Bill > H3335

This bill amends Section 7 of Chapter 66 of the Massachusetts General Laws to mandate that historical records from state institutions serving people with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, or mental health conditions become publicly accessible after 75 years. Specifically, the bill requires that these records, which are currently held by the state secretary, will be open for public inspection and copying once they have reached the 75-year age threshold. This provision aims to increase transparency and provide broader access to historical documentation about individuals who were institutionalized in the past, potentially allowing researchers, historians, families, and other interested parties to review these records after a significant period of time has elapsed. The 75-year waiting period likely serves to protect the privacy of individuals mentioned in the records while eventually allowing historical research and understanding of past institutional practices.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3335