hire or reward, within or without the commonwealth, any skilled or unskilled help or labor, armed guards, other than armed guards theretofore regularly employed for the protection of payrolls, property or premises, for service upon property which is being operated in anticipation of or during the course or existence of a strike. 8. Furnish armed guards upon the highways for persons involved in labor disputes. 9. Furnish or offer to furnish to employers or their agents, any arms, munitions, tear gas implements or any other weapons. 10. Send letters or literature to employers offering to eliminate labor unions. 11. Advise any person of the membership of an individual in a labor organization for the purpose of preventing such individual from obtaining or retaining employment. Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than one year, or both.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 31 Names of police officers sent to municipal police training committee; failure to send names

c. 147, § 31. Names of police officers sent to municipal police training committee; failure to send names Section 31. The clerk of each town in which a chief of police or city marshal is appointed shall, within one week after such appointment, notify the executive director of the municipal police training committee of the name of the person so appointed; and the clerk of each town not having a chief of police shall annually, on October first, send to the executive director of the municipal police training committee the names of all the police officers and constables in such town. If he neglects or refuses so to do, he shall be punished by a fine of fifty dollars.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 32 Necessity of license to hold boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition; definitions applicable to Secs. 32 to 51

c. 147, § 32. Necessity of license to hold boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition; definitions applicable to Secs. 32 to 51 Section 32. (a) In this section and in sections 33 to 51, inclusive, the following words shall, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context, have the following meanings:— ''Boxing'', the art of attack and defense with gloved fists practiced as a sport limited to legal blows above the waist and on the front or sides of the opponent. ''Commission'', the state athletic commission established in section 12 of chapter 22. ''Kickboxing'', a form of competition in which a person delivers blows with any part of the arm below the shoulder, including the hand and any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot. ''Mixed martial arts'', any form of unarmed combat involving the use of a combination of techniques including, but not limited to, grappling, kicking and striking, commonly associated with boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and various disciplines of the martial arts including, but not limited to, karate, kung fu, tae kwon-do, Jiu–Jitsu or any combination thereof. ''Unarmed combative sport'', any form of competition in which a blow is usually struck which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury and no weapon is used; provided, however, that ''unarmed combative sport'' shall not include professional wrestling. ''Toughman'', a boxing or unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition in which combatants do not qualify for licensure by the commission as a professional combatant or for amateur status by a commission-approved amateur organization; provided, however, that ''toughman'' shall not include matches or exhibitions conducted pursuant to section 50A. (b) No boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition for a prize or purse, or at which an admission fee is charged, either directly or indirectly, in the form of dues or otherwise, whether professional or amateur, shall take place or be conducted except in accordance with a license granted as hereinafter provided by the commission. Applications for a license shall be accompanied by the fee, as established annually by the commissioner of administration and finance pursuant to section 3B of chapter 7, which may take into consideration the population of the city or town or the seating capacity of the building or place in which the match or exhibition is to be held; provided, however, that a license, the fee for which is established on the basis of seating capacity of a building or place as aforesaid, shall be exercised only in such building or place. Tough-man or similar type matches or exhibitions shall be prohibited. In the case of exhibitions or bouts held in accordance with the rules and regulations of amateur organizations as may be approved by the commission, the commission may issue special licenses without the requirement of a bond as provided in section 34 or payment of the annual fee. (c) Any persons holding, conducting, promoting or participating in a match or exhibition held without a license, as provided in section 33, or a toughman or similar type match or exhibition, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of corrections for not more than 3 months or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both such fine and imprisonment. (d) Matches or exhibitions under the governance of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any equivalent school or college organization shall be exempt from the requirements of this section if the competitors are amateurs. (e) A license may be granted to an applicant under this section and sections 33, 35, 35A, 36 and 37, notwithstanding the social security number requirements of section 13A of chapter 30A; provided, however, that the applicant provides a form of identification sufficient to identify the applicant.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 33 Issuance and term of license; revocation of license; issuance of license for toughman competition prohibited

