This bill strengthens protections for reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare services in Massachusetts. It prohibits state agencies, employees, and healthcare data systems from sharing personal information (like addresses or contact details) of providers or patients, or cooperating with out-of-state investigations into these legally protected services. The law also blocks state agencies from using public resources for such investigations and restricts health data sharing for enforcement purposes, with civil penalties for violations. These changes directly affect healthcare providers, patients receiving these services, and Massachusetts state/local agencies handling health data.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to Chapter 23N sensitive information and privacy. The Judiciary.
By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2321) of Steven Owens (with the approval of the city council) for legislation to allow print free digital legal notices for the city of Watertown. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3279) of Christopher J. Worrell relative to taxation and investment in digital financial assets. Revenue.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 250) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Steven Owens and Manny Cruz for legislation relative to consumer health data. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
HD 1281 modifies Massachusetts law governing law enforcement access to prescription monitoring data. It removes the requirement for law enforcement to obtain a probable cause warrant (under Chapter 276) when seeking this data. The bill instead specifies that access is permitted for: U.S. attorneys/federal agencies (if compliant with federal law), the Attorney General's office (for specific drug investigations), or district attorneys' offices (for specific drug investigations). This change directly affects law enforcement agencies and the state's prescription drug monitoring program by altering the legal basis for accessing sensitive patient prescription records.
HD 1309 (An Act to ban phishing) makes it a crime to impersonate a legitimate business via email, web pages, or online services with intent to steal payment details or personal information. It directly affects individuals or groups committing phishing scams, imposing penalties of up to $5,000 fines, 2.5 years in jail, or both. The law defines key terms like "electronic mail message" and targets unauthorized attempts to obtain sensitive data through deceptive digital communications. This bill creates new criminal liability for specific phishing tactics under Massachusetts law (adding Section 37F to Chapter 266).
By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1679) of Peter J. Durant for legislation to protect personal data in ammunition transactions. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
This bill strengthens protections for providers of reproductive and gender-affirming health care services in Massachusetts. It prohibits state agencies from sharing personal information (like addresses or contact details) of these providers or cooperating with out-of-state investigations into their services. The law also blocks evidence related to legally protected health care from being used against providers in civil or criminal cases, and restricts health data centers from disclosing patient or provider information to outside entities investigating such services. These provisions directly affect health care providers, clinics, and state agencies handling health data.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2158) of John F. Keenan and Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation relative to municipal light plants to expand protection for other plant services, telecommunications and cable services. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
