Bill > H1931

This bill enhances legal protections against child exploitation by updating Massachusetts law to address emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The legislation comprehensively defines new terms such as "child pornography" (including AI-generated depictions), "non-consensual explicit material," and "computer-generated content," and establishes strict criminal penalties for possessing, distributing, or manufacturing exploitative materials. Possession of such materials can result in 2.5 to 5 years in prison for a first offense, with increased penalties for subsequent offenses, and fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the specific violation. The bill also creates a Task Force on Exploitative Technologies to monitor technological advancements in potential exploitation methods, requiring annual recommendations to the state legislature. Additionally, the legislation mandates public awareness campaigns, victim support programs, and establishes a framework for handling juvenile sexting through educational diversion programs. The bill further requires a fiscal impact report, allows for victim restitution, and provides enforcement guidelines for law enforcement agencies, with a particular focus on addressing challenges posed by AI-generated explicit content. By encompassing both technological and human aspects of exploitation, the bill aims to provide comprehensive legal protection for minors and individuals vulnerable to non-consensual explicit materials.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1931