c. 147, § 33. Issuance and term of license; revocation of license; issuance of license for toughman competition prohibited Section 33. The commission may, subject to sections 32 to 47, inclusive, issue licenses to conduct boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches and exhibitions. The license shall be valid only for the date approved by the commission. The commission may revoke the license at any time in the interest of public safety. No license shall be issued for a toughman competition or similar event.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 34 Bond

c. 147, § 34. Bond Section 34. No license as aforesaid shall be granted unless the licensee has executed and filed with the commission a bond in a penal sum of $50,000, with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the commission, running to the commission, conditioned upon the payment to the commonwealth of the sums mentioned in section forty, and upon faithful compliance by the licensee with the provisions of sections thirty-two to forty-seven, inclusive, the rules and regulations of the commission, and with such other laws of the commonwealth as may be applicable to anything done by the licensee in pursuance of the license. The bond shall also provide for a forfeiture to the commonwealth, recoverable at the suit of the attorney general, of such sum, not exceeding $10,000, as may be stipulated in the bond for each case of non-compliance.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 35 Licenses for physician, promoter, referee, judge, timekeeper, professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant, or a manager, trainer or second of such a contestant; fees

c. 147, § 35. Licenses for physician, promoter, referee, judge, timekeeper, professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant, or a manager, trainer or second of such a contestant; fees Section 35. No person shall act, directly or indirectly, as a physician, promoter, referee, judge, timekeeper, professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant, or as manager, trainer or second of such a contestant, at a match or exhibition or as a matchmaker therefor, unless licensed by the commission upon receipt of the classified fee to be determined annually by the commissioner of administration and finance under section 3B of chapter 7. The commission shall set minimum requirements for licensure based upon skill or other fundamental prerequisites deemed necessary to adequately and safely execute the functions of the respective position. The commission may refuse to license any individual who does not meet those requirements or whose safety and well-being it determines will be put at substantial risk by engaging in their respective position. Whoever acts in such capacity, without being so licensed shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000. Any official who desires to officiate without charge at amateur boxing or sparring matches or exhibitions shall be licensed without charge. No person shall be licensed under this section who is under 18 years of age, except as otherwise provided in section 39.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 35A Amateur boxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches and exhibitions; acknowledgment of rules and regulations of amateur governing body; licensing of amateur referees, judges and officials; limitation on number and timing of competitions; gloves

c. 147, § 35A. Amateur boxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches and exhibitions; acknowledgment of rules and regulations of amateur governing body; licensing of amateur referees, judges and officials; limitation on number and timing of competitions; gloves Section 35A. Notwithstanding section 36, the commission shall, in the conduct of all amateur boxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches and exhibitions sanctioned by the national governing body and its local affiliate which are appointed and recognized by the United States Olympic Committee for such purposes, acknowledge and follow the rules and regulations of the amateur governing bodies. No amateur match which is subject to section 32 shall be held unless it is licensed by the commission and sanctioned and supervised by an amateur sanctioning organization approved by the commission. The commission shall recognize and license, upon receipt of the classified fee to be determined annually by the commissioner of administration and finance under section 3B of chapter 7, the amateur referees, judges and other amateur officials assigned to the amateur matches or exhibitions by the amateur governing bodies and certified under their rules and regulations. The commission shall cooperate fully with the amateur boxing governing bodies to assure that amateur boxers are eligible to participate and compete for selection to the United States Olympic boxing team. No contestant in amateur boxing shall compete in more than 2 tournaments in any 7–day period, nor shall the contestant participate in more than 3 contests between 12 noon on any 1 day and 12:30 a.m. on the following day. All amateur boxing or sparring matches or exhibitions shall terminate not later than 12:30 a.m. on the day following the start of the match. During a contest, contestants in amateur boxing or kickboxing matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 8 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the amateur boxing governing body. During a contest, contestants in amateur mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sport matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the amateur governing body.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 36 Necessity of referee and judges; powers and duties; vote; decision; forfeitures; fees of officials; payment

