Technology in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 701: An Act relative to the malicious doxing of personal information

This bill creates a civil cause of action for individuals whose personal information (such as home address, phone number, or email) is maliciously shared without consent, with intent to cause harassment, stalking, injury, or death. To win a lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove the defendant knowingly disseminated their information without consent, with malicious intent, and that the sharing posed an immediate threat or caused actual harm. If successful, plaintiffs can recover damages, attorney fees, and other remedies, with courts considering if sensitive details (like health care or identity information) were shared alongside the personal data. The bill excludes liability for internet service providers, reporting of suspected crime, protected speech, or petitioning activities, and requires lawsuits to be filed within two years of the incident.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2465: An Act relative to providing multimodal transportation technologies

This bill allows fully autonomous vehicles (those with systems handling all driving functions without a human driver) to operate on Massachusetts roads under specific conditions. Operators must obtain a Department of Transportation license, ensure vehicles achieve a "minimal risk condition" during system failures, and submit law-enforcement interaction plans. It requires special vehicle registration, mandates that heavier vehicles (10,000+ lbs) still have a human driver, and treats the automated system as the legal "driver" when engaged. The bill also sets requirements for crash reporting and insurance coverage for these vehicles.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Vehicle Registration

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 715: An Act relative to consumer health data

This bill creates new rules for how companies in Massachusetts handle consumers' health information. It directly affects businesses that collect health data (like fitness apps, health insurers, or telemedicine services) by requiring clear, specific consent before gathering or sharing such data. Key provisions include banning deceptive website designs meant to trick users into agreeing, prohibiting consent obtained through broad terms of service, and defining strict limits on selling health data to third parties. The law also clarifies that precise location data used to find health services is protected under these rules.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Telehealth Consumer Data Protection

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 397: An Act relative to the right to repair for agricultural equipment

This bill requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment (like tractors, combines, and harvesters) to provide independent repair shops and farmers with fair access to necessary repair resources. It mandates that manufacturers supply documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, and diagnostic tools at terms equivalent to those offered to their own dealers, without unreasonable restrictions or higher costs. The law specifically excludes equipment such as irrigation systems, snowmobiles, and highway vehicles from coverage. It directly affects Massachusetts farmers and independent repair providers by reducing barriers to repairing farm machinery without being forced to use manufacturer-approved services.

Topics ✓ Technology

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1551: An Act modernizing the six fundamental rights

This bill (HD 1551) updates rights for people in correctional or care facilities by modernizing existing provisions. It directly affects residents by adding access to video calls with transcription, personal devices (like phones/computers), email, and gender-affirming care items (e.g., binders, period products). Key mechanisms include requiring facilities to allow reasonable daily use of personal devices, enabling email communication, expanding visitor rights to include peer supporters/recovery coaches, and creating a fund from fines for facility improvements. Enforcement includes $100+ fines for repeated violations and new staff positions to handle complaints. The changes aim to align facility policies with current communication technology and inclusive care standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1200: An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

Massachusetts bill SD 1200 requires broadband providers to offer high-speed internet service to eligible low-income households at $15 per month. Eligibility includes households participating in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or federal housing assistance, or earning under 200% of the federal poverty level. The service must provide at least 100 Mbps download speed, and providers must report annually to the state telecom department on enrollment and compliance. Violations can be enforced through court actions by the Attorney General.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4172: Resolutions urging Congress to pass legislation establishing a national infrastructure bank

Massachusetts' resolution HD 4172 urges Congress to pass legislation creating a national infrastructure bank to finance critical infrastructure projects. It cites a $6 trillion backlog in U.S. infrastructure needs, including aging bridges, poor road conditions, and broadband gaps in Massachusetts, as highlighted by the American Society of Civil Engineers' C- grade. The resolution requests Congress adopt a dedicated funding mechanism modeled on historical infrastructure banks to modernize transportation, utilities, housing, and broadband systems while supporting economic growth.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Bridges Transportation Funding

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1457: An Act relative to the integrity of state data systems

This bill strengthens data privacy for Massachusetts state systems by clarifying which activities qualify as "criminal justice duties" and restricting data sharing. It prohibits state agencies from sharing motor vehicle records with federal agencies for civil immigration enforcement, except when a valid warrant is presented. The bill also blocks access to criminal offender records for non-criminal justice purposes, like civil enforcement, and requires federal agencies to certify their use of such data solely for criminal justice. These provisions directly affect state agencies managing data (like the motor vehicle registry) and federal entities seeking access to state databases.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Data Privacy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1589: An Act to protect library patron privacy

HD 1589, titled "An Act to protect library patron privacy," prevents public access to library records revealing a patron's identity and reading or research habits. It classifies these records as non-public, meaning they cannot be accessed by the public or most government entities without legal authorization. Law enforcement may only view such records with a court-issued warrant under standard legal procedures or during immediate emergencies. This bill directly protects library users by ensuring their reading choices and research activities remain confidential.

Topics ✓ Technology

Tags Privacy

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 289: An Act relative to investment in Massachusetts-based jobs

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 296) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to investment in Massachusetts-based jobs. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

Topics ✓ Technology

Tags Economic Development

All technology bills