This bill proposes the creation of the Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission, aimed at promoting digital access equity across the state. The commission will investigate and suggest strategies to support digital access through the use of digital navigators—individuals who offer personalized assistance to community members in obtaining affordable internet connectivity, suitable devices, and essential digital literacy skills. It will include members from diverse Massachusetts state departments, community organizations, and past recipients of digital navigator services.

Key responsibilities of the commission include: assessing the digital navigation needs of Massachusetts residents, evaluating the impact of digital navigation on health and quality of life, determining how state agencies can enhance these navigation efforts, identifying funding sources for digital navigators, and setting qualifications and standards for these roles. Additionally, the commission will gather data on existing local digital navigation programs to pinpoint potential statewide applications and improvements.

Appointments to the commission must occur within 30 days of the bill's enactment, and the first meeting is scheduled to take place within 60 days. The commission is obligated to finish its study and submit a report detailing findings and legislative recommendations to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate within one year.

This bill directs all providers of wireline, fixed wireless, or satellite broadband services in Massachusetts to offer affordable high-speed internet to low-income individuals. Eligibility for this service is based on participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, or a household income not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level. The required service must provide a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps, or match the provider's existing service, priced at a maximum of $15 per month, inclusive of recurring taxes and fees. Price increases are limited to a maximum of two percent annually, adjusted by the consumer price index. Providers offering a service with download speeds of 200 Mbps or more for $20 or less per month will also comply.

This bill requires schools to limit student access to personal electronic devices during the school day. Exceptions are made for emergencies or educational needs. Schools must communicate these policies to parents and submit them to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for oversight and guidance. Schools must also educate students on the social, emotional, and physical risks of social media use.

Social media platforms must implement nearly foolproof age verification systems and establish default privacy-focused settings for minors, including permitting communication and content sharing only with established connections, disabling features like autoplay and continuous scrolling, and barring access during certain hours, such as nighttime and school hours. Platforms are also required to include mechanisms for flagging unwanted content and must issue health warnings related to social media use. 

This bill establishes guidelines for the use of personal electronic devices and social media within Massachusetts schools, requiring each school board or governing body to create and enforce a policy that mandates personal electronic devices be turned off, securely stored, and kept inaccessible to students during the school day and during school-related programs. The policy must include enforcement measures, while allowing students reasonable access to contact parents or caregivers through designated methods. Notably, exceptions are provided for students who require personal electronic devices for health purposes, as certified by a licensed physician, or when stipulated by an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodations Plan.

In addition, the bill prohibits school districts, employees, and volunteers from using social media to communicate with students directly or indirectly. It also bars student access to social media or gaming apps during school hours or on school premises, mandating that school-issued devices block social media access unless it's necessary for educational tasks such as document sharing, email, or Internet research. Schools can still utilize social media for general community or parent-focused communications. Furthermore, the bill mandates that school districts annually collect and analyze data to assess the impact of the policy on various aspects of student welfare and academic experience, including behavior, mental health, discipline, attendance, and academic performance.

This bill directs all providers of wireline, fixed wireless, or satellite broadband services in Massachusetts to offer affordable high-speed internet to low-income individuals. Eligibility for this service is based on participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, or a household income not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level. The required service must provide a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps, or match the provider's existing service, priced at a maximum of $15 per month, inclusive of recurring taxes and fees. Price increases are limited to a maximum of two percent annually, adjusted by the consumer price index. Providers offering a service with download speeds of 200 Mbps or more for $20 or less per month will also comply.