Technology

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3667: An Act relative to the free flow of information

This Massachusetts bill, the Free Flow of Information Act, protects journalists and their sources by prohibiting government entities from compelling disclosure of "protected information" (such as confidential sources or journalistic records) without a court order. It requires courts to find by a preponderance of evidence that disclosure is necessary to prevent terrorism or imminent violence before allowing such disclosure. The law also shields journalists' personal accounts and devices on covered service providers (like social media platforms) from compelled disclosure, mandating notice to the journalist and narrow tailoring of any court-ordered information. This law aims to safeguard journalistic integrity by limiting government access to sensitive materials while maintaining strict court oversight.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects journalist data privacy by restricting government access to sources and records without court order, aligning with data privacy safeguards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2422: An Act allowing for fiscal resilience through strategic investment in stable digital financial assets

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2008) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to permit the inclusion of bitcoin and other stable digital financial assets to serve as stores of value and provide a hedge against inflation, thereby protecting the purchasing power of state funds. Revenue.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly permits state funds to use bitcoin and stable digital assets, advancing digital financial technology adoption in fiscal policy.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3628: An Act for the protection and privacy of social care information

By Representative Giannino of Revere, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 378) of Jessica Ann Giannino relative to the protection and privacy of information about an individual’s social needs. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

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

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 10, 2025

S 461: An Act to protect children's learning, focus, and emotional health during school hours

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 461) of John C. Velis, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit access to personal electronic devices and social media in public schools. Education.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationProhibits personal devices/social media in schools, restricting student access during learning hours95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits personal electronic devices and social media in schools, directly restricting technology access for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Social Media

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4935: An Act allowing "print-free" digital legal notices for the town of North Brookfield

This bill allows North Brookfield's government bodies (like the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Planning Board) to post legal notices digitally instead of in print newspapers, addressing the town's lack of an adequate local print newspaper. It permits posting notices on newspaper websites, qualifying local news sites, state notice repositories, or the town's own website, subject to approval by the governing body or a municipal official. The bill does not change existing timing requirements for notices under Massachusetts law. It specifically applies only to North Brookfield and takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnables digital legal notices, reducing print reliance and promoting tech adoption in municipal communications, aligning with digital access goals.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3302: An Act relative to access to justice

This bill restricts Massachusetts state agencies from sharing certain data with federal immigration authorities. It prohibits the Registry of Motor Vehicles from disclosing driver's license information for immigration enforcement (except with a warrant), bans using criminal records for non-criminal justice purposes like immigration checks, and requires written consent for immigration interviews of people in state custody. The law mandates uniform consent forms explaining interview rights in multiple languages and prohibits law enforcement from asking victims, witnesses, or their families about immigration status unless required by law. These provisions directly affect immigrants interacting with Massachusetts state systems, including those in custody or seeking court services.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRestricts state data sharing with federal immigration authorities, prohibits RMV disclosure without warrant, bans criminal record use for immigration checks, limiting federal enforcement cooperation.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts state agencies from sharing personal data (driver's license, criminal records) with immigration authorities without consent/warrant, enhancing data privacy protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1850: An Act to modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections

This bill modernizes how Massachusetts municipalities conduct local meetings and elections. It allows town meetings and select boards to hold remote sessions via phone or video, requiring free public access without subscription fees and mandating roll call voting for remote participants. The bill also gives select boards authority to postpone elections during emergencies (like weather or public health crises) with specific rules for rescheduling, including adjustments to voter deadlines and materials. Municipalities must provide transcripts online if remote access isn't feasible, ensuring transparency in public proceedings.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnables remote municipal participation via free public tech access (phone/video), expanding civic internet use without subscription barriers.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1221: An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections

HD 1221 prohibits publishers from including contract terms that prevent libraries from sharing license details with others or require violating patron privacy. It directly affects public libraries, publishers, and library patrons by ensuring transparency and protecting privacy in digital resource agreements. The bill also creates a special commission to study digital library costs, patron satisfaction, privacy practices, and state approaches, requiring a final report by December 2026. The commission will recommend actions to support diverse digital collections, improve access, and uphold libraries' mission in a digital era.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits privacy-invasive publisher terms, ensures library transparency, and mandates privacy-focused commission study on digital resource agreements.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 958: An Act relative to the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction and reconstruction of telecommunications facilities by the city of Quincy

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1450) of John F. Keenan (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation relative to the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction and reconstruction of telecommunications facilities by the city of Quincy. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds construction of telecom infrastructure, directly advancing internet access and connectivity for Quincy residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2243: An Act relative to electronic automobile insurance charges

This bill prohibits automobile insurance providers from charging fees for processing electronic transactions without first providing written notice to customers. It directly affects insurance companies and policyholders who use electronic payment methods. The key provision requires insurers to give written notification before imposing any fee for electronic transactions. The law creates a clear disclosure requirement to prevent unexpected charges for digital payment processing.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates written notice before electronic payment fees, ensuring transparency and protecting consumer rights in digital transactions.75% confidence

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