Technology (Public Safety)

This bill protects the privacy of individuals who call 911 for emergency services in Massachusetts. It designates 911 call audio/video recordings as private data belonging to the caller, meaning the raw recording cannot be publicly released without the caller’s written consent (or a court order balancing public interest against privacy). However, written transcripts of calls become public upon request, with the requester paying transcription costs. The bill permits sharing recordings with law enforcement for investigations or for public safety training, but prohibits unauthorized release in all other cases.

HD 3331 protects the privacy of individuals who call 911 by classifying the audio recording of such calls as private data. It allows written transcripts of the calls to be provided to the public upon request, but the requester must pay for transcription costs. The audio recording itself cannot be released without the caller's written consent or a court order balancing public interest against privacy, though law enforcement may use it for investigations or training. This bill directly affects 911 callers and ensures their call audio is safeguarded, while maintaining access for public safety purposes.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1156) of Jason M. Lewis, Brian W. Murray, James K. Hawkins, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to protect the privacy of 911 callers. The Judiciary.