This bill (HD 3605) makes it a crime to create computer-generated images or videos that falsely appear to depict minors in sexually abusive situations, with sexual intent. It specifically targets digital material designed to look authentic, such as AI-generated images. Offenders face penalties including up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $50,000, or both. The law directly affects individuals creating such material, expanding existing protections to cover computer-generated content that could be mistaken for real child sexual abuse material.
HD 794 restricts Massachusetts law enforcement and public agencies from using facial recognition and other biometric surveillance technology without specific authorization, with key exceptions for identity verification at the motor vehicle department and limited law enforcement uses. The bill requires warrants for most facial recognition searches related to felonies, mandates detailed documentation for emergency searches within 48 hours, and demands that defendants in criminal cases be notified and provided with records about any facial recognition search used against them. It also requires public reporting of all searches - including demographic data and system accuracy - by law enforcement agencies quarterly and annually to the executive office of public safety. The law ensures transparency by prohibiting the use of unapproved technology and requiring public hearings before new systems can be adopted.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 994) of Cindy F. Friedman and Julian Cyr for legislation to prohibit algorithmic rent setting. Housing.
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).
By Representative Duffy of Holyoke (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3484) of Kirstin Beatty for legislation to limit non-ionizing radiation from technology in anchor institutions and for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to changes that foster hard-wired communication and reduced exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Representative Duffy of Holyoke (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2411) of Kirstin Beatty relative to reducing non-thermal non-ionizing radiation exposures from technology and electricity. Public Health.
By Representative MacGregor of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William F. MacGregor for legislation to regulate social media feeds. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
This bill restricts most law enforcement use of facial recognition technology in Massachusetts. It prohibits police agencies from acquiring or using facial recognition without specific legal authorization, except for limited exceptions like verifying identities for driver's licenses or investigating felonies with a warrant. The law requires strict documentation for emergency uses, mandates transparency by requiring law enforcement to share all technical details about facial recognition searches with defendants in criminal cases, and establishes public reporting requirements for all searches conducted. These provisions directly affect law enforcement agencies, public officials, and individuals involved in criminal cases where facial recognition was used.
