WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 1242

An Act to protect the privacy of 911 callers

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

Protects 911 caller audio privacy; transcripts become public records (costs apply), with audio shareable to law enforcement for investigations and training.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 1242

Summary: Senate Docket No. 1242 – An Act to protect the privacy of 911 callers

Purpose and Intent

This bill seeks to safeguard the privacy of individuals who place calls to a Massachusetts 911 system by changing how recordings and transcripts of those calls are treated in public records and access. It aims to balance public safety needs with caller privacy.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Audio recordings are private data for the caller. The audio recording of a 911 call is private with respect to the individual who made the call.
  • Transcript becomes public. A written transcript of the 911 audio is public and may be requested.
  • Cost to obtain transcripts. A person requesting a transcript must pay the actual cost of transcribing the call, in addition to any other applicable transcript preparation costs.
  • Use and dissemination of audio. Audio recordings may be disseminated to law enforcement agencies for investigative purposes and may be used for public safety and emergency medical services training.
  • Restrictions on release. Release of the audio recording without the caller’s express written consent is prohibited, except by court order where the public’s right to release outweighs the caller’s privacy interests. The provision does not apply to law enforcement personnel conducting an investigation where the call is relevant to the investigation.

Who Is Affected

  • 911 callers (the public): Their privacy in audio form is protected; transcripts become public records.
  • Public and researchers: Can access transcripts of 911 calls, subject to costs and any court-ordered restrictions.
  • Law enforcement and public safety training entities: May obtain and use audio for investigations and training.
  • Public records/requests administers: Must manage requests for transcripts and ensure compliance with the new privacy framework.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and filed dates: Filed January 15, 2025; introduced February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2025; House concurrence noted in the bill’s status.
  • Related legislation: Similar matter previously filed as Senate No. 1022 in 2023-2024.

Additional Notes

  • The bill adds Section 18BB to Chapter 6A of the General Laws.
  • The text does not specify an explicit effective date within the excerpt provided.
  • A prior version exists from the 2023-2024 session, indicating ongoing interest in 911 call privacy.

This summary reflects the substantive provisions and potential impacts based on the bill text and legislative notes provided.

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

Sign in to ask a question.