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
Mike Barrett
DDemocratic
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