S 2007 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to fair software licensing

This bill requires state agencies in Massachusetts to be able to install and run licensed software on any hardware they choose, rather than being restricted by vendor conditions. It directly affects contracts for software used on standard desktop or server computers by prohibiting clauses that limit hardware flexibility. The law mandates that the Secretary of Executive Office of Technology Services and Security issue administrative rules to enforce these requirements. Contracts for software licensing entered into on or after the bill's effective date must comply with these new standards.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jul 2024
Senate Passage
May 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jul 8, 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
6
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Jul 8, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
May 21, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors