An Act relative to civil rights and technology
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill addresses the use of robotic devices, particularly those equipped with weapons, to protect civil rights and public safety in Massachusetts. It establishes criminal penalties for manufacturing, selling, or operating such devices, as well as for using them to threaten, harass, or restrain individuals. The legislation also outlines specific exemptions for government entities, defense contractors, and certain research and educational purposes, and requires law enforcement agencies to obtain warrants before deploying weaponized robots on private property.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘robotic device’ and ‘weapon’ for legal purposes.
- Prohibits the manufacture, sale, possession, and operation of robotic devices equipped with weapons.
- Establishes criminal penalties for violating the prohibitions, with escalating sentences for repeat offenders.
- Outlines exceptions for specific entities, including the Department of Defense, the Massachusetts National Guard, and defense industrial companies.
- Requires law enforcement to obtain warrants before deploying weaponized robots on private property.
- Mandates reporting by law enforcement agencies on the use of weaponized robots.
- Allows civil lawsuits for damages resulting from violations of the bill.
- Authorizes the promulgation of rules and regulations by the Secretary of Public Safety and Security and the Attorney General.
Who is affected
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
4 on record
Primary sponsor
House Committee on Ways and Means
Cosponsors
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours