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H 2438

An Act removing social security numbers from death certificates

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Gordon and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill removes social security numbers from death certificates to boost privacy and curb identity theft, affecting registrars, funeral homes, and families.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
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Bill Summary · H 2438

Summary: An Act removing social security numbers from death certificates (H 2438)

Overview

H 2438, titled “An Act removing social security numbers from death certificates,” proposes to remove the inclusion of Social Security numbers (SSNs) from Massachusetts death certificates. The bill would amend Chapter 46 of the General Laws, specifically by striking the word “social security number” from the statute. The primary effect is to prevent SSNs from appearing on death certificates maintained by the Commonwealth.

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Primary sponsors: Representatives Kenneth I. Gordon (Bedford) and Sean Garballey (Arlington)
  • Status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the House Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee
  • Related bill: HD 1803 (the same measure; this bill replaces or is the companion)

Purpose and Intent

  • Enhance privacy and protect individuals’ personal identifying information by ensuring SSNs do not appear on death certificates.
  • Align vital records with privacy best practices and reduce risks associated with exposure of SSNs (e.g., identity theft or misuse of data posthumously).

Key Provisions

  • Section 1 of Chapter 46 of the General Laws (as of the 2022 Official Edition) would be amended to strike the words “social security number” from the specified line, effectively removing the SSN data field from death certificates.
  • The amendment is focused narrowly on the inclusion of SSNs; there are no additional data fields or new requirements added in the text provided.
  • The bill does not specify an alternative identifier to be used in place of the SSN on death certificates within the text excerpt provided.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary impact: death certificates and vital records processes in Massachusetts.
  • Affected stakeholders include:
    • Funeral directors, funeral homes, and registrars who process death certificates
    • Family members and beneficiaries handling death records
    • Public health and state employees who maintain vital records
    • Privacy advocates and members of the public concerned with protection of personal information

Procedural and Timeline Context

  • Initial action: Referred to the Public Health Committee on February 27, 2025
  • Senate action: Senate concurred on February 27, 2025 (as noted in the legislative actions)
  • Hearing dates: Scheduled hearing noted for June 11, 2025 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM in hearing room A-1)
  • Reporting timeline adjustments:
    • June 6, 2025: Hearing scheduled
    • September 11, 2025: Reporting date extended to October 9, 2025
    • October 8, 2025: Reporting date extended to November 7, 2025
  • Latest status (as of November 13, 2025): Reported favorably by committee and referred to the House Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee

Notes

  • The bill text provided centers on removing the SSN data field; no fiscal impact details are included in the excerpt.
  • HD 1803 is identified as a related or replacing version of this measure.

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

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