Bill > H375

This bill aims to protect the personal identity and identifying information of residents in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Residents own their own identifying information, such as social security numbers, account numbers, and license details. Companies and agencies are limited in how they can obtain, use, and disclose this information without the resident's prior written permission. 2. Companies are prohibited from creating, maintaining, or disseminating records of residents' purchases and transactions, with some exceptions. They are also prohibited from offering discounts or charging more for cash or non-account purchases. 3. The Commonwealth and its agencies have a fiduciary duty to safeguard residents' personal information and are liable for any unauthorized disclosure. Residents have the right to seek damages for violations. 4. The bill grants the Attorney General and district attorneys the authority to enforce the provisions through civil and criminal actions. It also repeals and replaces an existing law on safeguarding personal information. Overall, the bill aims to give residents greater control and privacy over their identifying information and transactions, with strict limitations and penalties for unauthorized access or misuse by companies and agencies.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H375