Massachusetts § 85 - Definitions applicable to Secs. 86 to 92

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 85 — Definitions applicable to Secs. 86 to 92, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 85. Definitions applicable to Secs. 86 to 92

Section 85. As used in sections eighty-six to ninety-two, inclusive, the following words shall have the following meaning unless the context indicates otherwise:—

''Atomic energy'', all forms of energy released in the course of nuclear fission or nuclear transformation.

''By-product material'', any radio-active material, except special nuclear materials, yielded in or made radio-active by exposure to the radiation incident to the process of producing or utilizing special nuclear materials.

''Operator'', any individual who manipulates the controls of a utilization or production facility.

''Production facility'', (a) any equipment or device capable of the production of special nuclear material in such quantity as to be of significance to the common defense and security, or in such manner as to affect the health and safety of the public; or (b) any important component part especially designed for such equipment or device.

''Special nuclear material'', (a) plutonium and uranium enriched in the isotope 233 or in the isotope 235, and any other material which the governor declares by order to be special nuclear material after the United States Atomic Energy Commission has determined the material to be such; or (b) any material artificially enriched by any of the foregoing.

''Utilization facility'', (a) any equipment or device, except an atomic weapon, capable of making use of special nuclear materials in such quantity as to be of significance to the common defense and security, or in such manner as to affect the health and safety of the public, or peculiarly adapted for making use of atomic energy in such quantity as to be of significance to the common defense and security, or in such manner as to affect the health and safety of the public; or (b) any important component part especially designed for such equipment or device.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 85

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 85 cover?

Section 85 ("Definitions applicable to Secs. 86 to 92") 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 § 85?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 85" (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 § 85 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.