H1973

Protecting personal security

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1973 protects personal security by allowing courts to keep name change records confidential if disclosure would jeopardize safety.

Massachusetts H1973 amends the General Laws to allow courts to keep name change records confidential if disclosure would jeopardize the safety of the person changing their name. This applies to survivors of domestic violence and considers factors like gender non-conformity or transgender status. The court must segregate these records and provide separate indexes to ensure privacy. This change aims to protect individuals from potential risks of violence or discrimination.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DD
2
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Nov 25, 2025

10:00 AM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

Nov 25, 2025

10:00 AM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Nov 26, 2025

Joint

Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time

Nov 26, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order