H4250C
Governor's Amendment
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, a Governor’s Amendment to House Bill 4240, seeks to revise the Massachusetts vital statistics statute. Specifically, it addresses the inclusion of Social Security numbers on death certificates. The Governor proposes amending the law to maintain the inclusion of Social Security numbers in death records for certain purposes, such as fraud prevention and estate administration, while ensuring these numbers are held confidential unless specifically requested by next of kin or the estate executor. The effective date of the changes is being delayed to allow for implementation.
Key provisions
- Social Security numbers will be included in death records for fraud prevention and estate administration.
- Social Security numbers will be held confidential on death certificates unless requested by next of kin or the estate executor.
- The confidentiality requirement will take effect 12 months after the amendment.
- The retroactive effective date of July 1, 2025, is being removed.
- Updates are being made to the record-keeping requirements for births, marriages, acknowledgments of parentage, and deaths.
- Local clerks must obtain and record specific facts related to births, marriages, and deaths.
- The amendment clarifies the circumstances under which a death record can be accessed.
- Chapter 46 of the General Laws is amended to reflect these changes.
Who is affected
- Department of Public Health
- Social Security Administration
- Estate administrators
- Family members
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Maura T. Healey
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Governor's Message H.4250, Appendix C 194th (Current)
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Maura T. Healey
Similar Bills
H.4250, Appendix B 194th (Current)
Governor's Amendment
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