Massachusetts Senate Passes Data Privacy Act with Unanimous Support

The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously approved the Data Privacy Act, signaling a significant step in protecting the personal information of residents. The legislation, known as S 2619, received a 40-0 vote and is now set to be considered by the House. This act establishes comprehensive rights for individuals regarding their personal data, including the right to know what information is collected and the ability to opt out of targeted advertising.

Under the new law, data deemed sensitive includes health care information, biometric data such as face scans and fingerprints, precise geolocation, and details related to a person’s religion, ethnicity, or immigration status. Furthermore, the act ensures that minors’ data is strictly protected, prohibiting its sale and restricting targeted advertising towards younger users.

Cindy Creem, the Senate Majority Leader and a sponsor of an earlier version of the bill, expressed her satisfaction with the passage, stating, “This bill positions Massachusetts to have among the strongest data privacy laws in the country.” She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of personal data.

Senator Mike Moore, who chairs the Senate Committee on Advanced Information Technology, highlighted the financial implications for large tech companies, stating, “Big tech companies make billions of dollars selling your personal data without giving you any say in what information they collect or how they use it.” He underscored that the act aims to return control to individuals over their own data.

The urgency for stringent privacy laws was echoed by Carol Rose, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. She voiced concerns over the potential for companies to exploit personal information in ways that could threaten individual rights. Rose stated, “Protecting privacy is more urgent today than ever before,” and expressed hope for swift action from the House to pass the legislation.

Financial Relief for Healthcare Institutions

In addition to the Data Privacy Act, Governor Maura Healey recently signed a $234 million supplemental budget aimed at providing financial relief to hospitals and community health centers across Massachusetts. This funding is particularly targeted towards acute care hospitals, with $199 million allocated, including $122 million for facilities serving low-income patients.

Governor Healey emphasized the importance of maintaining access to quality healthcare, stating, “This package is a step forward in maintaining our world-class health care ecosystem.” The funding aims to support hospitals during ongoing financial strains exacerbated by previous federal budget cuts.

Senator Cindy Friedman, Chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing, noted that the financial wellbeing of healthcare institutions is critical, especially for vulnerable populations. She remarked, “New policies from the federal government will only exacerbate the strain on our healthcare infrastructure.”

House Speaker Ron Mariano reiterated the importance of the supplemental budget, asserting that it addresses crucial needs as fiscal uncertainties loom under federal policy changes.

Additional Legislative Initiatives

The week also saw discussions on various other legislative measures. A hearing was held regarding a proposal to require restaurants to offer at least 5 percent of their seating in armchairs, aimed at improving accessibility for the elderly and those with physical disabilities. This initiative, sponsored by Senator Joan Lovely, seeks to provide necessary support for individuals who face challenges when using traditional chairs.

Another bill under consideration seeks to establish a commission to study the financial relationship between Massachusetts entities and companies owned by the Chinese government. Sponsored by Representative Brad Jones, this legislation aims to provide lawmakers with crucial insights into potential vulnerabilities in the state’s economy.

Further discussions included measures to enhance the treatment of police dogs injured in the line of duty and the establishment of a Purple Alert system to assist in locating missing adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

As the legislative session progresses, the Massachusetts government continues to address pressing issues concerning data privacy, healthcare funding, and public safety, reflecting a commitment to the welfare of its residents.