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Bill

HD 714

An Act relative to creating a voluntary do-not-sell list

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Lindsay Sabadosa

Creates a voluntary do-not-sell registry allowing Massachusetts residents to opt out of personal data sales, requiring businesses to honor requests or face penalties.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 714

Legislative bill overview

HD 714 establishes a voluntary do-not-sell list that allows Massachusetts residents to opt out of the sale of their personal data by businesses. The bill creates a mechanism for consumers to register with the state and requires companies to honor these requests or face penalties. This applies to most businesses that collect and sell personal information about state residents.

Why is this important

Personal data sales have become a major revenue stream for companies, yet most consumers have limited control over how their information is used. This bill addresses a real market gap: while some privacy laws offer opt-out rights, they often require contacting each company individually. A centralized do-not-sell list could significantly simplify consumer privacy protection and potentially reduce the commercial value of unauthorized data sales.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Companies argue implementing verification systems and maintaining current do-not-sell lists would create substantial administrative and technological burdens, potentially raising costs for consumers
  • Definition disputes: Significant disagreement likely exists over what constitutes "sale" of data—does it include data sharing, advertising exchanges, or only direct monetary transactions?
  • Enforcement and penalties: Unclear whether state resources exist to investigate violations and whether penalties will be meaningful enough to incentivize compliance versus treating violations as minor costs of doing business

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

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