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SD 2188

An Act establishing a commission to limit first responder radiation exposure

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

A special commission would study and recommend ways to limit non-ionizing radiation exposure for first responders from technology and emergency communications.

Placed on file
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2188

Summary of Massachusetts Senate Bill SD 2188

An Act establishing a commission to limit first responder radiation exposure

Overview

  • Bill number: SD 2188
  • Title: An Act establishing a commission to limit first responder radiation exposure
  • Status: Placed on file
  • Introduced: January 21, 2025
  • Classification: Proposed bill

Purpose and intent

The bill creates a special commission to examine how technology and related radiation exposure affect police, firefighters, and other emergency/security personnel in Massachusetts. Its goal is to protect the physical and mental health of first responders while ensuring residents and businesses maintain access to effective emergency and security services. The commission is tasked with identifying ways to reduce non-ionizing radiation exposures associated with modern technology.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a Special Commission

    • Aims to review and evaluate radiation exposure for first responders across a broad spectrum: 0 hertz to 300 gigahertz (non-ionizing radiofrequency and microwave radiation).
    • Topics of review include:
    • Existing exposure conditions for first responders
    • Potential exposures from new or proposed technologies
    • Exposures from emergency communication systems (including FirstNet)
    • Known and potential health impacts on physical and mental health
    • Feasibility of engineering changes to technologies to improve safety (e.g., hard-wiring or removal)
    • Societal value of first responder exposures relative to benefits
    • Additional proposals to reduce exposures, including stakeholder involvement
    • Best practices for reducing exposure

  • Commission Composition

    • Members or designees include a broad mix of public safety, telecommunications, medical, and government representatives:
    • Commissioner of the Department of Telecommunications and Cable
    • Co-chairs: Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
    • Representatives from: Massachusetts Broadband Institute; Massachusetts Coalition of Police; Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association; State Police Association of Massachusetts; Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts; Massachusetts National Guard (nominated by the Adjutant General)
    • Massachusetts Medical Society
    • Representatives or nominees from the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields
    • One governor-appointed representative

  • Reporting and timeline

    • Initial report and draft broadband-related recommendations/regulations due by December 31, 2026
    • Final comprehensive report due by March 1, 2027
    • Interim reports may be filed as the commission progresses

Who/what would be affected

  • First responders (police, firefighters, emergency/security personnel) in Massachusetts
  • Emergency communication infrastructures and technologies (including FirstNet)
  • Potential regulatory landscape in Massachusetts concerning non-ionizing radiation exposure and related technologies
  • Stakeholders across public safety, telecommunications, medicine, and energy/telecommunications policy

Practical implications

  • If enacted, the bill would not immediately regulate exposures but would establish a formal process to study, recommend, and potentially draft legislation or regulations aimed at reducing non-ionizing radiation exposure for first responders.
  • It emphasizes collaboration among public safety groups, technologists, medical experts, and government agencies to balance safety with the effectiveness of emergency services.

Notes

  • The bill is a proposed measure filed in the 2025-2026 Massachusetts General Court and, as of the latest status, has been placed on file.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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