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H 4596

An Act establishing a commission to study a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Shirley Arriaga and 12 co-sponsors

Creates a Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study and propose a statewide credentialing program and funding for digital navigators to improve digital equity.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4596

Summary: H.4596 – An Act establishing a commission to study a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators

Overview

H.4596 proposes creating the Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study and recommend how to address digital access inequities via a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators. Digital navigators would be trusted guides providing ongoing, individualized support to help residents access connectivity, devices, and digital skills.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a formal commission to analyze how digital navigation services can advance digital equity for Massachusetts residents.
  • Explore the impact of digital navigation on health, quality of life, and social determinants of health.
  • Identify how state agencies can support digital navigation and how to fund navigator services through private/public contracting, state grants, and reimbursements.

Commission composition

The commission would include 11 members representing a mix of state agencies, non-profit and advocacy organizations, and sector partners:
- Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
- Executive Office of Elder Affairs
- Department of Public Health
- Alliance for Digital Equity of Western Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
- MassHealth
- Tech Goes Home
- Vinfen
- Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
- Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative

Key study areas and recommendations

The commission must study and make recommendations on:
1. How digital navigation services can meet residents’ needs within digital equity goals.
2. The relationship between digital navigation and outcomes related to health and quality of life.
3. Ways state agencies can support digital navigation aligned with agency goals.
4. Funding models for digital navigators (private/public contracting, state grants, and reimbursement at state/federal levels).
5. Qualifications and standards for digital navigators, including a process for a statewide credentialing program.
6. Other relevant considerations identified by the commission.

Additionally, the commission will collect data on current regional digital navigation initiatives to understand design options and statewide efficiencies.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Appointments: All appointments must be made within 30 days after the effective date of the resolve.
  • Chairs’ meeting: The chairs must meet with the commission within 60 days after the effective date.
  • Reporting deadline: The commission must file a report and recommendations (including any necessary legislation) with the clerks of the Massachusetts House and Senate within six months after the statute’s effective date.

Who is affected

  • Massachusetts residents who rely on digital access, skills, or devices and would benefit from coordinated digital navigation.
  • State agencies and offices involved in technology, labor/workforce development, elder affairs, public health, and health services.
  • Organizations active in digital equity, libraries, health centers, aging and disability networks, and community organizations (e.g., Tech Goes Home, Vinfen, libraries, health centers, aging collaboratives).
  • Potential digital navigation providers and employers seeking guidance on credentialing and funding models.

Status and next steps

  • Status: The bill was reported favorably by the Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity and referred to the Committee on House Ways and Means.
  • Introduction date: October 14, 2025.
  • Next steps: If adopted by the House and Senate, the commission would convene, conduct its study, and submit its six-month report with recommendations and any proposed legislation.

Bottom line

H.4596 would create a structured process to study and propose a statewide credentialing framework for digital navigators, along with funding and implementation considerations, to advance digital equity and improve residents’ access to connectivity, devices, and digital skills. The approach includes broad multisector participation, data gathering on existing efforts, and a defined six-month reporting timeline.

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

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