Technology

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1181: An Act to protect against election misinformation

HD 1181 prohibits candidates, campaigns, political committees, and other entities from distributing false election information with intent to deceive voters about election dates, voting requirements, registration deadlines, or endorsements within 90 days of an election. It specifically targets "materially deceptive" communications created using generative AI or synthetic media (like AI-generated videos), but exempts bona fide news coverage that discloses manipulation and satirical content. Individuals whose voice or likeness is used in violations can seek court orders to stop the distribution or claim damages. The bill does not apply to news organizations, broadcasters, or satire, and preserves existing protections for internet platforms under federal law.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts use of generative AI for deceptive election content, targeting synthetic media misuse per bill's explicit focus on AI-generated misinformation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1625: An Act relative to cellular coverage

This bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Telecommunications to work with cell carriers to identify infrastructure needs for universal cellular coverage. It directs the department to locate public land (owned by state or municipalities) that could be leased or sold at low cost to carriers for new towers in coverage gaps, or to purchase land if needed. The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2030, for all residents to access cellular service, and mandates a 2026 report detailing the plan and progress. It directly affects residents in areas with poor coverage and cell carriers building new infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates universal cellular coverage infrastructure expansion, directly advancing internet access and digital equity by requiring coverage for all residents by 2030.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 902: An Act related to the resiliency, public safety and quality of broadband in Massachusetts

HD 902 establishes regulations to improve the reliability, resilience, and affordability of broadband and VoIP services across Massachusetts, directly affecting internet service providers and their customers. The bill grants the state department ultimate authority to set standards for network infrastructure, require outage reporting from providers, and enforce minimum power backup systems to prevent service disruptions. It mandates that providers offer pro-rated refunds for outages lasting three minutes or more (excluding customer-caused issues) and display clear consumer labels at point of sale showing pricing, speed, and service details. The department must collect data on broadband deployment and submit annual reports to the legislature on progress toward these goals.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates broadband reliability standards, outage reporting, and consumer refunds to improve internet access and service quality, directly advancing technology infrastructure and consumer protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 975: An Act to establish standards for the pole attachment process to facilitate the construction of broadband networks

This bill establishes standardized rules for attaching broadband infrastructure to utility poles, primarily affecting broadband providers and utility pole owners. It creates a "One Touch Make Ready" process requiring pole owners to provide a list of qualified contractors to modify poles for new broadband attachments, reducing delays. The bill defines key terms like "common space" (shared pole area) and "assigned space" (designated attachment zones) to clarify pole usage and prevent disputes. These changes aim to streamline pole attachment procedures, making it faster and less costly for broadband providers to expand network infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill standardizes pole attachments to reduce delays for broadband construction, directly expanding internet access infrastructure per its facilitation purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1679: An Act establishing an internet bill of rights

HD 1679 defines key terms for future data privacy laws but does not establish new rights or obligations. It creates a framework by defining terms like "personal data," "biometric data," "controller," and "data breach" for use in upcoming legislation. This bill directly affects future laws governing data privacy in the Commonwealth, not current entities or individuals. It serves as a foundational reference for any subsequent internet privacy regulations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyDefines terms for future data privacy laws, creating framework for stronger protections under technology policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Cybersecurity Data Privacy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2162: An Act to expand the Massachusetts School Building Authority and create a new program to assist public school districts with 21st century technology upgrades

This bill creates a new competitive grant program under the Massachusetts School Building Authority to fund technology upgrades in public school districts. It provides partial funding for modernizing classroom technology (like computers and internet infrastructure), prioritizing schools with the greatest need and urgency. The program guarantees that funding for all existing school construction projects will remain at least equal to fiscal year 2025 levels. This directly affects public school districts across Massachusetts seeking to update their technology resources.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds school technology upgrades via new grant program and guarantees existing construction funding levels, directly advancing public education spending within state budget priorities.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates competitive grant program for school tech upgrades, prioritizes high-need districts, guarantees existing construction funding levels.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds 21st-century technology upgrades including internet infrastructure in schools, prioritizing underserved districts to expand access and digital equity.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2342: An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

This bill requires Massachusetts broadband providers (wireline, fixed wireless, and satellite) to offer affordable high-speed internet to low-income households. Eligible households must participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or qualify for specific assistance programs. Providers must offer service at a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed for $15/month (including taxes/fees), with limited annual price increases. Providers must also advertise the program, report enrollment and compliance annually to the state, and face penalties for noncompliance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires affordable high-speed broadband for low-income households, expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2525: An Act relative to improving mental health care through innovation

HD 2525 establishes a state program to advance mental health technology innovation through grants for research, development, and pilot projects. It creates a dedicated "Mental Health and Innovation Fund" (not subject to annual appropriation) to support mental healthcare technology initiatives, funded by grants, private contributions, and investment income. The bill mandates an oversight committee - including agency leaders, tech experts, and parent advocates - to guide the program and fund use. This directly affects state mental health agencies, healthcare providers receiving grants, and technology companies developing mental health solutions. The policy focuses on closing the innovation gap in mental healthcare by leveraging Massachusetts' existing strengths in biotech and medical technology sectors.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund outside annual appropriations, ensuring stable funding for mental health tech initiatives without relying on yearly budget cycles.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates dedicated fund for mental health tech innovation via grants, research, and pilot projects, directly advancing mental health services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds mental health tech innovation via dedicated grants, research, and tech-expert oversight committee, explicitly advancing technology use in healthcare.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2649: An Act to expand access to computer science coursework

HD 2649 requires every public high school in Massachusetts to offer at least one foundational computer science course that includes rigorous math or science concepts, ensuring all students can access such a course within their four-year high school plan. The bill creates a new micro-credentialing process for educators, allowing them to demonstrate competency in computer science teaching without full certification (valid for up to 5 years), with this credential counting toward full certification later. It directly affects all public high schools and their students, as well as educators seeking to teach computer science. The law takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires all public high schools to offer computer science courses, expands curriculum access, and supports educators via micro-credentials for teaching CS.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates computer science coursework access in all high schools, promoting digital skills education and equity, aligning with technology advancement indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3014: An Act halting close proximity antennas and higher frequencies to enforce RadLimits

HD 3014 prohibits the use of wireless antennas (including microcells and small cell networks) and frequencies above 6 GHz near homes, schools, hospitals, and sensitive areas within 400 meters. It establishes a new Radiation Regulatory Agency to oversee the phased removal of these facilities, require detailed reporting from wireless providers, and promote wired connectivity alternatives. The bill mandates specific timelines for removing microcells in high-risk zones (like fire-prone areas) and limiting high-frequency use in parks, schools, and residential zones. Wireless providers must submit location, frequency, and ownership details to a public database as part of compliance. The transition includes temporary allowances for public safety and utility services during the shift to safer infrastructure.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill prohibits wireless antennas/frequencies above 6 GHz near sensitive areas, mandates removal of microcells, and promotes wired alternatives - directly restricting wireless tech infrastructure deployment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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