Sen. Barry Finegold

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts data privacy laws by expanding the types of sensitive information that require protection. It specifically adds new definitions for biometric data, genetic information, and precise geolocation data to the list of personal information that must be secured. Additionally, the legislation clarifies what constitutes a security breach, defining it as the unauthorized access to unencrypted data or encrypted data where the encryption key has been compromised. These changes aim to ensure that organizations handling these specific categories of data have stronger obligations to safeguard them against theft or misuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new chapter in Massachusetts law to regulate large-scale generative artificial intelligence models, such as ChatGPT, which are defined as systems with at least one billion parameters. It requires companies operating these models to register with the Attorney General and adhere to specific operating standards, including preventing discrimination, implementing watermarks to identify AI-generated text, protecting user data, obtaining informed consent for data collection, and conducting regular risk assessments. The Attorney General would be responsible for enforcing these rules and maintaining a public registry of registered companies, with violations subject to legal action under existing consumer protection laws. The legislation also includes a disclaimer stating that while the text was drafted with the assistance of an AI, any errors are the responsibility of the human authors.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Massachusetts Cyber Incident Response Team to improve the state's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from significant cybersecurity events. The team will be led by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security and include representatives from various state agencies such as public safety, the state police, and the National Guard. Its primary duties involve reviewing cybersecurity threats, creating policies to manage risks for state agencies, and developing an annual incident response plan that outlines how to handle potential attacks on critical infrastructure like election systems and utilities. The response team will also share information with local, state, federal, and industry partners to ensure its strategies are based on current best practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants property tax exemptions to disabled veterans in Massachusetts who have a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, the veteran must be at least 65 years old, a legal resident of the state, and have served under honorable conditions, while the property must be their primary residence. The exemption covers a percentage of the home's value equal to the veteran's disability rating, with the state covering the resulting tax loss by reimbursing local municipalities. Additionally, the benefit extends to the surviving spouse if they continue to own and occupy the home after the veteran passes away.

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3115) of Barry R. Finegold (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the increase of a tax exemption for eligible veterans in the town of Tewksbury. Revenue. [Local approval received]

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3114) of Barry R. Finegold (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the increase of a tax exemption for eligible seniors in the town of Tewksbury. Revenue. [Local approval received]

Senate, October 17, 2022 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Finegold) for the Senate Bill authorizing the town of Tewksbury to change the name of its Board of Selectmen to Select Board (Senate, No. 2593).

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1517) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Paul J. Donato, Andres X. Vargas, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote community immunity. Public Health.

Senate, November 21, 2022 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Finegold) for the Senate Bill authorizing the town of Andover to grant additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises (Senate, No. 2854).

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Barry R. Finegold and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to school improvements in the town of Wilmington. Education.