Technology

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1708: An Act to streamline broadband permitting and ensure equitable access to infrastructure

HD 1708 requires state and local governments to streamline broadband infrastructure permitting, mandating decisions within 30-45 days and cost-based fees for access to poles and conduits. It prioritizes "open access" networks - where multiple providers share physical infrastructure - to reduce costs and improve equity, requiring all state-funded broadband projects to adopt this model. The bill also enforces a "Dig Once" policy for new construction (including empty conduits) and "One-Touch Make-Ready" for pole work to accelerate deployment. These provisions apply to all broadband providers, infrastructure owners (like municipalities and utilities), and state agencies, with the Department of Telecommunications and Cable enforcing compliance through fines up to $25,000 per day for violations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates open access broadband infrastructure, streamlines permitting for equitable internet expansion, directly supporting expanded access and digital equity per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 338: An Act establishing free broadband internet access in public housing

This bill requires all public housing units in the Commonwealth to provide free broadband internet access to residents, establishing it as a standard feature of "decent, safe and sanitary dwellings" under housing law. It mandates the state department to study broadband's connection to public health, particularly in underserved communities. Housing authorities will receive state funding (appropriated by the General Court) to implement and maintain this free service, with broadband explicitly excluded from being classified as a utility. The policy directly affects public housing residents and housing authorities responsible for compliance.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates free broadband in public housing as a standard feature of 'decent, safe, sanitary dwellings,' directly enhancing housing quality and accessibility for residents in affordable housing units.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free broadband in public housing, expanding internet access in underserved communities with state funding for implementation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1458: An Act fostering artificial intelligence responsibility

This bill establishes new regulations for employers using artificial intelligence in employment decisions within Massachusetts. It defines key terms like "Automated Decision System" (ADS) as any AI tool making hiring, promotion, or workplace decisions, and restricts how employers can collect or use sensitive employee data - including biometrics, health information, and productivity tracking. Employers must disclose ADS use and obtain consent for certain data collection, while prohibiting the use of AI tools for decisions affecting wages, benefits, or job access without transparency. The law directly affects all Massachusetts employers and workers whose data is processed by such systems.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires employer disclosure of AI use in hiring/promotions, prohibits unauthorized data collection (biometrics/health), and mandates consent for sensitive data - directly protecting workers' privacy rights in employment decisions.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates AI in hiring to protect employee data privacy via consent requirements and restricted biometric/health data collection, aligning with privacy protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Data Privacy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1455: An Act to provide accountability in the use of biometric recognition technology and comprehensive enforcement

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 36) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to protect residents from abusive use of their biometric information. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates accountability for biometric tech use to protect resident data privacy, directly aligning with regulatory support for consumer protection in digital rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Cybersecurity

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2430: An Act providing for consumer protection in a digital economy

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 40) of Barry R. Finegold that the Office of the State Treasurer develop and periodically review and update a digital module and resources on cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates digital asset resources for consumer protection in digital economy, aligning with privacy and digital rights indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 267: An Act establishing the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 45) of Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act, directly protecting consumer data and aligning with privacy/cybersecurity indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Cybersecurity Data Privacy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1555: An Act relative to the modernization of state agency information technology systems

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 31) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to modernize state agency information technology systems. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill modernizes state IT systems with explicit focus on cybersecurity, aligning with support indicators for strengthening digital infrastructure and security measures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1894: An Act ensuring internet security and privacy

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 289) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to ensure internet security and privacy. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly aims to ensure internet security and privacy, directly advancing data protection and cybersecurity standards per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 265: An Act to protect against election misinformation

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 44) of Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to deceptive and fraudulent deepfakes in election communications. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill targets deceptive deepfakes in election communications under cybersecurity, directly addressing tech-driven misinformation threats to protect election integrity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 587: An Act relative to surveillance pricing in grocery stores

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 47) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to prohibit surveillance pricing based on the biometric data of individuals collected on the premises of a food store and food department. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits biometric data collection for pricing, protecting consumer privacy under tech regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Cybersecurity

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