An Act to ensure backyard privacy
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H1879 — An Act to ensure backyard privacy
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✓Introduced
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Died in session
This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.
Summary
An Act to ensure backyard privacy
Bill Text
- Full text Current
AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.
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MGL Chapter 272
SECTION XX: Section 1. Any owner or tenant of residential real property shall have a private right of action for damages against any person who installs or affixes a video imaging device on property adjoining such residential real property for the purpose of video taping or taking moving digital images of the activities which occur in the backyard of the residential real property without the written consent thereto of such owner and/or tenant with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, or with intent to threaten the person or property of another person. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law enforcement personnel engaged in the conduct of their authorized duties.
This addition provides a legal avenue for owners or tenants to sue for damages if someone records activities in their backyard without consent.
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MGL Chapter 272
Section 2. For the purposes of this section, “backyard” shall mean that portion of the parcel on which residential real property is located which extends beyond the rear footprint of the residential dwelling situated thereon, and to the side and rear boundaries of such parcel extending beyond the rear footprint of such residential dwelling.
This defines 'backyard' to specify the area covered under the new private right of action.
Sponsors
- Joseph D. McKenna · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 203 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- Joseph D. McKenna Republican
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (203)
203 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 203 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does H1879 do?
- An Act to ensure backyard privacy
- Who sponsors H1879?
- H1879 is sponsored by Joseph D. McKenna (Republican).
- What is the current status of H1879?
- This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
- Where can I track H1879?
- Track H1879 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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Last checked for changes 4 months ago · updated continuously
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