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Bill

H 4746

An Act establishing the Massachusetts consumer data privacy act

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 32 co-sponsors

The Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act empowers residents with rights over their personal data, requiring businesses to obtain clear consent and ensure transparency.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4746

Summary of Bill H 4746: Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4746 aims to establish the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, which seeks to enhance consumer privacy rights and regulate the handling of personal data by businesses operating within the Commonwealth. The legislation is designed to provide consumers with greater control over their personal information, ensuring transparency and accountability from data controllers.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant provisions, including:

  1. Definitions: The bill defines key terms such as "consumer," "affiliate," "affirmative consent," and "biometric data," establishing a clear framework for understanding the legislation's scope.

  2. Affirmative Consent:

    • Consumers must provide clear, informed, and unambiguous consent before businesses can collect, process, or sell their personal data.
    • Consent requests must be accessible, easy to understand, and include detailed information about the data being collected and its intended use.

  3. Consumer Rights:

    • Consumers are granted rights to access, correct, and delete their personal data.
    • Businesses must authenticate requests from consumers to exercise these rights.

  4. Data Collection and Processing:

    • The bill outlines how businesses can collect and process personal data, emphasizing the need for transparency and consumer awareness.
    • Specific provisions are made regarding the handling of sensitive data, including biometric and health-related information.

  5. Regulatory Framework:

    • The bill establishes a regulatory framework for enforcement, including potential penalties for non-compliance.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Consumers: Residents of Massachusetts will benefit from enhanced privacy protections and greater control over their personal data.
  • Businesses: Companies operating in Massachusetts that collect or process consumer data will need to comply with the new regulations, which may require changes to their data handling practices.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: November 17, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been reported favorably by the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, and has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

The Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act represents a significant step towards strengthening consumer privacy rights in the digital age. By establishing clear guidelines for data collection and processing, the bill aims to foster a more transparent and accountable environment for both consumers and businesses. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be essential to monitor its developments and potential impacts on data privacy in Massachusetts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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