c. 147, § 36. Necessity of referee and judges; powers and duties; vote; decision; forfeitures; fees of officials; payment Section 36. At every boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or exhibition, there shall be in attendance a referee, duly licensed under this section and sections 35 and 35A. There shall also be in attendance not less than 3 duly-licensed judges, each of whom shall, at the termination of a match or exhibition, vote for the contestant in whose favor the decision should, in their opinion, be rendered or, for a draw if, in their opinion, neither contestant is entitled to a decision in their favor and the decision shall be rendered in favor of the contestant receiving a majority of the votes or, if neither receives a majority as aforesaid, a decision of a draw shall be rendered. Upon the rendering of a decision, the vote of each judge shall be announced from the ring. The referee shall have full power to stop the match or exhibition whenever they deem it advisable because of the physical condition of a contestant or when 1 contestant is clearly outclassed by their opponent or for other sufficient reason. The commission shall declare forfeited any prize, remuneration or purse or any part thereof belonging to a contestant if, in the judgment of a majority of the commissioners after consultation with the judges and the referee, the contestant was not competing in good faith. The fees of the referee and other licensed officials shall be fixed by the commission and shall be paid by the licensed organization prior to the match or exhibition.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 36A Contracts between unarmed combatants and managers or promoters

c. 147, § 36A. Contracts between unarmed combatants and managers or promoters Section 36A. (a) The commission shall set forth rules and regulations for contracts between a manager and an unarmed combatant and contracts between a promoter and an unarmed combatant. An unarmed combatant shall not enter a contract with a manager or a promoter unless the contract is filed with the commission prior to a scheduled contest in an amount of time established by the commission. The commission shall only honor a contract that is executed and notarized on a form provided by the commission unless the contract terms comply with the requirements set forth by the commission. (b) The commission may invalidate, enforce, mediate or modify contracts pursuant to subsection (a). The commission may require that each contract include language authorizing the commission to withhold any portion of a promoter's or manager's share of a purse in the event of a contractual dispute with a contestant over their entitlement to any portion of a purse. (c) The commission shall be the sole arbiter of a breach of contract and shall establish rules governing the manner in which contract disputes shall be resolved.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 36B Violations of Secs. 32 to 51; penalties

c. 147, § 36B. Violations of Secs. 32 to 51; penalties Section 36B. Whoever violates any provision of sections 32 to 51, inclusive, or who conducts themself at any time or place in a manner that is deemed by the commission to discredit any unarmed combative sports, may have their license revoked and be fined, suspended or otherwise disciplined in such manner as the commission may direct.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 37 Necessity of physician; duties; qualifications; fees; certificate of contestant's fitness

c. 147, § 37. Necessity of physician; duties; qualifications; fees; certificate of contestant's fitness Section 37. At any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or exhibition there shall be in attendance at least 1 duly licensed physician, whose duty it shall be to observe the physical condition of the contestants and advise the referee or judges with regard thereto. A competent physician who has at least 3 years of experience as a medical practitioner may be licensed. No contestant shall be allowed to enter the ring unless a physician licensed under this section and section 35 certifies in writing that the contestant is physically fit to engage in the proposed contest. The physician's fee, as fixed by the commission, shall be paid by the licensee conducting the match or exhibition.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 38 Number and time of rounds; frequency of tournaments or contests; gloves; protective devices

c. 147, § 38. Number and time of rounds; frequency of tournaments or contests; gloves; protective devices Section 38. No boxing, kickboxing or other unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition shall exceed 10 rounds; provided, however, if a match is to determine a championship, it may exceed the round limits with the prior approval of the commission. No mixed martial arts match or exhibition shall exceed 3 rounds; provided, however, if a match is to determine a championship, it may exceed the round limits with the prior approval of the commission. No round in a boxing, kickboxing or other unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition shall exceed 3 minutes. No round in a mixed martial arts match or exhibition shall exceed 5 minutes. No contestant in a professional match or exhibition shall participate in more than 10 rounds unless otherwise authorized by the commission, as the case may be, during a 72–hour period. During a contest, contestants in professional boxing and kickboxing matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 8 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the commission. During a contest, contestants in mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sporting events, matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the commission. Every contestant participating in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or exhibition shall be required to wear standard protective devices as outlined by regulation by the commission.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 39 Ages of contestants and persons admitted to matches

