An Act preventing an individual’s image and voice from exploitation
This bill (HD 3987) protects individuals by requiring written consent before using their name, image, voice, or likeness for advertising or commercial purposes within Massachusetts. It allows people to sue for damages if their image or voice is used without permission, with potential triple damages for intentional violations. The law treats these elements as personal property, protecting them for 10 years after death, extendable up to 70 years if the estate demonstrates ongoing public use. Exceptions include photographers displaying work (after written objection) and using a person's image in connection with goods they sold or artistic works they created.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025
Last action Mar 26, 2026
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
7
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 20 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Tackey Chan
DDemocratic
Co
Aaron Saunders
DDemocratic
Co
Amy Sangiolo
DDemocratic
Co
Angelo Puppolo
DDemocratic
Co
Bruce Tarr
RRepublican
Co
Carmine Gentile
DDemocratic
Co
Dan Sena
DDemocratic
Co
David LeBoeuf
DDemocratic
Co
Jim Hawkins
DDemocratic
Co
Lindsay Sabadosa
DDemocratic
Co
Manny Cruz
DDemocratic
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