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HD 3908

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis and 3 co-sponsors

Creates a Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study and recommend a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators to reduce digital inequities.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 3908

Summary: Massachusetts Bill HD 3908 — An Act establishing a commission to study a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators

Overview

  • Purpose: Establish a Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study and recommend ways to address inequities in digital access by developing and evaluating the use of digital navigators—trusted guides who provide ongoing, individualized support for obtaining affordable connectivity, devices, and digital skills.
  • Status: Senate concurred. Classification: proposed bill.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025. Referred to the Senate/House action and to the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
  • Effective framework: The bill envisions a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators and proposes a formal commission to study, data-collect, and recommend implementation.

Key Provisions

Establishment

  • Creates the Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study inequities in digital access and to recommend strategies tied to a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators.

Mission and Scope

  • Assess how digital navigation services can advance digital equity for Massachusetts residents.
  • Examine the social determinants of health and quality of life outcomes connected to digital navigation.
  • Identify opportunities for state agencies to support digital navigation aligned with agency goals.
  • Explore funding approaches, including private/public contracting, state/grant funding, and reimbursement (state and federal) for navigator services.
  • Define qualifications and standards for digital navigators and outline a process for a statewide credentialing program.
  • Consider other relevant factors as determined by the commission.

Data Collection

  • The commission will collect data on current regional digital navigation initiatives to understand design, opportunities, and statewide efficiencies.

Commission Composition

  • Co-chairs: The chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
  • Members (diverse representation from government, network groups, and people who use services):
    • 1 member representing the Massachusetts Broadband Institute
    • 1 member representing the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
    • 1 member representing the Department of Public Health
    • 1 member representing the Executive Office of Health and Human Services
    • 1 member representing the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
    • 1 member representing the Massachusetts Office on Disability
    • 1 member representing the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
    • 1 member representing the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
    • 1 member representing MassHealth
    • 1 member representing the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
    • 1 member representing the Department of Transitional Assistance
    • 5 members representing the Massachusetts Digital Navigation Network, including:
    • Alliance for Digital Equity of Western Massachusetts
    • Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers
    • City of Boston
    • Metro North Workforce Board
    • Vinfen
    • Additional representation from:
    • Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative
    • Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition
    • Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
    • Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges
    • 2 voting members who shall be recipients of digital navigator services (1 recommended by the Alliance for Digital Equity; 1 recommended by the Metro North Workforce Board)

Timelines and Process

  • Appointments: All appointments must be made within 30 days after the effective date.
  • Initial meeting: The chairs must meet with the commission within 60 days after the effective date.
  • Report: The commission must file a final report and recommendations (including any proposed legislation) with the clerks of both chambers no later than one year after the effective date.

Legislative Actions

  • 2025-02-27: Referred to the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
  • 2025-02-27: Senate concurred

Potential Impact

  • Creates a formal, cross-agency body to define and credential digital navigators, aiming to reduce digital divides and improve access to connectivity, devices, and digital literacy.
  • Could lead to standardized qualifications, funding models, and scalable statewide credentialing processes if recommendations are adopted and enacted.
  • Aims to align digital navigation efforts with health, housing, workforce, and community services to enhance overall resident outcomes.

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

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