Technology

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 ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects library patron data privacy by restricting access to records, directly aligning with tech policy indicators for data protection.95% confidence

Tags Privacy

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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 ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly links economic development to 'Emerging Technologies,' indicating support for tech-related job investment in Massachusetts.85% confidence

Tags Economic Development

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1607: An Act prohibiting algorithmic rent setting

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 994) of Cindy F. Friedman and Julian Cyr for legislation to prohibit algorithmic rent setting. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits algorithmic rent setting, directly protecting tenants from potentially exploitative pricing practices that could reduce affordability and increase instability.92% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits algorithmic rent setting, restricting tech use in housing decisions, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of limiting technology applications.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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