Technology

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3373: An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising

HD 3373 requires political campaigns, PACs, parties, and others paying for election-related ads to disclose when synthetic media (AI-generated audio or video) is used. Ads containing such content must display "Contains content generated by AI" at the start and end, plus specific real-time labels like "This video content generated by AI" during the ad. Violations carry a maximum $1,000 fine, though the law doesn’t override other legal liabilities. The rule applies only to paid political ads influencing votes on candidates or ballot measures, not general content.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires AI-generated political ad disclosures to protect voters from deception, aligning with consumer protection regulations in digital advertising.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3750: An Act relative to AI health communications and informed patient consent

This bill requires healthcare providers to inform patients if AI generates their health information and provide contact details for human providers. It also mandates health insurance companies to disclose when AI tools are used in claims reviews, including details about the tools. Insurers must annually report to the insurance division about AI algorithms used in care reviews, including how they address bias related to race, gender, or other protected characteristics. The law directly affects patients, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers by increasing transparency around AI in health communications and insurance decisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires AI transparency in patient care and claims, mandating bias disclosures to protect patient rights and ensure equitable healthcare access.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires AI transparency in healthcare, mandates bias reporting for insurers, aligning with consumer protection regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1336: An Act relative to cyber procurement projects

HD 1336 requires Massachusetts state agencies to give preference to vendors with cybersecurity insurance when buying information technology goods or services. This applies specifically to IT procurement contracts, meaning agencies must prioritize bids from vendors holding such insurance. However, the bill explicitly states that vendors without cybersecurity insurance can still submit bids and be awarded contracts - they are simply not given priority. The law aims to encourage stronger cybersecurity practices among vendors working with state agencies without banning uninsured vendors entirely.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires state agencies to prioritize vendors with cybersecurity insurance in IT procurement, enhancing data protection and cybersecurity standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2424: An Act to promote transparency of facial recognition and driver's license photos

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1731) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to promote transparency of facial recognition and driver's license photos. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyPromotes transparency in facial recognition use, advancing data privacy protections for individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Emerging Technology

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2110: An Act establishing the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act

This bill establishes Massachusetts' first comprehensive data privacy law, directly affecting businesses that collect personal information from residents. It requires covered entities (primarily commercial businesses handling personal data) to obtain clear, specific consent for data processing - banning deceptive practices like "dark patterns" that trick users into sharing information. Key provisions include strict rules for handling biometric data, prohibiting the use of broad terms of service as consent, and creating new definitions for terms like "data broker." Small businesses with under $20 million annual revenue and certain nonprofits are exempt from most requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires clear consent for data processing, bans 'dark patterns', and sets strict biometric data rules - strengthening consumer privacy protections under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2125: An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

This bill expands telehealth coverage and digital access for Massachusetts residents. It requires health insurers to cover virtual visits, digital consultations, remote patient monitoring, and related devices at the same rate as in-person care. The bill also creates a shared application portal for affordable broadband programs and mandates insurers to provide interpreter services and digital literacy support for patients with limited English proficiency or low tech skills. These provisions directly affect patients, healthcare providers, and insurers across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands telehealth coverage with equal insurer reimbursement, mandates interpreter/digital support for access barriers, directly advancing patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands telehealth coverage, mandates insurer reimbursement for digital services, creates broadband portal, and requires digital literacy support - directly advancing digital equity and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telehealth Broadband Access

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 381: An Act relative to digital inclusion for seniors

This bill establishes a low-income senior internet subsidy program to help older adults access affordable internet. It provides eligible seniors (aged 65+ with household income under 200% of the federal poverty level) with monthly subsidies of up to $50 for home internet services and partners with internet providers to offer discounted plans. Senior living facilities (like assisted living communities and nursing homes) can receive grants to install and maintain free public Wi-Fi hotspots, prioritizing areas with limited digital infrastructure or high concentrations of low-income residents. The program requires annual reporting on implementation, participants, and impact to ensure effectiveness and guide future funding.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes subsidies for seniors' internet access, directly expanding affordable connectivity for vulnerable populations. Aligns with digital inclusion goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 368: An Act to modernize participation in public meetings

HD 368 requires all public bodies (including local towns, school districts, counties, and state agencies) to make meetings both physically open and remotely accessible to the public. It mandates that meetings must be viewable online via free video platforms without charge, with captioning and accessibility accommodations for people with disabilities. The bill also requires 48-hour advance notice of meetings (posted online and visibly in public buildings), specifies minimum physical presence requirements for voting members, and requires state meetings to be recorded and posted within 10 business days. These changes aim to modernize public access to government meetings while maintaining transparency and inclusivity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free online access to public meetings via video platforms, expanding internet access and digital equity for all citizens.95% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3523: An Act to provide accountability in the use of biometric recognition technology and comprehensive enforcement

By Representatives Rogers of Cambridge and Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 96) of David M. Rogers and Andres X. Vargas relative to the use of biometric recognition technology. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates accountability for biometric tech use, directly addressing data privacy and cybersecurity through regulatory enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Cybersecurity

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 2835: An Act relative to internet privacy rights for children

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 98) of David M. Rogers and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to internet privacy rights for children. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly protects children's internet privacy rights, aligning with data privacy indicators in tech policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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