Bill > S2742

This bill aims to enhance safety and security for candidates, elected officials, and professionals by modifying various sections of Massachusetts state law to protect personal information. The legislation broadly defines "protected persons" as elected officials, political candidates, judges, law enforcement personnel, public prosecutors, public defenders, and state-licensed professionals who may face elevated safety risks. The bill introduces a comprehensive mechanism to prevent the public disclosure of personal information, including residential addresses, home telephone numbers, personal email addresses, and other identifying details. It establishes a process by which individuals can petition to have their personal information protected, with provisions for redacting such information from public records. The bill also creates significant legal consequences for unauthorized disclosure, including potential fines up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to two and a half years for intentional violations. Additionally, the legislation requires government agencies to remove protected personal information from public listings within 120 days, mandates training for government employees on privacy protection, and requires the creation of educational resources for potential protected persons. The bill is designed as an emergency measure to immediately address safety concerns for individuals in public-facing and potentially high-risk professional roles, with a specific focus on preventing potential harassment, stalking, or other safety threats through the unauthorized sharing of personal contact information.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2742