Massachusetts § 18 - Examination of bonds

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 18 — Examination of bonds, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18. Examination of bonds

Section 18. Every public official having custody of any bond for the faithful performance of the duties of any office, occupation, agency or trust, requiring the approval of any court, public officer, department or board other than the governor and council, shall, except in those cases where the duty is imposed upon the director of accounts, annually in March examine into the sufficiency of every such bond, and shall, whenever at any other time there is reason to believe that any such bond has become insufficient, examine into its sufficiency. The governor shall appoint a committee of the council which shall annually in March make such examination of bonds required to be approved by the governor or by the governor and council. If a bond is found upon examination to be insufficient, the person who has examined it shall forthwith notify the principal thereof and shall require him, within thirty days after the date of such notice, to file a new bond in conformity with law. All bonds requiring the approval of the state treasurer and all bonds requiring his examination as to their sufficiency shall, when he deems it necessary, be secured by a surety company approved by the commissioner of insurance.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 18

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 18 cover?

Section 18 ("Examination of bonds") 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 § 18?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 18" (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 § 18 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.