(USA) Massachusetts HB 603

Posted by: Jan Meisels Allen

Earlier this year a bill was introduced in Massachusetts that would severely restrict who would be able to access birth records. Massachusetts is an open records state and has been since 1641. A similar bill did not pass during the previous legislative session. Once again legislators erroneously believe that identity theft is caused by open access to vital records. To read the bill go to: http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/House/H00603

The bill is in committee, a hearing was held in late October and the Massachusetts Genealogical Council testified to keep Massachusetts an open records state. There is no further information at this time. As relevant information becomes available it will be posted to this forum.

Jan Meisels Allen
IAJGS Vice President
Chairperson, IAJGS Public Records Access Monitoring Committee