Bill > S1059

This bill introduces several key provisions related to protecting state data systems, particularly focusing on limiting access to Massachusetts motor vehicle and criminal justice information databases. First, the bill defines "criminal justice duties" more precisely, clarifying that these duties are limited to specific law enforcement activities and background checks, and explicitly exclude civil proceedings or arrests. Second, the bill restricts the Massachusetts registry of motor vehicles from sharing information with federal agencies for civil immigration enforcement, allowing such disclosure only when a valid probable cause warrant signed by a judge is obtained. The bill empowers the attorney general to challenge any information requests that do not meet these requirements. Third, the legislation places additional restrictions on accessing criminal offender record information, mandating that such databases can only be used for genuine criminal justice purposes, and requiring federal agencies to provide a written certification (under penalty of perjury) that they will use the data solely for criminal justice duties, with the state department taking reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of such certifications. Overall, the bill aims to protect individual privacy and limit potential misuse of state-held personal and criminal justice data by federal agencies.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1059