Technology (Broadband Access)

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3117: An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability

By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3117) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to the taxation of disaster response and broadband infrastructure. Revenue.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly targets broadband infrastructure affordability, directly expanding internet access (key tech topic indicator) without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 2346: An Act relative to a local option for municipalities to own and operate their own internet provider

By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2346) of Erika Uyterhoeven relative to municipalities owning and operating broadband high speed internet infrastructure and services. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables municipalities to establish public broadband providers, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity as a core policy goal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3527: An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

By Representative Mendes of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3527) of Rita A. Mendes relative to broadband service for low-income consumers. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyPreserves broadband service for low-income consumers, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per bill title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3675: An Act relative to taxation of equipment used to provide broadband communication services

HD 3675 exempts sales of specific equipment used to provide broadband services from Massachusetts sales tax. It directly affects broadband providers (like internet and cable companies) purchasing qualifying equipment such as cables, routers, antennas, fiber, and related infrastructure. The bill creates a new tax exemption for machinery, equipment, or replacement parts used in delivering telecommunications, video programming, or internet access services. This exemption applies to purchases made on or after July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts broadband equipment from sales tax, reducing costs for providers to expand infrastructure and improve internet access, directly supporting technology deployment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 822: An Act to establish standards for the pole attachment process to facilitate the construction of broadband networks

This bill establishes standardized procedures for attaching broadband equipment to utility poles, directly affecting broadband providers, utility pole owners, and contractors. It creates a "One Touch Make Ready" process where a single contractor can handle all necessary pole modifications for simple attachments (like adding fiber lines), eliminating delays from multiple separate work orders. The bill defines key terms like "assigned space" and "common space" to clarify pole usage rights and ensures safety zones remain protected during installations. These changes aim to accelerate broadband network deployment by simplifying the pole attachment process.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill streamlines broadband pole attachments via 'One Touch Make Ready,' directly facilitating faster network construction and expanding internet access infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 846: An Act creating the Massachusetts digital equity broadband adoption program

HD 846 establishes Massachusetts' Digital Equity Broadband Adoption Program to expand affordable internet access. The program provides $50 vouchers to eligible low-income residents - automatically including those receiving TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or school lunch assistance - to cover broadband installation, equipment, or monthly service fees. Registered broadband providers must accept these vouchers as payment, and the program is funded through a 50% assessment on broadband providers via a new Broadband Adoption Digital Equity Fund. This directly affects Massachusetts residents who cannot afford internet service, aiming to reduce connectivity barriers through direct financial assistance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds digital equity program via 50% broadband provider assessment, supporting low-income access without increasing public taxes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides internet vouchers to school lunch recipients, directly enabling digital access for students and reducing barriers to educational resources and online learning.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates $50 vouchers for low-income broadband access, directly expanding internet affordability and digital equity per bill's summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment Broadband Access

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 902: An Act related to the resiliency, public safety and quality of broadband in Massachusetts

HD 902 establishes regulations to improve the reliability, resilience, and affordability of broadband and VoIP services across Massachusetts, directly affecting internet service providers and their customers. The bill grants the state department ultimate authority to set standards for network infrastructure, require outage reporting from providers, and enforce minimum power backup systems to prevent service disruptions. It mandates that providers offer pro-rated refunds for outages lasting three minutes or more (excluding customer-caused issues) and display clear consumer labels at point of sale showing pricing, speed, and service details. The department must collect data on broadband deployment and submit annual reports to the legislature on progress toward these goals.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates broadband reliability standards, outage reporting, and consumer refunds to improve internet access and service quality, directly advancing technology infrastructure and consumer protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 975: An Act to establish standards for the pole attachment process to facilitate the construction of broadband networks

This bill establishes standardized rules for attaching broadband infrastructure to utility poles, primarily affecting broadband providers and utility pole owners. It creates a "One Touch Make Ready" process requiring pole owners to provide a list of qualified contractors to modify poles for new broadband attachments, reducing delays. The bill defines key terms like "common space" (shared pole area) and "assigned space" (designated attachment zones) to clarify pole usage and prevent disputes. These changes aim to streamline pole attachment procedures, making it faster and less costly for broadband providers to expand network infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill standardizes pole attachments to reduce delays for broadband construction, directly expanding internet access infrastructure per its facilitation purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2342: An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

This bill requires Massachusetts broadband providers (wireline, fixed wireless, and satellite) to offer affordable high-speed internet to low-income households. Eligible households must participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or qualify for specific assistance programs. Providers must offer service at a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed for $15/month (including taxes/fees), with limited annual price increases. Providers must also advertise the program, report enrollment and compliance annually to the state, and face penalties for noncompliance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires affordable high-speed broadband for low-income households, expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3037: An Act relative to efficient access to the affordable connectivity program

This bill requires internet service providers (ISPs) to maintain uninterrupted service for households already using their service when those households begin receiving benefits through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). It directly affects existing ISP customers who qualify for ACP benefits, ensuring their service continues without disruption. The bill mandates that ISPs must not delay or interrupt service for these households, and the state department will create regulations to implement and enforce this requirement. The policy change focuses on preventing service interruptions for low-income households already connected to an ISP.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnsures uninterrupted ISP service for ACP beneficiaries, expanding internet access for low-income households90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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