S 1022 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to protect the privacy of 911 callers

This bill amends Massachusetts law to classify audio recordings of 911 calls as private data, protecting the identity and information of callers from unauthorized release. While the original audio remains confidential, the bill allows for written transcripts to be created upon request by the caller or their legal representative, with the requester bearing the cost of transcription. The audio recording itself may still be shared with law enforcement for investigations or used for public safety training without needing consent. Release of the recording to the general public is prohibited unless a court determines that public interest outweighs the individual's privacy rights or if law enforcement is actively investigating the incident.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 8, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
House · Passed
House concurred
Feb 16, 2023
Senate · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jason Lewis
Jason Lewis
DDemocratic
MA
Fifth Middlesex