Technology in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2570: An Act relative to expedited referrals by legislators

This bill requires state agencies to share constituent personal information directly with legislators or their staff when assisting a person with state services. It removes the need for agencies to get authorization from the constituent (unless federal law requires it) for this disclosure. The law directly affects constituents seeking help, legislators, and agency staff handling such requests. Key provision: Agencies must provide necessary information to help legislators address constituent needs without requiring additional consent. This streamlines assistance but maintains existing federal privacy requirements.

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2594: An Act ensuring banking accessibility

HD 2594, titled "An Act ensuring banking accessibility," requires physical banks (those with a public location staffed by employees) to offer in-person banking services alongside online options. It prohibits physical banks from denying customers in-person access to services simply because online alternatives exist, ensuring people without internet access or preferring face-to-face help can use all banking services. The bill mandates clear signage or verbal communication to inform customers about available in-person services. It explicitly states this does not override existing laws allowing banks to deny service to individuals under other legal grounds. The law directly affects physical banks and customers who rely on in-person banking assistance.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1491: An Act protecting transportation network driver data privacy and integrity

SD 1491 protects transportation network driver data privacy by making records held by the state Board confidential and non-public under Chapter 150F. It requires transportation network companies and driver organizations to follow strict data security protocols, including encryption, access controls, and breach protocols, while prohibiting disclosure of driver information for immigration enforcement without a court order. The bill directly affects ride-hailing companies (like Uber/Lyft), driver organizations, and the state Board, mandating specific regulations by 2025-2026 to govern data handling, consent, and sharing during bargaining. Key provisions include limiting data collection to necessary information, requiring driver consent for data sharing, and establishing procedures for verifying driver eligibility and bargaining representation. The law aims to balance bargaining transparency with robust privacy safeguards for drivers.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Enforcement Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2927: An Act relative to a local option for municipalities to own and operate their own internet provider

HD 2927 allows Massachusetts cities, towns, and municipalities to directly own, operate, or manage their own high-speed broadband internet infrastructure without first establishing a "municipal lighting plant." The bill amends Chapter 40 of the General Laws to remove this barrier, giving local governments the authority to build or contract for internet services. It applies to any municipality that adopts the provision under Chapter 4. This change enables communities to pursue local internet solutions more directly.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3035: An Act reducing non-ionizing radiation in early to higher education

This bill requires Massachusetts public schools and higher education institutions to reduce non-ionizing radiation exposures from wireless technology and electrical systems. Key provisions mandate schools to prioritize hard-wired internet over wireless, minimize antenna power settings, prohibit new wireless infrastructure (like small cell networks) on school property, and establish public monitoring systems tracking progress. It directly affects all public K-12 schools and state-supported colleges/universities in Massachusetts. The law establishes measurable objectives for reducing radiation, including replacing wireless with wired connections where feasible, and integrates environmental health considerations into school operations.

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3325: An Act limiting autonomous driving capabilities to zero emission and electric vehicles

HD 3325 requires all autonomous vehicles operating on public roads in the Commonwealth to be zero-emission vehicles. This bill directly affects autonomous vehicle operators and manufacturers by mandating that self-driving cars must be battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell vehicles. The key provision, added as Section 19M in Chapter 90, prohibits fossil-fuel-powered autonomous vehicles from being used on public ways. The law defines "zero emission vehicle" and clarifies that standard safety features (like adaptive cruise control) do not count as autonomous technology. This policy change specifically restricts the types of vehicles that can operate without human control.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Autonomous Vehicles Electric Vehicles

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3693: An Act relative to grid optimization

This bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Utilities to work with electric utilities to develop standards for software that manages electricity flow using existing smart meters. It directly affects electric utilities and third-party grid managers by mandating new standards to improve system efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance reliability through better load management and grid monitoring. Utilities must design at least one performance metric using detailed meter data to qualify for potential financial incentives. The department must report its findings to the state legislature by December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Electric Grid

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3663: An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability

This bill creates tax and licensing exemptions for out-of-state businesses and employees responding to declared disasters in Massachusetts. It applies to businesses working on "critical infrastructure" (including broadband networks, power systems, and emergency services) during a 60-day disaster response period starting 10 days before an emergency declaration. During this time, these businesses won’t need to register, pay state taxes, or obtain local licenses for their emergency work, and their employees won’t be considered Massachusetts residents for tax purposes. However, they must still pay sales tax on materials used locally and notify state authorities about their presence.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Tags Emergency Management

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4006: An Act relative to smart meters

This bill requires utility companies to give customers the choice between wireless smart meters and traditional non-transmitting electromechanical analog meters at no additional cost. It mandates written customer consent before installing wireless meters or altering meter functionality, and requires utilities to replace wireless meters with analog ones upon request without fees. The bill prohibits utilities from disconnecting service, imposing penalties, or discriminating against customers who choose non-wireless meters due to health concerns or preference. It directly affects all residential and business utility ratepayers in Massachusetts who currently have or would receive wireless meters.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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

All technology bills