Technology (Telecommunications)

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.