H 842 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to increase the safety and security of unattended ballot boxes

This bill requires all cities and towns to install 24-hour video surveillance on unattended ballot drop boxes used in elections. Election officials must also post signs indicating constant surveillance and ensure cameras record footage during all elections. Recorded footage can be stored either digitally or physically but must be kept for at least 22 months after each election. The law directly affects local election officers who must implement these security measures for ballot drop boxes.
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 Apr 2, 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
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Election Laws
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Steven Howitt
Steven Howitt
RRepublican
MA
4th Bristol