c. 147, § 39. Ages of contestants and persons admitted to matches Section 39. Except as hereinafter provided, no contestant under 18 years of age or who has reached his thirty-fifth birthday shall be permitted to engage in a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sport event, sparring match or exhibition, except that the age requirement shall not apply to a world boxing champion who is still actively engaged as a professional boxer, or to a former boxing champion of the world who has not been inactive as a professional boxer for more than 2 years from the date of his last boxing contest; provided, however, an amateur boxer shall be allowed to compete as such at the age of 16. At the discretion of the commission, a professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant who has reached his thirty-fifth birthday may be permitted to engage in a match if the contestant has passed a physical examination or is otherwise medically-cleared to participate by a physician selected by the commission. At the discretion of the commission, an amateur boxer who has reached his sixteenth birthday but has not yet reached his eighteenth birthday may be licensed as a professional boxer. The foregoing shall not apply to courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sport sponsored and conducted by recognized boys and girls clubs, youth organizations, private clubs and athletic associations, schools or colleges, municipal or state park or recreational departments, law enforcement organizations or incorporated, private, nonprofit boxing teams, under the supervision of qualified instructors and directors. No person under the age of 16 shall be admitted to, or be present at, a professional match or exhibition unless accompanied by an adult.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 39A Boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant previously knocked out six or more times

c. 147, § 39A. Boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant previously knocked out six or more times Section 39A. No professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant licensed under section 35 who has been knocked out, technically or otherwise, or lost a contest by way of submission, 6 or more times in the preceding 12 months shall take part in a match or exhibition until he has been examined and found fit to take part in such a match or exhibition, by a physician selected by the commission, at a place and time designated by the commission. The cost of conducting the examination shall be borne by the contestant. If a contestant is found unfit to engage in a match or exhibition, he shall be excluded from participation for 3 months, after which time he may make a request to the commission for another physical examination. A license issued to an individual under section 35 shall be immediately suspended for at least 30 days if the individual is knocked out.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 39B Insurance on contestants

c. 147, § 39B. Insurance on contestants Section 39B. A person licensed under section 33 to conduct boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sports events, sparring matches or exhibitions, except those persons to whom a special license may be granted thereunder without the requirement of a bond or payment of the annual fee, shall take out a policy of accident insurance on each contestant participating in the match or exhibition in an amount determined by the commission, but not less than $10,000, to compensate the contestant for medical and hospital expenses incurred as the result of injuries received in such match or exhibition and a policy in an amount determined by the commission, but not less than $100,000, to be paid to the estate of a deceased contestant in the event of the death of the contestant resulting from participation in the match or exhibition. The premiums on the policies shall be paid by the licensee.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 40 Percentage of receipts paid to commonwealth; reports to commission; filing of contracts entered into for sale, lease or exploitation of broadcasting rights; enforcement

c. 147, § 40. Percentage of receipts paid to commonwealth; reports to commission; filing of contracts entered into for sale, lease or exploitation of broadcasting rights; enforcement Section 40. Every licensee holding or conducting a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or exhibition shall, before the commencement of the final feature bout of the event, pay to the commission a sum equal to 4 per cent of the total gross receipts from the sale of tickets or from admission fees. The licensee shall pay to the commission an additional sum equal to 2 per cent of the total gross receipts generated by the sale, lease or other exploitation of the television, pay-per-view, motion picture or other broadcasting rights, regardless of whether the event is broadcast live or in the future, such sum to be paid by the licensee whether or not the licensee ever receives a portion of that amount; provided, however, that if the match or exhibition is conducted as an incidental feature in an event or entertainment of a different character, the portion of the total receipts and the total amount shall be paid to the commonwealth, as the commission may determine or as may be fixed by rule adopted under section 46. If the payment is for a fixed amount, payment shall be made 24 hours prior to the event but in no event shall payment be made later than 48 hours after the live event. Pay-per-view showings of an event more than 48 hours after the live event shall be exempt from the requirements of this section. The broadcasting fee imposed under this section shall be not more than $75,000 per event. Within 72 hours after its conclusion, the licensee shall furnish to the commission a report, showing the exact number of tickets sold and admission fees collected for the contest, the gross receipts thereof and such other data as the commission may require. A licensee holding or conducting a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or exhibition shall, at least 48 hours before a licensed contest or exhibition, file with the commission a copy of all contracts entered into for the sale, lease or other exploitation of broadcasting rights for the contest or exhibition. All contracts filed with the commission under this section shall be exempt from disclosure in section 10 of chapter 66. The commission shall enforce this section.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 40A Boxers' fund

