Technology

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 5094: An Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising

H 5094 requires political campaigns, PACs, and political committees to disclose when their paid election ads contain AI-generated audio or video content. Specifically, such ads must include clear, visible text or spoken phrases like "This video content was generated by AI" at the start and end, with variations for audio-only or mixed media. The bill directly affects any political advertiser using synthetic media in election-related communications, imposing a $1,000 fine for noncompliance. It defines "synthetic media" as AI-created audio or video and mandates these disclosures without restricting AI use in ads.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires disclosure of AI-generated political ads to prevent voter deception, aligning with digital rights and consumer protection regulations in technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 9, 2026

HD 5563: An Act relative to consumer connected devices

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge and Senator Brownsberger, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of David M. Rogers, William N. Brownsberger and others relative to consumer connected devices. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill regulates consumer connected devices under Consumer Protection committee, implying data privacy safeguards for users.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 5611: An Act relative to town meeting accessibility

This bill requires towns to make their town meetings accessible both in person and remotely via video conferencing. It allows up to 15 town meeting members to participate remotely using a video platform, with their votes recorded electronically. The law applies directly to all town meeting members and requires towns to provide this option using a standard internet-connected device. The key provision ensures remote attendees can be recognized by the moderator and have their votes counted through the platform. This is a procedural change to meeting accessibility rules, not a substantive policy.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires remote town meetings via video conferencing using standard internet devices, expanding digital access for public participation.90% confidence

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 4982: An Act relative to portable wireless device repair

This bill requires manufacturers of portable wireless devices (like cell phones) sold in Massachusetts to provide independent repair shops with necessary documentation, parts, and tools on "fair and reasonable terms" - meaning the same cost and access they offer to their own authorized repair shops. It specifically prohibits manufacturers from forcing authorized repair providers to use proprietary formats for repair information if standardized formats are available on better terms. The law does not require manufacturers to provide discontinued parts or reveal trade secrets, and it limits liability for manufacturers regarding repairs performed by independent shops. This directly affects independent repair businesses and device owners seeking affordable, non-manufacturer repairs within the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires manufacturers to provide fair repair access to independent shops, promoting consumer choice and reducing repair monopolies - aligns with right-to-repair advocacy in tech policy.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 5610: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for responding to recent federal actions

This bill primarily allocates funding for Massachusetts state operations in fiscal year 2026, including $12.3 million for indigent legal services and $300 million for group health insurance. It also includes significant policy changes: it removes a citizenship application requirement for financial assistance programs and adds privacy protections for applicant information. Most notably, Section 5 creates new rules for child care settings, requiring law enforcement to obtain a judicial warrant before entering licensed child care centers, family child care homes, or school-aged programs for immigration enforcement. These rules mandate that staff verify warrants, obtain director approval before allowing entry, and limit access to areas without children. The policy directly affects child care providers and law enforcement interactions within these facilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $12.3M for indigent legal services and $300M for group health insurance, directly funding public services through state appropriations.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllocates $12.3M for indigent legal services, directly supporting defendants' access to counsel in criminal cases.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $300M for group health insurance, removes citizenship barriers for financial assistance, and adds privacy protections - expanding access and strengthening coverage.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRemoves citizenship requirement for financial assistance and adds privacy protections, increasing immigrant access to state services while limiting data sharing with federal enforcement.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly adds privacy protections for applicant information, directly advancing data privacy - a core component of technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Insurance Citizenship & Naturalization Enforcement

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 5, 2026

HD 5612: An Act to Prevent Repricing for Individuals based on Consumer Engagement, or the PRICE Act

HD 5612, the PRICE Act, prohibits businesses from charging different prices for goods or services based on consumers' online activity - including searches, browsing history, location data, or time spent viewing items. It directly affects consumers whose prices might otherwise change due to their digital footprint. The bill defines "online surveillance pricing" and explicitly excludes standard discounts (like for seniors or students), loyalty programs, and insurance/credit pricing. If passed, it would amend Chapter 93A to ban this specific pricing practice while allowing legitimate cost-based or widely disclosed discounts. The bill is currently referred to the House Rules committee.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits price discrimination using online activity data (browsing, location), directly protecting consumer data privacy and regulating business use of digital footprints per topic definition.90% confidence

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SD 3606: An Act relative to consumer connected devices

By Mr. Brownsberger and Mr. Rogers of Cambridge, a joint petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William N. Brownsberger and David M. Rogers for legislation relative to consumer connected devices. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill targets consumer connected devices under Consumer Protection, implying regulatory measures for data privacy/security, aligning with support indicators.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2821: An Act protecting the privacy of social care information.

Senate, January 7, 2026 -- The committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 258) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to protect the privacy of individuals’ social care information, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2821).

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly protects privacy of social care information, directly aligning with data privacy indicators under technology policy.90% confidence

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 8, 2025

H 4807: An Act relative to updating the security of personal information

H 4807 updates Massachusetts' data security laws by defining key terms and strengthening protections for personal information. It directly affects Massachusetts government agencies, departments, and businesses (called "service providers") that handle residents' data, including new categories like biometric data (e.g., fingerprints) and neural data (e.g., brain activity measurements). The bill expands what counts as "personal information" to include sensitive details like health history, precise location data, and financial account numbers, and requires clearer breach notifications - such as free security freeze options - within 30 days of discovering a breach. It also mandates that organizations implement security programs to protect data and comply with federal standards.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStrengthens data security by expanding personal information definitions to include biometric/neural data, directly protecting privacy per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 18, 2025

H 4831: An Act to modernize participation in public meetings

H 4831 requires all local, regional, and state public meetings to offer free, accessible remote participation and viewing. It mandates that remote attendees can vote, count toward quorum, and access meetings without fees or barriers - including captioning and disability accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public bodies must post meeting notices online 48 hours in advance (excluding holidays), and state meetings must be recorded and posted within 10 business days. The bill updates notice requirements for different government bodies and ensures remote access is available to all, including people with disabilities.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires free remote participation via technology, mandates online meeting access and ADA-compliant accommodations, expanding digital access for public engagement.90% confidence

Track