H 1879
An Act to ensure backyard privacy
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, An Act to ensure backyard privacy, addresses concerns about the use of video surveillance and moving digital images in residential backyards. It aims to protect residents’ privacy by limiting the ability to record activities in a neighbor’s backyard without their consent. The bill seeks to establish guidelines regarding the taking of such images to safeguard personal privacy.
Key provisions
- Restricts the videotaping or taking of moving digital images of activities in a neighbor’s backyard.
- Focuses on protecting privacy related to visual recordings in residential areas.
- Addresses concerns about the use of surveillance technology in private spaces.
- The bill was referred to the committee on The Judiciary and subsequently reported by the committee.
Who is affected
- Homeowners
- Residents of residential properties
- Neighbors
- Property owners
- Individuals concerned about privacy
Notable changes
- The bill seeks to clarify existing laws regarding surveillance and privacy in residential settings.
- It builds upon previous attempts to address similar issues, as evidenced by similar bills (H.1783, H.1672, and H.4384).
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joseph D. McKenna
Cosponsors
Joseph D. McKenna
Kelly W. Pease
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.1879 194th (Current)
An Act to ensure backyard privacy
By Representative McKenna of Sutton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1879) of Joseph D. McKenna relative to the videotaping or taking of moving digital images of activities in the backyard of certain adjoining residential properties. The Judiciary.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joseph D. McKenna
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.1879
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/10/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
Similar Bills
HD.4384 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act to ensure backyard privacy
H.1783 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act to ensure backyard privacy
H.1672 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act to ensure backyard privacy
H.890 194th (Current)
An Act relative to crumbling concrete foundations
H.3040 194th (Current)
An Act relating to improvements to residential properties
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.