c. 147, § 40A. Boxers' fund Section 40A. Every licensee holding or conducting any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, or other unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition shall, before the commencement of the feature bout of the event, pay to the state treasurer, in addition to the payment required under section 40, a sum equal to 1 per cent of the total gross receipts from the sale of tickets or from admission fees; provided, however, that if the match or exhibition is conducted as an incidental feature in an event or entertainment of a different character, the portion of the total receipts shall be paid to the commonwealth as the commission may determine or as may be fixed by rule adopted under section 46. The sums shall be credited by the state treasurer to a fund to be known as the Boxers' Fund which shall be administered by the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission for the use and benefit of a contestant or former contestant in a regulated event under the purview of the commission for funeral expenses or assistance needed as a result of an injury suffered while participating in an event.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 41 Number of persons admitted; limitation

c. 147, § 41. Number of persons admitted; limitation Section 41. No licensee under section thirty-three shall sell or cause to be sold or issued more tickets or invitations purporting to admit to any such match or exhibition, or otherwise admit to the same, more persons than are admissible according to the authorized capacity of the building, or part thereof actually used therefor.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 42 Revocation or suspension of license; administrative penalty

c. 147, § 42. Revocation or suspension of license; administrative penalty Section 42. Any license may be revoked or suspended by the commission for a violation of any provision of sections thirty-two to forty-seven, inclusive, or of any other law of the commonwealth or of any rule or regulation adopted by the commission or whenever the licensee has, in the judgment of the commission, been guilty of any act or offense detrimental to the public interest. The commission may suspend a license of a combatant issued under section 35 without a hearing upon a finding that it would be unsafe for the individual to compete until either the passing of a fixed period of time or upon medical clearance. The commission may assess an administrative penalty not to exceed $2,000 for each violation of sections 32 to 45, inclusive, or the commission's rules and regulations committed by an individual required to be licensed under this chapter.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 43 Financial interest of licensee in boxer; prepayment of contestant

c. 147, § 43. Financial interest of licensee in boxer; prepayment of contestant Section 43. No licensee under section thirty-three shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest in a boxer competing on premises owned or leased by the licensee, or in which the licensee is otherwise interested. No contestant in such a match or exhibition shall be paid for services before the same are rendered.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 44 Authority of commission to summon witnesses

c. 147, § 44. Authority of commission to summon witnesses Section 44. The commission shall have the same authority to summon and require the attendance and testimony of witnesses as to all matters within its jurisdiction as is conferred upon city councils by section eight of chapter two hundred and thirty-three, and sections nine, ten and eleven of said chapter shall apply to witnesses so summoned.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 45 Enjoining unlicensed or illegal matches

c. 147, § 45. Enjoining unlicensed or illegal matches Section 45. The superior court shall have jurisdiction in equity upon any information filed by the commission, the attorney general, the district attorney for the district, the police authorities of the city or town where the match or exhibition is held or is announced to be held, or by any five legal voters of the commonwealth stating that a certain building, tenement or place is used for matches or exhibitions by an individual, group, partnership, club, corporation or association not licensed under section thirty-three, or contrary to any provision of sections thirty-two to forty-seven, inclusive, or that a match or exhibition is being advertised or announced, or has been advertised or announced, to take place in a certain building or place, or that a certain individual, club, corporation or association is selling, exchanging or giving away tickets, tokens or symbols purporting to entitle the holder to the right or privilege of attending a certain match or exhibition not licensed by the commission and contrary to the provisions of sections thirty-two to forty-seven, inclusive, to enjoin and abate the same as a common nuisance.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 46 Rules and regulations; special permits; annual report

