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Bill

S 29

An Act to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts Data Privacy Act establishes consumer rights to access, delete, and control personal data while requiring businesses to implement security measures and provide transparency.

Accompanied a new draft, see S2516
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 29

Legislative bill overview

S.29 establishes the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act, creating comprehensive consumer privacy protections for personal data collection, use, and sharing by businesses operating in or targeting Massachusetts residents. The bill creates enforceable rights for consumers to access, delete, and opt-out of data sales, while imposing obligations on companies to implement data security measures and provide transparency about data practices.

Why is this important

Massachusetts would join a growing number of states enacting privacy laws that directly regulate how companies handle personal information in an era of extensive digital data collection. For residents, this creates legal recourse against unauthorized data use; for businesses, this establishes a new regulatory framework affecting compliance costs and operational practices. The bill's scope and requirements could influence privacy standards across New England and potentially set precedent for federal privacy legislation.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definition of "personal data": Disagreement over what constitutes regulated personal information and potential exemptions for different data types could weaken or broaden the law's reach
  • Business compliance burden: Small businesses and startups argue compliance costs are high; consumer advocates counter that robust protections require meaningful oversight mechanisms
  • Enforcement mechanism: Question of whether the Massachusetts Attorney General and state agencies have sufficient resources to enforce the law against major corporations, and whether private rights of action should be included

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

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