H 66 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to cyberattack response in Massachusetts

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to formally include cyberattacks and cybersecurity threats against critical infrastructure in the legal definition of a state of emergency. It directly affects the Governor and state officials by expanding their authority to declare emergencies when vital systems, such as election networks, utilities, or transportation grids, face digital disruption or data theft. The legislation establishes clear definitions for "critical infrastructure," "cybersecurity attack," and "cyber system" to ensure these terms are consistently understood when determining the appropriate emergency response. By updating Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950, the bill provides a specific legal framework for addressing digital threats that could compromise public safety and economic stability.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Dec 28, 2023
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
lower
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

Sponsors