Massachusetts § 16 - Regulation of solicitation of funds for charitable purposes on public ways
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 16 — Regulation of solicitation of funds for charitable purposes on public ways, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16. Regulation of solicitation of funds for charitable purposes on public ways
Section 16. Every person, association or corporation, domestic or foreign, soliciting or collecting by agents or solicitors, upon ways or in any other public places within the commonwealth to which the public have a right of access, contributions of money for charitable purposes or represented to be for such purposes, or receiving any money so collected, shall keep a full and true record of the names and addresses of all such solicitors and collectors and of the amounts so collected by each, and also such a record of all expenditures and disbursements of said money, and the names and addresses of all persons to whom expended or disbursed. Said records shall include money received from any other source and expended for the purposes of such solicitation or collection. All records required hereunder shall be open to inspection at all times by the attorney general, and upon demand shall be presented to him for inspection. Upon an information in equity brought by the attorney general the supreme judicial or superior court may enforce the provisions of this section and may restrain the soliciting of contributions by or on behalf of a person, association or corporation violating its provisions.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 16
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 16 cover?
Section 16 ("Regulation of solicitation of funds for charitable purposes on public ways") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 16?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 16" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.