Bill > S1106

This bill creates a new section in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 160 that establishes strict confidentiality rules for police reports involving railroad fatalities. The bill mandates that any police report related to a railroad death and all communications between police officers and railroad crew members involved in such an incident must be kept confidential by the responding police department. However, these reports can be accessed upon written request by specific parties, including the host railroad, the railroad where any mentioned employees work, and individuals authorized by a judicial order who require the information to perform their duties. Additionally, law enforcement officers, district attorneys, and assistant district attorneys can request these reports via written or electronic mail. The bill also allows communications about railroad fatality incidents to be shared with authorized parties if necessary for their professional responsibilities. Any person who violates these confidentiality provisions could face significant legal consequences, including up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The purpose of this bill appears to be protecting sensitive information while still allowing access to relevant parties who may need it for official purposes.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1106