Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3379

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Establishing an emergency responder yellow dot program

Impact

The implementation of the yellow dot program represents a proactive approach to improving emergency medical response in the state. By allowing individuals to voluntarily provide their health and emergency contact information, the program aims to facilitate better outcomes during medical emergencies. The registrar of motor vehicles will oversee and promote the program, ensuring that participants can easily acquire the necessary materials to take part. Furthermore, there are provisions for public education campaigns to raise awareness about the program, which can drive community involvement and participation.

Summary

House Bill 3379 aims to establish an emergency responder yellow dot program within the state of Massachusetts. This initiative is designed to assist emergency medical responders by providing them access to critical health information and emergency contacts in the event of a motor vehicle accident. Participants in the program will receive a yellow decal to display on their vehicles, which indicates to first responders that vital medical information is readily available. This information can significantly enhance the efficacy of emergency responses by enabling quick access to important health details when individuals may be incapacitated or unable to communicate.

Contention

There may be potential concerns regarding privacy and data security, as the bill outlines that personal information collected through the program must be protected against unauthorized access. The bill includes a provision that treats any misuse of this personal information under identity theft laws, which could help alleviate public apprehension about the safety of their sensitive data. Furthermore, the bill ensures that emergency responders and healthcare providers are shielded from liability when relying on the information provided, which might encourage broader participation among emergency personnel and healthcare providers.

Companion Bills

MA S1185

Similar To Providing for the protection of emergency responders from dismissal

MA S2293

Similar To Promoting road safety

Similar Bills

CA AB2576

Voter registration and outreach programs.

LA HB42

Provides for the incorporation of the Registrars of Voters Employees' Retirement System into the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (OR SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE)

LA HB43

Provides for the incorporation of the Registrars of Voters Employees' Retirement Plan into the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (OR SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE)

MA H3741

Establishing an emergency responder yellow dot program

CA AB2627

Voter registration and outreach programs.

LA HB470

Provides that an appeal of an evaluation of a registrar of voters is conducted by the State Board of Elections Supervisors

LA HB351

Provides relative to voting by persons in a nursing home

TX HB4781

Relating to promoting voter registration and voting participation in rural counties.