H 3033 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relating to public access to historical records

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to ensure that all historical records held by the Secretary of the Commonwealth become available for public inspection and copying after seventy-five years from their creation. The change directly affects the public, researchers, and government agencies by removing previous restrictions on accessing these documents once the specified time period has passed. By setting a clear timeline for when records open to the public, the legislation aims to increase transparency and simplify the process for citizens seeking historical information.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Apr 2024
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Apr 3, 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
10
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Apr 3, 2024
Committee
Referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling with the amendment pending
lower
Apr 3, 2024
Lower · Passed
Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting therefor a bill, see H4527
lower
Oct 30, 2023
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
lower
0 primary · 22 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.