If passed, H3089 would amend Chapter 6 of the General Laws by adding Section 219. This change would allow state agencies to share personal information without requiring prior authorization from the constituent or legislator, provided such disclosure complies with federal law. This provision is anticipated to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that may hinder timely assistance for constituents and create a more efficient process for addressing the needs of the public.
Summary
House Bill 3089, titled 'An Act relative to expedited referrals by legislators,' aims to enhance the communication between state legislators and state agencies regarding constituent matters. The bill permits state agencies to disclose personal information about constituents to legislators or their authorized staff when those legislators are seeking assistance on behalf of the constituents. This provision is significant as it facilitates a more streamlined process for legislators to help constituents with their inquiries or issues, thus potentially improving government responsiveness.
Contention
The notable points of contention surrounding this bill may relate to concerns over privacy and the protection of constituent information. While proponents argue that the expedited access to information enhances government efficiency and aids in constituent services, opponents may raise issues about the potential risk of personal data handling and the implications of bypassing consent for sharing personal details. This aspect of the bill could lead to debates about data privacy and the limits of information sharing within government operations.