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H 5444

An Act relative to civil rights and technology

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Duffy and 2 co-sponsors

Prohibits weaponized robotic devices by non-exempt actors, imposes escalating penalties, requires warrants for certain uses, and mandates quarterly public reporting and regulatory

Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 5444

Summary of Bill: An Act relative to civil rights and technology (H.5444, 194th MA General Court)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes civil-rights protections related to the use of robotic devices (including drones and similar autonomous or remotely operated systems) by law enforcement and private actors.
  • Creates criminal penalties for weaponized use of robotic devices, sets limits on enforcement practices, and requires transparency and regulatory oversight.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions

    • “Robotic device”: any device capable of locomotion, navigation, movement, or flight that operates at a distance from its operator or supervisor, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
    • “Weapon”: devices designed to threaten or cause death, injury, or incapacitation (e.g., firearms, chemical agents, kinetic projectiles, weaponized lasers, explosives).

  • Criminal prohibitions and penalties (Section 20(b) and related subsections)

    • It is unlawful to knowingly manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, possess, or operate a robotic device equipped with a weapon. Penalties escalate by offense history:
    • First offense: State prison 2.5 to 5 years or House of Correction 18 months to 2.5 years; minimum 18 months before eligibility for any sentence reduction or parole; no probation available.
    • Second offense: Prison 5 to 7 years.
    • Third offense: Prison 7 to 10 years.
    • Fourth or subsequent offense: Prison 10 to 15 years.
    • Sentences for repeat offenses are not suspended, and no probation or good-conduct deductions.

  • Use of weaponized robotic devices to threaten or commit crimes (Section 20(c))

    • Unlawful to use a robotic device to threaten crime, bully/harass (per Ch. 265 §43A), or physically restrain someone.
    • Penalties: House of Correction up to 2.5 years, fine up to $1,000, or both; for second or subsequent offenses, up to 2.5 years in jail, up to $15,000 fine, or both.

  • Exemptions (Section 20(d))

    • Several exemptions for: U.S. Department of Defense or its units; Massachusetts National Guard; defense contractors under specific waivers; waivers for development/testing to detect/mitigate unauthorized weaponization; waivers for educational or entertainment uses.

  • Law enforcement exceptions and oversight (Sections 20(e)–(f))

    • It is not a violation for law enforcement to possess or operate weaponized/disrupter-equipped robotic devices in limited duty contexts (e.g., dangerous explosives handling, imminent threats, or training/education) as specified.
    • Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant or equivalent authorization before deploying weaponized robots on private property or for surveillance when such activity would normally require a warrant if done by a human officer. Exceptions exist if entry or surveillance could occur by an officer without a warrant (i.e., certain exigent circumstances).

  • Civil actions and remedies (Section 20(g))

    • Individuals may sue for damages and equitable relief for violations, including attorneys’ fees and costs if they prevail.

  • Reporting and transparency (Section 20(h))

    • Quarterly public reporting by each law enforcement agency detailing every use of a weaponized/disrupter-equipped robot, including date/time, scope/target/objective, whether weapon was equipped, permitted use, and whether a warrant was obtained.
    • Annual publication of this information on the executive office of public safety and security’s website, by March 31.

  • Regulatory rulemaking (Sections 20(i))

    • Secretary of Public Safety and Security to issue regulations governing the section, including permitted uses for weaponized devices.
    • Attorney General to issue rules for exemptions/waivers described in subsection (d).

Who and what is affected

  • Law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts: Subject to new prohibitions, reporting requirements, and warrant-authorization rules when deploying weaponized robotic devices.
  • Individuals and private parties: Potential civil plaintiffs who are harmed by weaponized robots or related violations can sue for damages and equitable relief.
  • Defense-related entities: Exemptions and waivers may apply for defense-related activities, testing, or development under specific conditions.
  • Public safety oversight bodies: Required to publish annual data and oversee compliance with the act.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill mandates quarterly reporting by law enforcement agencies and annual public posting by the executive office of public safety and security.
  • Regulatory rules must be promulgated by the relevant state agencies (Secretary of Public Safety and Security and Attorney General) to implement the provisions and exemptions.
  • The text sets escalating criminal penalties for weaponized-robot offenses and for repeat offenses, with detailed sentencing ranges and prohibitions on sentence reductions for those convicted.

Notes

  • The bill as filed is pending a new draft (H.4637) and is reported by the Ways and Means Committee with amendments substituting the accompanying H.5444.
  • The act balancing civil rights protections with law-enforcement tools emphasizes transparency, accountability, and clear limitations on weaponized robotic devices in public safety contexts.

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

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