Regarding information governance
Should it pass, S2060 would require all relevant agencies to implement and maintain these IG plans in accordance with state records retention schedules. The protocols outlined in the bill are designed to ensure efficient management and legal compliance when handling public records, reinforcing a commitment to transparency and accountability in state governance. Additionally, since these plans are to be treated as public records, they provide a greater level of scrutiny regarding how agencies manage information.
Senate Bill 2060, introduced by Rebecca L. Rausch, is an act regarding information governance within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The aim of the bill is to establish a structured approach to managing public records and information within various state agencies and municipalities. This bill mandates the creation and enforcement of comprehensive Information Governance (IG) plans that encompass detailed protocols for the storage, naming, privacy, security, and routine disposal of documents and data, regardless of their format.
While the bill promotes a systematic approach to information governance, there may be concerns regarding the balance between transparency and the protection of sensitive information. Provisions that permit redaction of certain information under the attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine are included, potentially leading to debates on what information is deemed sensitive enough to warrant protection from public disclosure. This aspect could elicit pushback from advocates of openness in government, who might be wary of perceived loopholes that allow for non-disclosure of information that should otherwise be accessible to the public.