Technology (Broadband Access)

in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 5290: An Act to streamline broadband permitting and ensure equitable access to infrastructure

This bill amends state law to speed up the permitting process for broadband internet infrastructure and promote open access networks where multiple providers can share physical facilities. It requires state and local governments to approve permit applications within 45 days and mandates that infrastructure owners grant timely, cost-based access to broadband providers. The legislation also establishes rules for "dig once" policies to include conduits during excavations, creates a registry for qualified contractors, and sets up enforcement mechanisms with potential fines for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill streamlines broadband permitting and ensures equitable access to infrastructure, directly advancing internet access and digital equity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

H 5017: An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

This bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover and reimburse new telehealth services, including e-consults (provider-to-provider digital advice), e-visits (patient-initiated digital check-ins), and remote monitoring of health data. It directly affects patients seeking virtual care, healthcare providers delivering telehealth services, and insurance carriers. Key provisions mandate coverage for these services without extra prior authorization compared to in-person visits, include interpreter services for non-English speakers or Deaf patients, and require insurers to offer digital health literacy programs for patients with low tech skills. The bill also creates a shared portal for applying to affordable broadband programs to support digital access.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for telehealth services, expanding patient access to virtual care without prior authorization barriers95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates insurance coverage for telehealth services including remote monitoring, promoting digital equity in healthcare access95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Telehealth Broadband Access

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 299: An Act to establish municipal access to utility poles located in municipal rights-of-way

This bill (HD 299) requires municipalities to cover their own costs for "make-ready work" (rearranging or replacing utility poles to accommodate new attachments) when attaching facilities to shared-use poles for two specific purposes: (1) governmental projects related to public health/safety, or (2) expanding broadband service to areas designated as "unserved or underserved" by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. It directly affects municipalities seeking to install broadband infrastructure or public safety equipment on utility poles within municipal rights-of-way. The law clarifies that utility pole owners and existing attachers are not responsible for these costs, shifting the financial burden to the municipality for qualifying projects. Key provisions define "unserved areas" based on broadband access metrics and specify that "make-ready work" includes pole modifications necessary to add new attachments.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnables broadband expansion in underserved areas by facilitating municipal access to utility poles for infrastructure deployment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2594: An Act ensuring banking accessibility

HD 2594, titled "An Act ensuring banking accessibility," requires physical banks (those with a public location staffed by employees) to offer in-person banking services alongside online options. It prohibits physical banks from denying customers in-person access to services simply because online alternatives exist, ensuring people without internet access or preferring face-to-face help can use all banking services. The bill mandates clear signage or verbal communication to inform customers about available in-person services. It explicitly states this does not override existing laws allowing banks to deny service to individuals under other legal grounds. The law directly affects physical banks and customers who rely on in-person banking assistance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnsures in-person banking access for non-internet users, promoting digital equity as core technology policy focus90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2927: An Act relative to a local option for municipalities to own and operate their own internet provider

HD 2927 allows Massachusetts cities, towns, and municipalities to directly own, operate, or manage their own high-speed broadband internet infrastructure without first establishing a "municipal lighting plant." The bill amends Chapter 40 of the General Laws to remove this barrier, giving local governments the authority to build or contract for internet services. It applies to any municipality that adopts the provision under Chapter 4. This change enables communities to pursue local internet solutions more directly.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRemoves barrier for municipalities to own/operate broadband infrastructure, directly expanding internet access and promoting local digital infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3663: An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability

This bill creates tax and licensing exemptions for out-of-state businesses and employees responding to declared disasters in Massachusetts. It applies to businesses working on "critical infrastructure" (including broadband networks, power systems, and emergency services) during a 60-day disaster response period starting 10 days before an emergency declaration. During this time, these businesses won’t need to register, pay state taxes, or obtain local licenses for their emergency work, and their employees won’t be considered Massachusetts residents for tax purposes. However, they must still pay sales tax on materials used locally and notify state authorities about their presence.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill exempts broadband infrastructure businesses from taxes/licenses during disasters, directly supporting internet access expansion for critical communications.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Tags Emergency Management

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1200: An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

Massachusetts bill SD 1200 requires broadband providers to offer high-speed internet service to eligible low-income households at $15 per month. Eligibility includes households participating in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or federal housing assistance, or earning under 200% of the federal poverty level. The service must provide at least 100 Mbps download speed, and providers must report annually to the state telecom department on enrollment and compliance. Violations can be enforced through court actions by the Attorney General.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEligibility includes households receiving federal housing assistance, directly supporting low-income housing residents through affordable broadband access.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyDirectly expands affordable high-speed internet access for low-income households, advancing digital equity and internet access under technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4172: Resolutions urging Congress to pass legislation establishing a national infrastructure bank

Massachusetts' resolution HD 4172 urges Congress to pass legislation creating a national infrastructure bank to finance critical infrastructure projects. It cites a $6 trillion backlog in U.S. infrastructure needs, including aging bridges, poor road conditions, and broadband gaps in Massachusetts, as highlighted by the American Society of Civil Engineers' C- grade. The resolution requests Congress adopt a dedicated funding mechanism modeled on historical infrastructure banks to modernize transportation, utilities, housing, and broadband systems while supporting economic growth.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly cites broadband gaps in infrastructure backlog and seeks funding to modernize internet access, directly advancing technology access goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges national infrastructure bank to fund transportation projects (roads, bridges) addressing $6T backlog, citing civil engineers' C-grade infrastructure needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Bridges Transportation Funding

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2546: An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1965) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability by allowing certain tax exemptions. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes tax exemptions for disaster response and broadband infrastructure, providing targeted tax relief aligned with support indicators.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes affordable broadband infrastructure, directly expanding internet access as a core technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 1965: An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1965) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability by allowing certain tax exemptions. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allows tax exemptions for disaster response and broadband infrastructure, providing tax relief as a direct fiscal support measure.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes broadband infrastructure affordability via tax exemptions, directly expanding internet access as a core technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

Track