S 140 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to protecting biometric information under the security breach law

This bill updates Massachusetts' security breach law to explicitly include biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans, alongside existing categories like names and social security numbers. It achieves this by adding a specific definition for "biometric indicators" and modifying the list of protected personal information to ensure these unique biological traits are covered. The changes directly affect businesses and organizations that collect or store such data, requiring them to follow the same breach notification and protection standards as other sensitive personal information. By clarifying the legal definition, the legislation aims to provide clearer guidance on how to handle and secure biometric data in the event of a security incident.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Jul 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Aug 5, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Jul 8, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Barrett
Mike Barrett
DDemocratic
MA
Third Middlesex