Technology

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 70: An Act protecting personal identifying information

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 265) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to protect personal identifying information. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly protects personal identifying information, directly advancing data privacy protections in technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1085: An Act establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 460) of John C. Velis and Bradley H. Jones, Jr. for legislation to establish an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program. Education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes robotics grant program for K-12 schools, directly funding STEM educational initiatives and enhancing student programs.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds robotics education (tech-focused initiative), but not directly addressing privacy/cybersecurity policies60% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2203: An Act establishing a right to freedom from doxing

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1252) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a right to freedom from doxing. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes right to freedom from doxing, directly protecting personal data privacy against online harassment, aligning with data privacy indicators.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1203: An Act relative to preventing algorithmic rent fixing in the rental housing market

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1016) of Michael O. Moore, Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the Preventing Algorithmic Rent Fixing in the Rental Housing Market Act. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents algorithmic rent fixing, directly protecting tenants from unfair rent increases and strengthening tenant rights in housing markets.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates algorithmic use in housing to prevent consumer harm, aligning with tech regulation for protection as per indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 315: An Act establishing the Massachusetts open data standard

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 34) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a Massachusetts Open Data Standard for state and municipal agencies to make public data available. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes open data standard for public access, enhancing data transparency and cybersecurity protocols under IT policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 627: An Act to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities

HD 627 requires Massachusetts' Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to update teacher training regulations. Specifically, it mandates that all approved teacher programs include instruction on using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools and assistive technologies. The bill also requires school districts to address the needs of nonverbal students or those with limited speech in teacher professional development plans. This directly affects teachers through new training requirements and students with disabilities who rely on AAC for communication. The policy change focuses on integrating these essential communication supports into standard educator preparation and professional growth.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates teacher training on AAC tools for nonverbal students, enhancing educational access and support for disabled children in K-12 settings.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates teacher training on AAC tools (assistive technology), advancing educational technology adoption for students with disabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1559: An Act relative to protecting biometric information under the security breach law

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 187) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to protect biometric information under the security breach law. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects biometric data under security breach law, strengthening consumer privacy protections in technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2546: An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1965) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability by allowing certain tax exemptions. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes tax exemptions for disaster response and broadband infrastructure, providing targeted tax relief aligned with support indicators.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes affordable broadband infrastructure, directly expanding internet access as a core technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2008: An Act establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program

This bill establishes the Workforce Preparation Robotics grant program to fund robotics and STEM activities in public and charter schools. It provides specific grant amounts based on school level (elementary/middle/high), whether a school has an existing robotics program, and the competition type (e.g., FIRST, VEX, Science Olympiad), with higher funding for schools without established programs. Schools in Cape Cod and Western Massachusetts receive priority, and applicants must commit to registering with approved robotics organizations. Grants are awarded annually based on available funding, with applications due by June 1st for the following academic year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds robotics/STEM programs in K-12 schools via grants, prioritizing underserved areas and expanding educational access through competitive activities.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds robotics/STEM education in schools, directly advancing tech workforce preparation per bill's explicit purpose and grant structure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1301: An Act prohibiting motor vehicle tracking devices without consent

HD 1301 prohibits installing or using location-tracking devices in motor vehicles without the consent of the driver and all passengers. Exceptions include law enforcement using devices during investigations under legal protocols, parents monitoring minor children in vehicles they own, businesses tracking their own company vehicles, and recovering stolen vehicles with police notice. The law defines "electronic mobile tracking devices" as tools that reveal location via phone or computer. It explicitly excludes manufacturer-installed systems, rental company tracking with permission, and insurance company monitoring with consent. Violations are punishable under existing criminal harassment laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits unauthorized vehicle tracking without consent, strengthening data privacy protections under technology policy framework.95% confidence

Track