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Bill

S 1156

An Act to protect the privacy of 911 callers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Driscoll and 4 co-sponsors

Bill restricts collection, retention, and sharing of 911 caller data to protect emergency callers' privacy from government and third-party misuse.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 1156

Legislative bill overview

S 1156 proposes to establish privacy protections for individuals who call 911 emergency services in Massachusetts. The bill restricts how 911 call records, audio recordings, and caller information can be collected, stored, shared, and used by government agencies and other entities. It aims to shield callers from potential surveillance, data misuse, or secondary consequences related to their emergency calls.

Why is this important

911 calls contain highly sensitive personal information—location data, medical details, domestic situations, and other crisis information—that could be exploited if improperly accessed or retained. Without clear privacy guardrails, this data could be shared with law enforcement for non-emergency purposes, sold to third parties, or used to identify and target vulnerable populations. Strong privacy protections ensure people can call for help without fear of unintended consequences.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement access limits: Police and emergency responders may argue that restrictions on accessing 911 data could hamper legitimate investigations or public safety operations, creating tension between privacy and law enforcement effectiveness.
  • Data retention requirements: Defining how long 911 records must be kept creates competing interests—longer retention aids investigations but increases privacy and security risks; shorter retention helps privacy but may obstruct legitimate law enforcement needs.
  • Implementation costs and compliance: Telecommunications companies and dispatch centers may face significant expenses implementing new privacy systems, data segregation protocols, and audit mechanisms to ensure compliance.

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

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