MA S57

Bill

Creating the Massachusetts digital equity broadband adoption program

Introduced
03/29/2021

In Committee
03/29/2021

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2022

Introduced Session

192nd General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to create the Massachusetts digital equity broadband adoption program. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

AI Summary

This bill creates the Massachusetts Digital Equity Broadband Adoption Program within the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The purpose of the program is to expand the availability of affordable broadband internet connectivity throughout the commonwealth by providing financial assistance to eligible residents who cannot afford any available service. The bill defines "broadband service" and "provider" and requires the office to enter into agreements with providers to accept vouchers as payment. The office must also coordinate with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to inform families with students of the financial assistance available. Eligible individuals include those receiving benefits from TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or whose households include a child eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The office will provide vouchers to cover 50% of installation, activation, and monthly subscription fees for eligible individuals.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Barry Finegold (D)*, Jason Lewis (D),

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see S2683 (on 02/10/2022)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S57

(13 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S57
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S57.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H104	Relative to filing slander against anonymous parties on the internet	Accompanied a study order, see H5040	Similar To
H120	Relative to internet speed during the COVID-19 outbreak	Accompanied a study order, see H5040	Similar To
H123	Creating a task force to study the use of the internet by sex offenders	No further action taken	Similar To
H139	Protecting internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic	Accompanied a study order, see H5040	Similar To
S2088	Establishing a Cybersecurity Control and Review Commission	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S2137	Protecting broadband access in the Commonwealth	Accompanied a study order, see S2715	Similar To
S2146	Promoting net neutrality and consumer protection	Accompanied a study order, see S2715	Similar To
S2683	Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to advanced information technology, the internet and cybersecurity matters	Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules	Replaced by
S45	Protecting internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic	Accompanied a study order, see S2683	Similar To
S48	To ensure a free and open internet in the commonwealth	Accompanied a study order, see S2683	Similar To
S56	Ensuring accessible and reliable internet service to promote public safety	Accompanied a study order, see S2683	Similar To
S58	Promoting universal access to broadband internet	Accompanied a study order, see S2683	Similar To
S960	Relative to the use of administrative subpoenas to obtain telephone and internet records without judicial review	Accompanied a study order, see S2665	Similar To

Bill > S57

MA S57

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

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