H 68 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to internet service outages

This bill requires internet service providers in Massachusetts to submit an annual emergency response plan for approval by the state department. The plan must detail how the company will restore service during widespread outages caused by storms or other uncontrollable events, including staffing levels, customer communication strategies, and safety procedures for employees. Providers that fail to file these plans face daily fines, and the department retains the authority to investigate and order changes to any deficient plans. The legislation aims to ensure that internet outages are managed effectively and that customers receive timely updates and prioritized assistance during emergencies.
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 May 6, 2024
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
Senate · Passed
Senate concurred
Feb 16, 2023
House · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of David LeBoeuf
David LeBoeuf
DDemocratic
MA
17th Worcester