c. 147, § 46. Rules and regulations; special permits; annual report Section 46. The commission may make such rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of sections 32 to 50A, inclusive, and to promote and regulate the sports of boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sports, as deemed necessary, including defining any terms requiring definition under said sections 32 to 50A, inclusive. The rules and regulations may provide for and regulate the granting of special permits for exhibitions where no decision is to be rendered, no admission fee is to be charged and where skilled combatants merely demonstrate the mechanics of their respective discipline. The commission shall make an annual report in January to the general court of the acts of the commission.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 47 Distribution to towns of money received by commonwealth

c. 147, § 47. Distribution to towns of money received by commonwealth Section 47. The remainder of the sums received under section forty, after paying the expense to the commonwealth of administering sections thirty-two to forty-seven, inclusive, shall, annually on or before November first, be distributed by the state treasurer to the several towns in proportion to the amounts collected from licensees acting therein under said sections.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 47A Prohibition of licensed event by municipality; notice of exercise of municipal option

c. 147, § 47A. Prohibition of licensed event by municipality; notice of exercise of municipal option Section 47A. The commission shall notify a municipality in writing of the issuance of a license for an event scheduled to take place therein within 24 hours of its issuance. At its option, a municipality may prohibit an event licensed by the commission under section 33. The prohibition shall be by a majority vote of the city council with approval of the mayor in a city or by a majority vote of the board of selectmen in a town. The municipal option shall be exercised within 7 days of issuance of a license by the commission. The municipality shall notify the commission within 24 hours of any such action. Upon receipt of such notice, the commission shall immediately notify the promoter of the determination of the municipality and the license shall be revoked.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 50A Courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sports or matches or exhibitions sponsored by youth organizations, private clubs, law enforcement agencies, etc.

c. 147, § 50A. Courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sports or matches or exhibitions sponsored by youth organizations, private clubs, law enforcement agencies, etc. Section 50A. Courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sports, or sparring matches or exhibitions sponsored and conducted by recognized boys and girls clubs, youth organizations, private clubs and athletic associations, schools and colleges, law enforcement agencies or municipal or state parks and recreation departments, under the supervision of qualified instructors and directors, may be conducted in a city or town without requiring a license under section 33.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 51 Statutes not applicable to matches or exhibitions

c. 147, § 51. Statutes not applicable to matches or exhibitions Section 51. Sections nine to twelve, inclusive, of chapter two hundred and sixty-five and section twenty-eight of chapter one hundred and eighty shall not apply to any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition licensed under section thirty-three and conducted under and in accordance with sections thirty-two to forty-seven, inclusive, and the rules and regulations issued under section forty-six.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 56 Sale of power lawn mowers; safety devices required; rules and regulations; penalty

c. 147, § 56. Sale of power lawn mowers; safety devices required; rules and regulations; penalty Section 56. Every motor-driven implement or machine used for the purpose of cutting grass sold, offered for sale, or held with intent to sell in the commonwealth shall be equipped with a safety device designed and attached by the manufacturer in accordance with the specifications and requirements established by the commissioner of the division of occupational licensure for the purpose of protecting the operator thereof and any other person from objects which may be ejected or propelled from the blade area of such implement or machine. Said commissioner may promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to enforce the provisions of this section. Whoever violates any provisions of this section or of any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars for each offense.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 57 Installation, repair or maintenance of security systems; licensure; exceptions

c. 147, § 57. Installation, repair or maintenance of security systems; licensure; exceptions Section 57. The words ''security system'', as used in sections fifty-seven to sixty-one, inclusive, shall mean wires, conduits, apparatus, devices, fixtures, or other appliances installed and interconnected electrically or electronically to permit access control, proprietary signalling, surveillance and the detection of burglary, intrusion, holdup, or other conditions requiring response or the transmission of signals or audible alarms. No person, firm or corporation shall engage in, advertise, or hold himself or itself out as being engaged in the business of installing, repairing, or offering maintenance for security systems, notwithstanding the name or title used in describing such business, unless licensed for such purpose as provided in sections fifty-eight and fifty-nine of this chapter and section three of chapter one hundred and forty-one. Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Nothing in this section shall apply either to the work of companies subject to regulation by the department of public utilities or the department of telecommunications and cable and incorporated for the transmission of intelligence by electricity in installing, maintaining or repairing wires, apparatus, fixtures, or other appliances used by such companies and necessary for, or incident to, their business, whether or not such wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures or other appliances are on its own premises; or the work in connection with the installation, construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of telephone equipment or computer systems by a person, firm or corporation primarily engaged in the telecommunications or information systems industry.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 58 Application for license; filing; contents; proof of qualifications

