This bill amends Massachusetts law to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and operation of robotic devices equipped with weapons, while allowing exceptions for law enforcement, the military, and specific testing or educational uses. It establishes strict penalties for violating these rules, including mandatory prison sentences without the possibility of probation or parole, and criminalizes using such robots to threaten, harass, or physically restrain individuals. Additionally, the legislation requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before deploying armed robots on private property or for surveillance, mandates quarterly public reporting on their use, and grants individuals the right to sue for damages if the law is violated.
Senate, March 12, 2026 -- The committee on Housing, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 994) of Cindy F. Friedman and Julian Cyr for legislation to prohibit algorithmic rent setting; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1016) of Michael O. Moore, Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the Preventing Algorithmic Rent Fixing in the Rental Housing Market Act., report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2983).
By Representative Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael P. Kushmerek for legislation to further regulate social media accounts for persons under 16 years of age. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 461) of John C. Velis, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit access to personal electronic devices and social media in public schools. Education.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 323) of Brendan P. Crighton and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibit the use to personal electronic devices in schools. Education.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 424) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to regulate the use of mobile communication devices in educational institutions. Education.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 333) of John J. Cronin and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibiting the use of wireless communication devices in K-12 public schools by students. Education.
Senate, July 10, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 323) of Brendan P. Crighton and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibit the use to personal electronic devices in schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 333) of John J. Cronin and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibiting the use of wireless communication devices in K-12 public schools by students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 335) of Julian Cyr, Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General , Nick Collins and Barry R. Finegold for legislation to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 381) of John F. Keenan, Mark C. Montigny and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. for legislation to limit cell phones in classrooms; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 424) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to regulate the use of mobile communication devices in educational institutions; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 461) of John C. Velis, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit access to personal electronic devices and social media in public schools; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 463) of Kirstin Beatty, for legislation to regulate screen time and technology privacy in early and K-12 education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2549).
This bill requires Massachusetts anchor institutions (including public schools, government buildings, hospitals, libraries, and public housing) to reduce non-ionizing radiation from wireless technology. It mandates migrating to wired alternatives where feasible, implementing the ALARA safety principle, and providing clear radiation exposure notifications. Public schools must limit Wi-Fi use (especially in elementary schools), prioritize paper-based testing, and integrate age-appropriate education about radiation impacts starting in grade 2, with scientific details from grade 6 onward. The attorney general enforces compliance, and the bill amends education standards to include radiation safety in science curricula.
This bill requires Massachusetts public schools and higher education institutions to reduce non-ionizing radiation exposures from wireless technology and electrical systems. Key provisions mandate schools to prioritize hard-wired internet over wireless, minimize antenna power settings, prohibit new wireless infrastructure (like small cell networks) on school property, and establish public monitoring systems tracking progress. It directly affects all public K-12 schools and state-supported colleges/universities in Massachusetts. The law establishes measurable objectives for reducing radiation, including replacing wireless with wired connections where feasible, and integrates environmental health considerations into school operations.
