Creating a pilot program to explore digital innovation in government
Impact
If implemented, this bill could significantly transform how property records are managed in Massachusetts. It would introduce blockchain technology as a means of ensuring higher security and integrity for real estate records, potentially reducing fraud and errors associated with conventional record-keeping methods. The assessment of this pilot program will also consider any necessary legal changes to facilitate the integration of blockchain technology into the existing framework of property law.
Summary
House Bill 87 seeks to create a pilot program aimed at evaluating the application of blockchain technology within government operations, specifically for the storage of real property records. The program will be organized by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and will involve collaboration with at least one registry of deeds. The primary goal is to investigate whether distributed ledger technology can serve as a redundant system to enhance the current methods of recording property transactions, thereby increasing reliability and efficiency.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, there could be points of contention regarding the adoption of such advanced technology within government systems. Critics may express concerns about the feasibility, cost implications, and the privacy of citizens' data logged on blockchain systems. Open discussions might also arise over the need for modifications to existing legal statutes to accommodate technological advancements, which some lawmakers or stakeholders may view as unnecessary or burdensome.