Bill > H1973

This bill modifies Chapter 210 of Massachusetts General Laws by updating the process for name changes, introducing important protections for individuals seeking to change their names. The bill requires the court to request a probation commissioner's report before approving a name change and mandates filing supporting documentation like birth records. Significantly, the bill adds a crucial provision allowing individuals to request that their name change records be kept confidential and not publicly accessible if they can demonstrate that an open record might jeopardize their personal safety. The safety assessment considers the "totality of the circumstances," which explicitly includes risks related to gender non-conformity, transgender status, or being a survivor of domestic violence. Importantly, the court cannot deny a request to seal records solely because the person cannot provide specific prior threats, recognizing that potential safety risks may exist even without documented incidents. This provision aims to protect vulnerable individuals from potential discrimination, harassment, or violence that might arise from public disclosure of their name change.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1973