c. 147, § 58. Application for license; filing; contents; proof of qualifications Section 58. An application for a license to engage in the security systems business shall be filed with the commissioner on forms furnished by him, and statements of fact therein shall be under oath of the applicant. Such application shall include a certification by each of three reputable citizens of the commonwealth residing in the community in which the applicant resides or has a place of business, or the community in which the applicant proposes to conduct his business, that he has personally known the applicant for at least three years, that he has read the application and believes each of the statements contained therein to be true, that he is not related to the applicant by blood or marriage, and that the applicant is honest and of good moral character. An applicant for a license to engage in the security systems business shall provide proof to the commissioner that he has successfully qualified for electrical licensure under the provisions of section three of chapter one hundred and forty-one.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 59 Issuance of license; effect of felony conviction; term; contents; renewal

c. 147, § 59. Issuance of license; effect of felony conviction; term; contents; renewal Section 59. The commissioner may issue to an applicant complying with the provisions of section fifty-eight a license to engage in the security systems business; provided, however, that no such license shall be issued to any person who has been convicted in any state of the United States of a felony, unless a hearing is held and the commissioner, at his or her discretion, determines a license is appropriate. Any person who has been convicted of a violation of section ninety-nine or ninety-nine A of chapter two hundred and seventy-two shall not be issued a license, unless a hearing is held and the commissioner, at his or her discretion, determines a license is appropriate. If any license has been previously issued to such person, it shall be revoked. Such license shall be valid for two years, shall state the name under which the licensed business is to be conducted, and the address of its principal office, and shall be posted by the licensee in a conspicuous place in such office. The name of the business, so licensed, shall not contain any words which denote or imply any association with agencies of the United States, the commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions. Failure to comply with the provisions of this paragraph shall constitute cause for revocation of such license. The commissioner may biennially renew and may at anytime for cause, after notice and hearing, revoke any such license. An application for renewal shall be on a form furnished by the commissioner.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 60 Employee statements; filing; security check; false statements by licensee or employee; penalties

c. 147, § 60. Employee statements; filing; security check; false statements by licensee or employee; penalties Section 60. A person, firm or corporation licensed under the provisions of sections fifty-eight and fifty-nine may employ in his security systems business as many persons as he may deem necessary, but no person shall be employed by any licensee until he shall have executed and furnished to such licensee a statement under oath setting forth his full name, date of birth and residence, his parents names and places of birth, the business or occupation in which he has been engaged for the three years immediately preceding the date the statement is furnished and that he has or has not been convicted of a felony or of any offense involving moral turpitude. Such statements shall be kept on file by the licensee and furnished to the commissioner who shall have a security check performed on said employment applicant. Upon completion of the security check, the commissioner, at his or her own discretion, shall furnish to the qualified applicant a certificate of clearance which shall be valid for two years. If a licensee falsely states or represents that a person was or is in his employ, such false statement or representation shall be cause for revocation or suspension of his license and shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section fifty-seven. Whoever falsely states or represents that he is employed or has been employed by a licensee shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 61 Fees

c. 147, § 61. Fees Section 61. The fee for the filing of an original security systems license and for the filing of a renewal of such license shall be determined annually by the commissioner of administration under the provision of section three B of chapter seven. Said fees shall not exceed two hundred and fifty dollars for an original license and one hundred and twenty-five dollars for a renewal thereof. The fee for a certificate of clearance shall be determined in a like manner, but shall not exceed fifty dollars for an original or renewal of said certificate.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 62 Acceptance of education, training or service completed by applicant as member of armed forces toward qualification requirements to receive license or certification; validity of license or certificate during active service of holder; expedited licensing of spouse of member of armed services

