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S 2106

An Act relative to removing social security numbers from death certificates

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Will Brownsberger

Massachusetts bill removes Social Security numbers from publicly accessible death certificates to reduce identity theft risks for deceased individuals and their families.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 2106

Legislative bill overview

S 2106 proposes removing Social Security numbers from death certificates issued in Massachusetts. Currently, SSNs are included on these vital records, which are public documents accessible to the general public. The bill aims to eliminate this practice to reduce identity theft and fraud risks.

Why is this important

Death certificates are public records frequently requested by individuals for estate settlement, insurance claims, and genealogical research, making them widely distributed. Including SSNs on these accessible documents creates a significant identity theft vulnerability, as deceased individuals' numbers can be exploited for fraudulent purposes. Removing this information protects both the deceased and their families from potential financial crimes without substantially impacting the legitimate uses of death certificates.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and cost: State vital records offices may require system upgrades and process changes to implement SSN removal, creating implementation expenses
  • Historical record access: Removing SSNs from new certificates raises questions about whether historical death certificates should be recalled or redacted, and the resources required
  • Utility for legitimate purposes: Some entities (insurers, estate administrators, researchers) may argue SSNs aid in accurate identification and preventing fraud within their own processes, though this can be addressed through secure channels

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

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