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Bill

SD 2016

An Act relative to best management practices for wireless in schools and public institutions of higher education

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Mark

Requires DESE and the Board of Higher Education to develop best practices for buying and installing wireless networks in public K-12 and higher education, prioritizing health and safety.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2016

Summary: An Act relative to best management practices for wireless in schools and public institutions of higher education (SD 2016)

What this bill proposes (Purpose and intent)

  • Establishes state-level requirements for how wireless internet service should be purchased and installed in schools and public higher education institutions.
  • The underlying goal is to prioritize practices that protect the health and safety of students and staff in educational settings.

Key provisions

In public K-12 schools (Chapter 71)

  • Adds a new Section 100 to Chapter 71.
  • Mandates the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop best practices and guidance for the purchase and installation of wireless internet service in public schools.
  • Requires the guidelines to prioritize health and safety for students and staff.

In public higher education (Chapter 15A)

  • Adds a new Section 48 to Chapter 15A.
  • Requires the Board of Higher Education to develop best practices and guidance for the purchase and installation of wireless internet service in public institutions of higher education.
  • Requires the guidelines to prioritize health and safety for students and staff.

Who is affected

  • Public K-12 schools and districts in Massachusetts (via DESE guidance).
  • Public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts (via the Board of Higher Education guidance).
  • Vendors and contractors involved in procurement, installation, and maintenance of wireless internet services for schools and public colleges/universities, as those entities would need to comply with the state-developed best practices.

Process, timeline, and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the House Committee on Education; the House has concurred (as of the latest status).
  • The bill does not specify a funding mechanism or a deadline for developing the guidelines within the text provided.
  • The text mirrors earlier related proposals (see similar matter Senate No. 316 of 2023-2024).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Creates a formal framework guiding how wireless networks are selected and installed in schools and public colleges, with an emphasis on health and safety.
  • May influence procurement practices, vendor selection, site planning, equipment placement, security, privacy, and ongoing maintenance considerations, through future DESE and Board of Higher Education guidelines.
  • Until guidelines are issued, there are no binding standards or penalties; the effect hinges on the content of the forthcoming best practices.
  • Could interact with existing state health/safety standards and digital infrastructure policies.

Context

  • This bill aligns with prior similar proposals and aims to standardize wireless infrastructure practices across public education institutions in Massachusetts.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to the 2023-2024 version (Senate No. 316) or draft a one-page brief for policymakers or stakeholders.

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

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