Technology

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1242: An Act to protect the privacy of 911 callers

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1156) of Jason M. Lewis, Brian W. Murray, James K. Hawkins, Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to protect the privacy of 911 callers. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly protects 911 caller privacy, directly aligning with data privacy protections under technology policy indicators.95% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2206: An Act regarding information governance

SD 2206 requires all state agencies and municipalities to create and maintain an "information governance plan" (IG plan) for managing all documents and data, regardless of format or whether they are public records. The IG plan must include protocols for storage, naming, privacy, security, routine disposal, halting disposal when needed, and data sharing. These plans must comply with the state's official records retention schedule and be made public, with legally protected portions (like those covered by attorney-client privilege) redacted. The Attorney General enforces this requirement, which standardizes document management across state and local government entities.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires privacy/security protocols in data management plans, directly advancing data privacy and cybersecurity standards for state agencies.85% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 382: An Act relative to intergenerational community engagement

HD 382 establishes a statewide "community connect program" in Massachusetts to connect younger volunteers (including students and working adults) with seniors. The bill requires the Department of Elder Affairs to create senior resources centers in senior living facilities and community centers, offering health screenings, mental health counseling, legal aid, and workshops on financial literacy and technology. Volunteers assisting seniors with tech skills, errands, or companionship can earn community service credits (for students), and the program includes recognition awards for outstanding volunteers. The law takes effect one year after passage and directly affects seniors seeking support and volunteers aged 18+ participating in the program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates senior centers offering health screenings and mental health counseling, directly advancing healthcare access for seniors through public services.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill includes tech skills workshops for seniors to promote digital literacy and equity, directly aligning with digital equity support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1832: An Act modernizing microphotographic recording of documents

HD 1832 amends a statute by removing the phrase "microphotographic process" and requiring that documents be recorded in a format approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. This change updates the legal requirement for document recording, allowing government offices like land registries to use modern digital formats instead of outdated microphotographic methods. The bill directly affects entities responsible for official document recording by making the process adaptable to current technology. It does not specify particular formats but delegates approval authority to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill replaces outdated microphotography with approved digital formats, enabling modern document recording technology adoption.95% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 939: An Act to protect democracy

This bill protects Massachusetts election workers by making it illegal to harass, threaten, or share their personal details online if it risks their safety. It defines election workers broadly - including part-time, unpaid, or contracted staff - and prohibits sharing home addresses, phone numbers, photos, or vehicle details that could lead to threats against them or their family members living in the same household. Violations carry fines up to $25,000 or up to 10 years in prison for repeat offenses. The law specifically targets conduct during election duties and online communications that create imminent safety threats.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProtects election workers (a subset of employees) from harassment and threats by prohibiting sharing personal details, directly advancing workplace safety and workers' rights.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits sharing personal details online that could endanger election workers, directly protecting data privacy and preventing digital misuse of personal information.85% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2263: An Act clarifying the rights of fiduciaries to access digital assets

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1110) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation relative to uniform fiduciary access to digital assets. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyClarifies fiduciary access to digital assets, strengthening data privacy by establishing legal pathways for authorized access without unauthorized breaches.85% confidence

Track