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.
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.
By Representative Luddy of Orleans, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3974) of Hadley Luddy relative to cellular coverage. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
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.
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.
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.
By Representative Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3470) of Mark J. Cusack relative to transportation network driver data privacy. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
This bill creates a state grant program to improve cellular connectivity in Massachusetts public schools. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will distribute grants to eligible school districts that apply, with funding subject to state budget approval. The program requires the department to conduct a two-year study evaluating grant effectiveness and making recommendations for future funding distribution. The bill directly affects school districts seeking to upgrade their wireless infrastructure, with no changes to existing student or staff responsibilities.
