An Act establishing the Massachusetts open data standard

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Open Data Standard to ensure that public data collected by state and municipal agencies is made available online in a consistent and accessible format. It requires the Chief Data Officer to create an inventory of existing public data and launch a central open data portal where citizens can search and download information without needing special registration or licenses. The standard mandates that agencies use digital formats that allow for easy analysis and integration, while also protecting personal privacy and adhering to user-friendly design principles. Additionally, the law encourages collaboration with local governments to adopt these standards and includes provisions for public feedback on the data portal.