Bill > S1208

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for robotic devices, primarily focusing on preventing their weaponization and misuse. The legislation defines a "robotic device" as a device capable of autonomous or remote-controlled movement, including uncrewed aerial vehicles, and defines "weapon" broadly to include firearms, chemical agents, explosive devices, and other harmful technologies. The bill makes it illegal for any person to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, possess, or operate a robotic device equipped with a weapon, with significant criminal penalties ranging from 2.5 to 15 years of imprisonment depending on the number of offenses. Additionally, the bill prohibits using robotic devices to threaten crimes, harass individuals, or physically restrain people, with corresponding legal consequences. The legislation provides exemptions for certain government and defense entities, including the Department of Defense, Massachusetts National Guard, and defense industrial companies, and allows for waivers from the attorney general for specific purposes like technology development, education, or entertainment. For law enforcement, the bill permits weapon-equipped robotic devices in limited scenarios such as explosive disposal or preventing imminent threats, but requires judicial warrants for deploying devices on private property or conducting surveillance. The bill also mandates public documentation of robotic device usage by law enforcement agencies and allows individuals to bring civil actions for damages resulting from violations.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1208