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HD 381

An Act relative to digital inclusion for seniors

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill: subsidize home internet for low-income seniors up to $50/month and fund free public Wi‑Fi in senior facilities, via annual appropriations.

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Bill Summary · HD 381

Summary: An Act relative to digital inclusion for seniors (HD 381)

Overview

  • Purpose: Create a program to enhance internet access for low‑income seniors in Massachusetts by providing monthly subsidies for home internet and by expanding free public Wi‑Fi in senior living facilities.
  • Bill details: House Docket No. 381, filed to establish a low‑income senior internet subsidy program and related funding for senior living facilities to host free Wi‑Fi hotspots. The act adds new language to Chapter 25C (General Laws) establishing the program, eligibility, funding mechanisms, and reporting requirements.
  • Status: Proposed bill (introduced in 2025; status not specified in the provided excerpt). Version content indicates incorporation as House No. 3506.

Key Provisions

1) Definitions (Section 10(a))
- Low‑income seniors: individuals aged 65+ with household income not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level.
- Senior living facilities: facilities serving seniors, including assisted living communities and nursing homes.
- The office: Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
- The program: the low‑income senior internet subsidy program.
- Wi‑Fi hotspot: wireless internet access points for residents.

2) Subsidies for Home Internet (Section 10(b))
- The department shall establish and administer the program.
- Provides monthly subsidies of up to $50 to offset the cost of home internet services for eligible seniors.
- The department shall partner with internet service providers to offer discounted plans tailored to low‑income seniors.

3) Grants for Free Public Wi‑Fi in Facilities (Section 10(c))
- Subject to appropriation, the office shall allocate grants to senior living facilities for installing and maintaining free public Wi‑Fi hotspots.
- Prioritization criteria: facilities in areas with limited digital infrastructure or with high concentrations of low‑income residents.

4) Feedback and Program Improvement (Section 10(d))
- The department shall collect public feedback from senior living facilities and low‑income seniors to improve implementation, efficacy, and address needs.

5) Annual Reporting (Section 10(e))
- The department must prepare an annual report detailing:
- Implementation status and metrics.
- Number of seniors served.
- Number of facilities supported.
- Requested funding for the next fiscal year.
- Overall impact of the program.
- Public feedback received.
- The report must be submitted to the governor, chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, chairs of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, and the offices of the House and Senate clerks.

6) Effective Date (Section 2)
- The act takes effect one year after passage.

Impact and Who is Affected

  • Eligible participants: Seniors aged 65+ with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
  • Primary beneficiaries: Low‑income seniors who receive home internet subsidies and residents of senior living facilities that receive free public Wi‑Fi.
  • Institutions: Senior living facilities (assisted living, nursing homes) that would apply for and utilize grants for Wi‑Fi hotspots.
  • Service providers: Internet service providers that partner with the state to offer discounted or tailored plans.

Funding and Timeline

  • Subsidies: Up to $50 per month per eligible senior (not a capped total in the text; contingent on appropriation and program design).
  • Facilities grants: Subject to appropriation; awarded to facilities for hotspot installation and maintenance.
  • Reporting: Annual, with public feedback incorporated.
  • Implementation timeline: Takes effect one year after enactment, with ongoing annual reporting and funding considerations contingent on future appropriations.

Notes for Readers

  • The bill creates a structured, state‑funded approach to reduce the digital divide for seniors by combining direct subsidies with facility-based internet access improvements.
  • Fiscal implications depend on annual appropriations for both subsidies and facility grants.
  • The act adds Chapter 25C, Section 10, defining terms and establishing the program, oversight, and reporting requirements.

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

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