S 35 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act protecting against cyber ransom

This bill prohibits state agencies, local governments, and municipalities from paying ransoms or communicating with hackers who encrypt data to demand payment. It requires these entities to report any ransom requests to their Chief Information Officer for consultation instead of negotiating directly. The law aims to prevent funding criminal activity and ensure a coordinated response to cyberattacks by public sector organizations.
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 Dec 28, 2023
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
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
House · Passed
House concurred
Feb 16, 2023
Senate · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors