S 1208 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to ensure the responsible use of advanced robotic technologies

This bill bans the manufacture, sale, or operation of robotic devices equipped with weapons (like firearms or explosives), with penalties including prison terms of up to 15 years for repeat offenses. It also prohibits using robots to threaten, harass, or physically restrain people. Key exceptions include defense contractors working under U.S. Department of Defense contracts, law enforcement using robots for specific duties like defusing explosives (with warrant requirements), and educational purposes. The law requires law enforcement to publicly report robotic device usage quarterly and obtain warrants for surveillance or property entry, while allowing civil lawsuits for violations.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Sep 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Oct 20, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

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

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Sep 29, 2025
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Moore
Mike Moore
DDemocratic
MA
Second Worcester