The bill introduces Chapter 61, titled "Privacy Protections for Location Information Derived from Electronic Devices," to Title 6 of the General Laws, establishing comprehensive regulations for the collection, processing, and disclosure of location information from electronic devices. It emphasizes the necessity of obtaining explicit, informed consent from individuals before their location data can be collected or disclosed, with specific permissible purposes outlined, such as service provision and legal compliance. The bill defines key terms, including "covered entity," which excludes state or local government agencies and non-commercial individuals, and mandates that covered entities provide a clear location privacy policy detailing data collection practices and the identities of service providers involved.

Furthermore, the legislation prohibits covered entities from retaining location information longer than necessary, selling or disclosing it without consent, and requires the destruction of data upon expiration of consent. It includes provisions for transparency, such as annual reports on warrants for location information, and protects individuals from retaliation for exercising their rights. The bill also allows individuals to bring civil actions for violations, with potential damages awarded, and specifies that any contractual waivers of rights under this chapter are void. Notably, it clarifies that the chapter does not apply to location information collected by healthcare providers for medical purposes, ensuring that such data remains protected under existing laws. The act will take effect upon passage, ensuring immediate enforcement of these privacy protections.