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Bill

S 39

An Act protecting sensitive personal information from breaches and other cybersecurity incidents

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Barry Finegold

S 39 establishes Massachusetts data protection and breach notification requirements, mandating organizations safeguard sensitive information and notify individuals and authorities when breaches occur.

Accompanied S49
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Bill Summary · S 39

Legislative bill overview

S 39 establishes requirements for protecting sensitive personal information and mandates breach notification procedures for Massachusetts organizations. The bill sets cybersecurity standards and outlines how entities must respond when data breaches occur, including notifying affected individuals and relevant authorities.

Why is this important

Data breaches expose millions of people to identity theft and fraud annually, causing significant financial and emotional harm. Clear legal requirements for data protection and breach notification help consumers understand their rights, hold organizations accountable, and allow people to take protective action when their information is compromised.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Small businesses may face significant expenses implementing cybersecurity measures and notification systems, potentially disadvantaging them versus larger corporations with existing infrastructure
  • Definition scope: Determining what constitutes "sensitive personal information" and which organizations are covered could affect competitive fairness and create compliance confusion
  • Notification timelines: Stricter notification requirements might pressure companies to disclose breaches before thorough investigation, potentially releasing incomplete or inaccurate information to the public

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

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