Rep. Steven Howitt

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to increase access to hearing aids by modifying existing laws that currently restrict how physicians and audiologists can sell these devices. It allows audiologists and otolaryngologists to sell hearing aids to patients they have treated, provided they clearly disclose all fees and costs before the sale and inform the patient of their right to purchase elsewhere. Additionally, the legislation permits audiologists and hearing instrument specialists to sell hearing aids while working for or being affiliated with an otolaryngologist. These changes are designed to reduce barriers for patients seeking hearing care by expanding who can provide these services and ensuring transparency in pricing.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven S. Howitt and others relative to artificial intelligence disclosures. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the treasurer of the Town of Norton to invest the town's trust funds using the Prudent Investor Rule and the town's own investment policy. It specifically exempts the town from a state law that otherwise restricts how municipalities can manage their investment accounts. By making this change, the legislation gives the town's Select Board the authority to update investment guidelines without needing further state approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Swansea Board of Selectmen to create a trust fund specifically for a length of service award program for volunteer firefighters in the Swansea Fire Department. The program is designed as a deferred compensation plan that can be funded through town appropriations, gifts, and bequests, with existing funds for such awards automatically transferred into the new trust. While the town meeting can decide how much money to contribute, the bill prohibits individual firefighters from making personal contributions and ensures that all funds are restricted solely to this award program. The trust assets will be managed by the town treasurer or a third-party administrator and distributed based on length of service, with any funding shortfalls shared proportionally among all eligible beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect residents from surveillance by foreign adversaries using specific social media platforms. It defines "social media companies" as large platforms with over one million users that sell ads and allow content sharing, while excluding simple review sites or emergency alert services. The legislation specifically targets companies domiciled in or controlled by "countries of concern," explicitly naming Bytedance, TikTok, and WeChat as covered entities. By classifying these platforms as potential threats, the bill establishes a legal framework for the state to regulate or restrict their operations within Massachusetts to safeguard citizen data.

Senate, December 28, 2023 -- The committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 26) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to modernize state agency information technology systems; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 30) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to protect sensitive information from security breaches; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 31) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to regulate generative artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 32) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation relative to cyber incident response; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 35) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to protect against cyber ransom; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 36) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish a Cybersecurity Control and Review Commission; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 37) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Michael J. Soter for legislation to protect the residents of the Commonwealth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 198) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to protect personal identifying information; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 66) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to cyberattack responses; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 76) of Tram T. Nguyen relative to protecting sensitive information from security breaches; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 77) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., that the Office of Information Technology consider cloud computing service options under certain circumstances; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 82) of Michael J. Soter and others for legislation to protect residents of the Commonwealth from the threat posed by certain foreign adversaries using current or potential future social media companies; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 84) of Marcus S. Vaughn relative to electronic security for certain procurements involving electronic or cyber security equipment components, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2539).

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins and Ryan C. Fattman for legislation relative to grant expenditures for public health and safety. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new subsidiary board to oversee the licensing and regulation of veterinary technicians in Massachusetts. The board would consist of five members appointed by the governor, including veterinarians, licensed technicians, and a public representative, who would work without pay to set rules for the profession. Key provisions define the specific roles of veterinary technicians and assistants, establish requirements for obtaining a license such as graduating from an accredited program and passing an exam, and mandate continuing education for licensed technicians. Additionally, the bill allows the board to create rules that may eventually limit licensure to individuals with formal degrees, while also defining the duties that licensed veterinarians can assign to technicians versus non-licensed assistants.

By Representative Howitt of Seekonk, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3337) of Steven S. Howitt for legislation to designate Route 1, Route 20 and Route 6 in the Commonwealth as historic United States routes. Transportation.