Press Room

The Massachusetts House of Representatives today passed the following bills:

H.5444 An Act relative to civil rights and technology

The bill makes it unlawful for a person to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, possess or operate a robotic device equipped or mounted with a weapon. It also makes it unlawful for a person to use a robotic device to threaten to commit a crime, criminally harass a person, or physically restrain or attempt to physically restrain a person. The bill includes exemptions for law enforcement agencies. The bill passed the House of Representatives 155-1.

“Ensuring that our laws keep up with advancements in technology is critical,” said Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. “This bill prohibits the possession of drones and robots equipped to harm others and ensures clear civil rights protections for our residents.”

H.5443 An Act relative to increasing access to epinephrine

The bill allows an authorized entity to acquire and maintain a supply of epinephrine autoinjectors from a wholesaler approved by the Department of Public Health (DPH), and allows an employee or agent of an authorized entity who has completed a training program to use epinephrine autoinjectors, on the premises of or in connection with the authorized entity, to provide or administer epinephrine to any individual they believe in is experiencing anaphylaxis. The bill passed the House of Representatives 154-0.

“Today, the House of Representatives acted to help save lives during anaphylactic emergencies,” Representative Marjorie C. Decker (D-Cambridge), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. “What we did today was ensure that more people will have access to lifesaving tools like EpiPens when every second matters. This legislation is about preventing tragedy, expanding access, and making sure fewer families have to mourn the loss of a loved one from a preventable death.”

H.5441 An Act relative to newborn screenings for congenital cytomegalovirus

The bill requires DPH, in consultation with the perinatal advisory committee, to develop regulations for all hospitals and birthing facilities requiring congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) screening. It also requires DPH to undertake a pilot program for universal cCMV screening to optimize processes for testing, reporting and medical care.

The bill also requires the Commissioner of DPH to establish, promote and maintain a public information program regarding cCMV, and make it available to any health care provider, physician assistant, nurse or midwife who renders prenatal or postnatal care or offers fertility counseling or care to a parent or guardian. A hospital, birthing facility or any health care provider, physician assistant, nurse or midwife who renders prenatal or postnatal care must give expectant or new parents or guardians the information provided by DPH. The bill passed the House of Representatives 155-1.

“Today we ensured that more parents will have the timely information they need by adding congenital CMV to newborn screening,” Representative Marjorie C. Decker (D-Cambridge), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. “Earlier detection can change the course of a child’s life by expanding opportunities for treatment and intervention. I’m deeply grateful to the families who shared their stories and advocated so powerfully, and to the House of Representatives for taking this important step.”

S.2903 An Act honoring Blue Star Families

The bill requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to furnish, without charge, distinctive vehicle registration plate or a distinctive motorcycle emblem to a parent, child, spouse, sibling, or grandchildren of a law enforcement officer who has been killed in the line of duty. The bill passed the House of Representatives 156-0.

“Thank you to House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and Representative Tom Walsh for their leadership on this bill that the legislature has overwhelmingly passed to honor the Commonwealth's Blue Star Families,” Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Blue Star Families have endured the unimaginable loss of a child, spouse, parent, or sibling in the line of duty. While no symbol can fully express the gratitude owed to our fallen heroes and their loved ones, this legislation stands as a lasting commitment that their sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.”

S.2565 An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

The bill requires the RMV to make blue envelopes available, upon request, to any person with autism spectrum disorder or their parent or guardian. It requires State Police, in consultation with the RMV, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts or any other organization that advocates for people with autism spectrum disorder, to design blue envelopes that provide written information and guidance on the outside of the envelope on ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must also include instructions for access to the envelope, including attaching the envelope to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle, and can hold a person’s license and registration. The bill passed the House of Representatives 156-0.

“Thank you to House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, Representative Mindy Domb and Representative Sean Garballey for their leadership on this bill that addresses the unique circumstances surrounding communication between police officers and people with autism at traffic stops,” Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “This bill will make a meaningful difference for countless individuals with autism and their families by expanding access to tools and resources that promote better understanding, clearer communication, and improved safety during these interactions. At the same time, it provides valuable support to law enforcement officers as they carry out their responsibilities effectively and compassionately. Ultimately, this legislation reinforces the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, independence, and well-being of all residents.”

The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.

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