By Representatives Peisch of Wellesley and Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 666) of Alice Hanlon Peisch, Andrea Joy Campbell and others relative to the use of personal electronic devices on school grounds. Education.
By Representative Day of Stoneham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3649) of Michael S. Day relative to limiting autonomous driving capabilities to zero emission and electric vehicles. Transportation.
This bill imposes a 6.25% sales tax on digital advertising services targeting users in Massachusetts, collected by vendors at the time of sale. It directly affects digital advertisers (vendors) selling to Massachusetts-based audiences, with small vendors earning under $2.5 million annually in such sales exempt. Revenue funds three equal programs: local community TV access (via Dept. of Telecommunications), public health campaigns on safe social media use (via DPH), and AI tools for education (via DESE), after covering 5% in administrative costs. The tax takes effect January 1, 2027, with grants beginning in 2028.
HD 663 requires online platforms and internet service providers (third parties) to disclose the real names and contact information of anonymous users who allegedly commit online slander or defamation, if a plaintiff provides a sworn statement of intent to sue. Platforms must release this information within 10 days of a valid request or face a court order and potential penalties for non-compliance. This bill directly affects plaintiffs seeking to sue anonymous online speakers and the platforms hosting the anonymous content. It creates a streamlined process for obtaining identifying information to initiate legal action, without changing defamation law itself.
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.
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.
HD 3108 restricts students in public school districts from using mobile devices (including cellphones, smart watches, and tablets) during school hours, with exceptions for safety emergencies, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), English learner needs, or medical requirements. School districts must create written policies allowing device use only in these specific situations or for other reasonable exceptions that don’t disrupt learning. The state education department will develop model policies and a grant program to help schools purchase equipment like secure storage containers for devices. The bill requires school districts to implement these policies within 180 days of the law taking effect.
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.
HD 3555, or "Kelsey's Bill," requires phone companies and in-vehicle security providers to share a user's location data with law enforcement during emergencies involving missing persons, immediate danger of death or serious harm, or emergency service calls. Phone companies must provide annual contact information to the state's public safety office to streamline these requests. The law protects companies from lawsuits if they share location data in good faith under these specific circumstances. This bill directly affects phone companies and law enforcement agencies by creating a clear, legal process for locating missing persons using mobile data.
This bill requires all public elementary, secondary, and vocational schools to prohibit student use of smartphones and tablets during instructional hours, mandating that devices be stored in designated areas or lockers. Exceptions include authorized school staff using devices for official purposes, students with documented medical needs (approved by administration), and basic cell phones without internet access for parent communication. Schools must clearly communicate the policy to students and parents, including consequences for violations. The rules take effect at the start of the next academic year following passage.