c. 147, § 62. Acceptance of education, training or service completed by applicant as member of armed forces toward qualification requirements to receive license or certification; validity of license or certificate during active service of holder; expedited licensing of spouse of member of armed services Section 62. (a) The commissioner shall coordinate and adopt a uniform policy within the division to, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence by an applicant for certification or licensure under the authority of the division, accept education, training or service completed by an individual as a member of the armed forces, as defined in clause Forty-third of section 7 of chapter 4, or the United States military reserves toward the qualifications required to receive the license or certification in question. (b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, if a licensee or certificate holder, who received a license or certificate under the authority of the division, is engaged in active service in the armed forces of the United States, as defined in clause Forty-third of section 7 of chapter 4, the license or certification held by that licensee or certificate holder shall remain valid until the licensee or certificate holder is released from active duty and for a period of not less than 90 days following that release. (c) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner shall establish a procedure within the division to, upon the presentation of satisfactory evidence by an applicant for certification or licensure under the authority of the division, expedite the issuance of a license or certification for a person: (i) who is certified or licensed in a state other than the commonwealth; (ii) whose spouse is a member of the armed forces in the United States; (iii) whose spouse is the subject of a military transfer to the commonwealth; and (iv) who left employment to accompany a spouse to the commonwealth. The procedure shall include, but not be limited to: (1) issuing the person a license or certificate if, in the opinion of the division, the requirements for licensure or certification of the other state are substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure or certification in the commonwealth; or (2) issuing the person a temporary license or certificate to allow the person to perform services while completing any specific requirements that may be required in the commonwealth but were not required in the state in which the person was licensed or certified.

M.G.L. c. 147, § 63 Prohibition of assistance to federal law enforcement agency or any other state's law enforcement agency or any private citizen or quasi-law enforcement agent in investigation or inquiry into services constituting legally-protected health care activity; enforcement

c. 147, § 63. Prohibition of assistance to federal law enforcement agency or any other state's law enforcement agency or any private citizen or quasi-law enforcement agent in investigation or inquiry into services constituting legally-protected health care activity; enforcement Section 63. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise: "Law enforcement agency of the commonwealth'', any state, municipal, college or university police department, sheriff's department, correctional facility, prosecutorial office, court, probation office, or a program of more than 1 of any such entity, or any other non-federal entity in the commonwealth charged with the enforcement of laws or the custody of detained persons. [ Subsection (b) effective until July 1, 2027. For text effective July 1, 2027, see below.] (b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary and except as required by federal law, no officer or employee of a law enforcement agency of the commonwealth, while acting under color of law, shall provide information or assistance to a federal law enforcement agency or any other state's law enforcement agency or any private citizen or quasi-law enforcement agent in relation to an investigation or inquiry into services constituting legally-protected health care activity, as defined in section 11I1/2 of chapter 12, if such services would be lawful as provided if they occurred entirely in the commonwealth. [ Subsection (b) as amended by 2025, 16, Sec. 17 effective July 1, 2027. See 2025, 16, Sec. 28. For text effective until July1, 2027, see above.] (b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary and except as required by federal law, no state or local law enforcement agency or officer or employee or any other person acting on behalf of a state or local law enforcement agency of the commonwealth, while acting under color of law, shall provide information or assistance to a federal law enforcement agency or any other state's agency, including a law enforcement agency, or any private citizen or quasi-law enforcement agent, or expend or use time, money, facilities, property, equipment, personnel or other resources in relation to an investigation or inquiry into services constituting legally-protected health care activity, as defined in section 11I1/2 of chapter 12, if the services would be lawful as provided had the services occurred entirely in the commonwealth. [ Subsection (c) added by 2025, 16, Sec. 17 effective July 1, 2027. See 2025, 16, Sec. 28.] (c) The attorney general may bring a civil action for injunctive or other equitable relief to enforce this section.

Source: Massachusetts General Court (malegislature.gov)URL: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter147Fetched: 10/20/2026