Bill > H1827

This bill adds a new section to Chapter 160 of Massachusetts General Laws that establishes strict confidentiality rules for police reports involving railroad fatalities. Under the proposed legislation, police reports and communications related to railroad fatalities would be considered confidential and not publicly accessible. However, these reports would be accessible upon written request to specific parties, including the host railroad, the railroad where any involved employees work, and individuals authorized by a judicial order who need the information to perform their duties. Law enforcement officers, district attorneys, and assistant district attorneys would also be able to access these reports through written or electronic mail requests. Additionally, communications between police officers and railroad employees about a fatality incident can be shared with authorized parties if necessary for their professional responsibilities. The bill includes potential penalties for violating these confidentiality provisions, which could result in up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. This legislation appears designed to protect sensitive information while still allowing relevant parties appropriate access to investigation details.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1827