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H 1214

An Act to protect taxpayer confidentiality

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hannah Kane and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 1214 protects taxpayer confidentiality in Massachusetts by ensuring identities and records in the unclaimed property program remain private and not publicly disclosed.

Accompanied a study order, see H4712
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Bill Summary · H 1214

Summary of Bill H 1214: An Act to Protect Taxpayer Confidentiality

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 1214, titled "An Act to protect taxpayer confidentiality," aims to enhance the privacy of taxpayer information in Massachusetts. The bill seeks to amend existing laws to ensure that the identities of individuals involved in the unclaimed property program and the records disclosed during examinations are not publicly accessible.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant provisions:

  • Amendment to Chapter 200A:

    • The bill proposes an amendment to subsection (a) of section 12 of Chapter 200A of the General Laws. It specifies that:
    • The identities of individuals being examined and the records disclosed to the treasurer during these examinations will not be subject to public disclosure under Chapter 66.
    • Such information will not be classified as public records as defined in Chapter 4.

  • Immediate Effectiveness:

    • The act is designed to take effect immediately upon the governor's signature, applying to all taxpayer information disclosed on or after that date.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation include:

  • Taxpayers: Individuals whose information is examined in the unclaimed property program will have greater assurance that their identities and related records will remain confidential.
  • State Officials: The treasurer and financial services officials will have clearer guidelines regarding the confidentiality of taxpayer information.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, by Representatives Hannah Kane and Patrick Joseph Kearney.
  • Committee Referral: It was referred to the committee on Financial Services on the same day.
  • Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing is set for April 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in room A-2.
  • Accompanied a Study Order: On November 10, 2025, the bill was accompanied by a study order, referenced as H4712.

Related Legislation

This bill is related to House Docket No. 198 and is a replacement for similar legislation filed in the previous session (House No. 1062 of 2023-2024).

Conclusion

Bill H 1214 represents a significant step toward protecting taxpayer confidentiality in Massachusetts. By ensuring that sensitive information related to the unclaimed property program is kept private, the bill aims to bolster public trust in the state's handling of taxpayer data.

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

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