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MA S1215

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

Patrick O'Connor

Click for details

Origin

Senate

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Amends Massachusetts wiretap law (Chapter 272, Section 99) to create a defense for recording communications without consent when documenting threats, harassment, or other crimes
  • Applies specifically to recordings made in connection with divorce proceedings, child custody matters, or protective orders under Chapter 209A (abuse prevention) or 258E (harassment prevention)
  • Permits disclosure of recordings made under these circumstances
  • Places burden of proof on the person who made the recording to demonstrate by preponderance of evidence that their conduct qualifies for the exemption
  • Filed by Senator Patrick M. O'Connor (First Plymouth and Norfolk) on January 12, 2025; similar legislation was introduced in the previous session (S.1093, 2023-2024)

Legislative Description

Providing a defense to prosecution for violations of the wiretap law for interceptions made to make a record of threats, harassment or other crimes

Last Action

Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

10/20/2025

Committee Referrals

Ways and Means10/9/2025
Judiciary2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available