Bill > S1156

This bill proposes to add a new section to Massachusetts state law that protects the privacy of 911 callers by establishing specific guidelines for 911 call recordings. Under this legislation, the audio recording of a 911 call would be considered private data, with the caller having significant privacy protections. While the audio recording would remain confidential, a written transcript would be available to the public upon request, and the person requesting the transcript would need to pay the actual transcription costs. The bill allows for limited exceptions to the confidentiality rule: law enforcement agencies can access the audio recordings for investigative purposes, and the recordings can be used for public safety and emergency medical services training. To release the actual audio recording, a court order would be required, and this order would need to demonstrate that the public's right to the recording outweighs the privacy interests of the caller or individuals involved in the call. The bill specifically exempts law enforcement personnel from these restrictions when the 911 call is relevant to an ongoing investigation, ensuring that critical evidence can be used in legal proceedings.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1156