Bill > S855

This bill proposes to amend Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6A, by adding a new section that designates audio recordings of 911 calls as private data concerning the individual who made the call. While the audio recording itself is considered private, a written transcript of the recording will be made public upon request, with the requester responsible for the actual cost of transcription. The bill allows for the dissemination of these audio recordings to law enforcement agencies for investigative purposes and for use in public safety and emergency medical services training. Crucially, the release of the audio recording without the caller's explicit written consent is prohibited, unless a court determines that the public's right to the recording outweighs the privacy interests of those involved in the call, or if the recording is relevant to a law enforcement investigation.