An Act relative to protecting biometric information under the security breach law
Take action
Take a stance or write a position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to strengthen data security laws in Massachusetts by specifically protecting biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial scans. It seeks to ensure that breaches involving this sensitive data are treated with the same level of seriousness as breaches involving other personal information. The legislation intends to provide greater consumer protection regarding the collection, storage, and use of biometric data. It aligns with existing security breach laws to ensure consistent treatment of data compromises.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘biometric information’ for the purposes of the state’s security breach law.
- Requires organizations to notify individuals if their biometric information is compromised in a security breach.
- Establishes standards for the secure storage and handling of biometric data.
- Mandates organizations to implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access to biometric information.
- Clarifies liability for organizations that fail to protect biometric information.
- Expands the definition of ‘personal information’ to include biometric data.
- Requires organizations to obtain consent before collecting biometric information.
- Creates a process for individuals to access and correct their biometric information.
Who is affected
- Consumers in Massachusetts
- Businesses and organizations that collect biometric data
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
Michael J. Barrett
Cosponsors
Michael J. Barrett
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours