Technology

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1313: An Act relative to social media, algorithm accountability, and transparency

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 51) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to social media, algorithm accountability, and transparency. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates algorithm accountability and transparency for social media, regulating tech companies to protect consumer rights under data privacy and cybersecurity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Social Media

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 399: An Act to modernize funding for community media programming

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 41) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford, Joan B. Lovely, Susannah M. Whipps and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a comprehensive statewide policy concerning streaming entertainment services and the recovery of municipal costs for digital infrastructure. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds digital infrastructure for community media, advancing internet access and digital infrastructure development per summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1330: An Act relative to internet service provider data

This bill (HD 1330) requires Massachusetts internet service providers (ISPs) to obtain explicit written customer consent before collecting, using, disclosing, or selling their personal information. It prohibits ISPs from charging extra fees or denying service to customers who do not provide this consent. The law also mandates that ISPs cannot sell personally identifiable customer data without express written authorization, which customers can revoke at any time in writing. This directly affects all ISPs operating in Massachusetts with state agreements or using state facilities, ensuring greater control over customer data privacy.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires ISPs to obtain explicit consent for data collection/sale, prohibits unauthorized data sharing, and mandates revocable consent - directly strengthening consumer data privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3373: An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising

HD 3373 requires political campaigns, PACs, parties, and others paying for election-related ads to disclose when synthetic media (AI-generated audio or video) is used. Ads containing such content must display "Contains content generated by AI" at the start and end, plus specific real-time labels like "This video content generated by AI" during the ad. Violations carry a maximum $1,000 fine, though the law doesn’t override other legal liabilities. The rule applies only to paid political ads influencing votes on candidates or ballot measures, not general content.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires AI-generated political ad disclosures to protect voters from deception, aligning with consumer protection regulations in digital advertising.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3750: An Act relative to AI health communications and informed patient consent

This bill requires healthcare providers to inform patients if AI generates their health information and provide contact details for human providers. It also mandates health insurance companies to disclose when AI tools are used in claims reviews, including details about the tools. Insurers must annually report to the insurance division about AI algorithms used in care reviews, including how they address bias related to race, gender, or other protected characteristics. The law directly affects patients, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers by increasing transparency around AI in health communications and insurance decisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires AI transparency in patient care and claims, mandating bias disclosures to protect patient rights and ensure equitable healthcare access.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires AI transparency in healthcare, mandates bias reporting for insurers, aligning with consumer protection regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1336: An Act relative to cyber procurement projects

HD 1336 requires Massachusetts state agencies to give preference to vendors with cybersecurity insurance when buying information technology goods or services. This applies specifically to IT procurement contracts, meaning agencies must prioritize bids from vendors holding such insurance. However, the bill explicitly states that vendors without cybersecurity insurance can still submit bids and be awarded contracts - they are simply not given priority. The law aims to encourage stronger cybersecurity practices among vendors working with state agencies without banning uninsured vendors entirely.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires state agencies to prioritize vendors with cybersecurity insurance in IT procurement, enhancing data protection and cybersecurity standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2424: An Act to promote transparency of facial recognition and driver's license photos

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1731) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to promote transparency of facial recognition and driver's license photos. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyPromotes transparency in facial recognition use, advancing data privacy protections for individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Emerging Technology

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 442: An Act relative to phone-free schools

This bill requires all Massachusetts public school districts to implement a "pouch system" that restricts student use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day. Schools must store devices in lockable pouches upon student arrival, with staff unlocking pouches only at day's end or when authorized for specific educational purposes. Each district must create and annually submit a written policy for department review, including minimum requirements for device storage and authorized use. The policy directly affects all K-12 students and school staff across Massachusetts public schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRestricts student device use to minimize distractions, promoting focused learning environments per bill's purpose of enhancing educational focus during school day.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts student access to personal devices (phones, tablets) during school hours, directly limiting technology use in educational settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2110: An Act establishing the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act

This bill establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive data privacy law, directly affecting businesses that collect personal information from residents. It requires covered entities (primarily commercial businesses handling personal data) to obtain clear, specific consent for data processing - banning deceptive practices like "dark patterns" that trick users into sharing information. Key provisions include strict rules for handling biometric data, prohibiting the use of broad terms of service as consent, and creating new definitions for terms like "data broker." Small businesses with under $20 million annual revenue and certain nonprofits are exempt from most requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires clear consent for data processing, bans 'dark patterns', and sets strict biometric data rules - strengthening consumer privacy protections under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2125: An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

This bill expands telehealth coverage and digital access for Massachusetts residents. It requires health insurers to cover virtual visits, digital consultations, remote patient monitoring, and related devices at the same rate as in-person care. The bill also creates a shared application portal for affordable broadband programs and mandates insurers to provide interpreter services and digital literacy support for patients with limited English proficiency or low tech skills. These provisions directly affect patients, healthcare providers, and insurers across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands telehealth coverage with equal insurer reimbursement, mandates interpreter/digital support for access barriers, directly advancing patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands telehealth coverage, mandates insurer reimbursement for digital services, creates broadband portal, and requires digital literacy support - directly advancing digital equity and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telehealth Broadband Access

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