Regulating artificial intelligence, creating an agricultural disaster relief fund, and boosting food security are among the key areas of focus for lawmakers in 2024, following a series of committee votes in Boston.
Joint House-Senate panels recently advanced several bills, including a comprehensive proposal on cybersecurity and AI, as well as various measures related to food and agriculture. These bills are now in contention for consideration as legislative leaders prepare the agenda for upcoming formal sessions.
The cybersecurity bill is particularly wide-ranging, encompassing new incident reporting standards, expanded data breach protections, and the establishment of a commission to study automated decision-making. It also includes mandatory training for public employees. The bill has been described as a “landmark” proposal by the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
Senator Michael Moore, a Millbury Democrat and co-chair of the committee, emphasized the importance of this legislation in safeguarding critical digital systems. He stated that it would mark a paradigm shift in cybersecurity and AI policy, positioning Massachusetts as a leader in protecting data, systems, and people from future threats. Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, the committee’s House co-chair, highlighted the bill’s potential to provide infrastructure for state and local governments, as well as small businesses, to mitigate and respond to cybersecurity threats.
The bill includes provisions for the creation of a new board within the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. This board would be responsible for developing recommended rules, standards, and safeguards for automated decision-making. It would also study transparency, auditability, accountability, and potential biases associated with these systems. Additionally, the bill proposes the establishment of another panel to create and administer a state cybersecurity code.
Other reforms included in the omnibus package cover various aspects of cybersecurity. These include codifying the Critical Incident Response Team, expanding data breach laws and notification requirements, banning the weaponization of robotic devices or drones, and clarifying the governor’s authority to invoke the Civil Defense Act in response to a cyberattack.
The bill will now move to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for further review. While there has been no explicit indication from top Democrats about plans for a floor vote, Senate President Karen Spilka expressed gratitude to committee members for addressing the pressing issues of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
In addition to the cybersecurity bill, the Joint Committee on Agriculture has also made progress. The committee issued favorable reports on a dozen other bills, addressing concerns raised by farmers, fishermen, and food justice organizations. One notable proposal is the creation of an Agricultural Disaster Relief Fund, which would provide financial support to farmers who have suffered significant losses due to extreme weather.
Lawmakers and Governor Maura Healey have already prioritized supporting farmers this year by allocating funds for relief efforts through spending bills. Another aid program endorsed by the Agriculture Committee aims to enhance food security. This program would establish the Food Justice Frontline Program and make grants of up to $500,000 available to nonprofit food security organizations.
The committee also advanced measures that would change the duration of special permits allowing non-agricultural activities on agricultural preservation restriction land, create a fund to support lobstermen affected by seasonal fishing area closures, allow Nantucket to adopt nutrient and fertilizer guidelines, create a tax credit for donating used oyster shells, expand the Clean Peak Standard incentive program, extend the timeframe for a municipality’s right of first refusal on agricultural land, require the Mass. Food Policy Council to hire a full-time food system coordinator, and establish a Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program.