WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2230

An Act relative to overdose mapping

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Rogers

Creates a public overdose location map by aggregating data from EMS, hospitals, police, and fire within 24 hours and sharing with CHIA, with strict privacy protections.

Accompanied a study order, see H5319 (under House Rule 27)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2230

Summary: H.2230 — An Act Relative to Overdose Mapping

Overview

H.2230, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative David M. Rogers, seeks to create and publicly publish a map of overdose locations in Massachusetts. The bill would add a new section to Chapter 111 and establish a data-sharing framework among first responders, public safety agencies, and the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) to track fatal and nonfatal opiate overdoses while protecting personal identifying information.

Objective

  • Improve public health awareness and resource allocation by publicly mapping the locations of fatal and nonfatal opiate overdoses.
  • Provide timely, aggregated location data to inform prevention and response efforts, while safeguarding individual privacy.

Key Provisions

Creation of a New Data Collection Requirement (Section 237A)

  • Entities required to collect location data of opiate overdoses:
    • Emergency medical service (EMS) providers
    • Emergency departments
    • State and local law enforcement agencies
    • Sheriffs’ offices
    • Fire departments
    • Coronors
  • Timing: Location data must be submitted to the Department within 24 hours after an overdose incident or after receipt of the incident toxicology report.

Data Privacy and Compliance

  • Data collection, storage, and release must comply with federal HIPAA requirements and the regulations at 45 CFR § 160 and 164.
  • The bill emphasizes protection of direct personal identifiers.

Public Overdose Location Database (CHIA Website)

  • CHIA, in consultation with the Department, will maintain a public database website displaying a public electronic record of overdose locations.
  • The data will be based on location data supplied by the listed agencies.
  • The Department must provide CHIA with monthly updates reflecting new data.

Data Controller Roles

  • The Department: Maintains the location data collected from agencies.
  • CHIA: Maintains the public overdose location database.

Privacy Safeguards

  • The public database cannot disclose direct personal identifiers (e.g., name, residence/address, email, phone, SSN).

Implementation Timeline & Procedural Details

  • Effective Date: Section 2 states the act takes effect January 1, 2024 (note: retroactive timing may raise implementational questions given a 2025 filing date).
  • Legislative Status:
    • Referred to the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery on February 27, 2025.
    • Senate concurrence noted in the legislative actions.
    • Hearing scheduled: November 3, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM in hearing room A-2.

Who Is Affected

  • Government and public safety agencies: EMS, EDs, state/local police, sheriffs’ offices, fire departments, coroners.
  • State agency: Department (of Public Health-related department) and CHIA.
  • The general public: via a publicly accessible overdose location map, with privacy protections.

Related Information

  • Similar matter previously filed as House No. 3601 in the 2023-2024 session.
  • Related bill reference: HD 2763 (the current bill number) and “Related Bills: HD 2763 (replaces).”
  • Sponsors: Rep. David M. Rogers (primary).

Potential Impact

  • Pros: Enhanced situational awareness, data-driven prevention and response strategies, targeted interventions in high-need areas.
  • Cons/Considerations: Ensuring ongoing privacy protections, data accuracy, and appropriate use of publicly released location data. Retroactive effective date may require clarification.

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

Sign in to ask a question.