This bill requires public school districts to create policies prohibiting student cell phone use during instructional time, directly affecting K-12 students in Massachusetts public schools. The key provision mandates that school policies must ban phones unless a teacher specifically directs their use for learning. It amends existing law to require this policy as a standard practice in all public schools. The change focuses on classroom management by establishing a clear, district-level requirement for phone restrictions.
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.
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.
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.
This bill requires all public schools to create and implement two specific policies. First, schools must establish a device policy prohibiting student access to personal electronic devices (like phones or tablets) during the school day, except for special education plans, emergencies, or administrator approval. Second, schools must develop a social media education policy teaching students about the risks of social media use, including emotional and physical impacts. Schools must notify parents about both policies and file them with the state education department, which will provide public guidance to help schools create effective policies. The bill directly affects public school students, parents, and school districts across the state.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 35) of Dylan A. Fernandes and Michael D. Brady for legislation to promote employee physical and mental health and wellbeing by limiting the use of electronic monitoring tools. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
