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S 2349

Relates to exempting payment in lieu of tax payments relating to energy systems from school district and local government tax levies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

The bill prohibits drivers from recording or viewing video, AR/MR displays, or non-essential content while driving, with enforcement only after a traffic stop for another violation

REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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Bill Summary · S 2349

Summary — S.2349 (INSURE Act) — "An Act prohibiting video recording or broadcasting while driving"

Note on sources and inconsistencies
- The provided materials combine elements from multiple jurisdictions and versions (Massachusetts Senate docket language, mixed sponsor lists, and varying committee referrals). This summary focuses on the bill text included in the submission — a Massachusetts-style amendment to chapter 90, section 13B — and highlights procedural information as provided. Where the record appears contradictory, that is noted below.

Purpose

To prohibit motor vehicle operators from recording or broadcasting video of themselves while driving, to restrict the use and viewing of augmented‑reality/spatial‑computer devices and non‑driving‑related displays while operating a vehicle, and to limit enforcement of these new prohibitions to instances when an operator has already been stopped for some other violation.

Key provisions

  • Adds two new subsections to Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 90, section 13B:
    • (a1/2): Prohibits an operator from recording, broadcasting, or otherwise capturing images/video of themselves while driving. Prohibits wearing, holding, using, or interacting with a “spatial computer” or other augmented‑reality (AR) / mixed‑reality (MR) device, operating system, or 3‑D user interface while operating.
    • (a3/4): Prohibits operators from viewing video, images, or text unrelated to vehicle operation, maintenance, or navigation on any monitor, in‑vehicle display, or wearable headset. Explicit exemptions:
    • Symbols/text enabling or disabling hands‑free mode of a mobile device or on‑board app
    • Symbols/text related to audio system use
    • Symbols/text related to equipment installed by the vehicle manufacturer
    • Symbols/text related to dispatch systems
    • Video/images of vehicle occupants other than the operator
    • Video/images/symbols/text related to traffic‑engineering equipment
  • Amends section 13B by striking the phrase “using a mobile electronic device” (line 24 of the cited text). (The statutory effect depends on the surrounding statutory language.)
  • Adds an enforcement limit: subsections (a1/2) and (a3/4) may be enforced by law enforcement only when an operator has been stopped for a violation of motor vehicle laws or some other offense (added to subsection (d)).

Who would be affected

  • Motor vehicle operators in Massachusetts (drivers of cars, trucks, etc.)
  • Law enforcement agencies (new restrictions on when officers may enforce these provisions)
  • Manufacturers and vendors of AR/MR headsets, in‑vehicle displays, and spatial‑computing devices (design and marketing implications)
  • Employers and service providers that mandate or rely on in‑vehicle/wearable displays (e.g., dispatch systems, commercial fleets, rideshare/delivery drivers)

Enforcement, penalties, and gaps

  • The bill limits proactive enforcement (officers may cite only after stopping a vehicle for another violation), a change likely intended to reduce pretextual stops.
  • The draft does not specify new penalties or fines in the inserted text; existing penalties under section 13B would presumably apply unless further amended elsewhere.
  • Several terms (e.g., “spatial computer,” “augmented reality device,” “otherwise capture”) are not defined in the text provided, which could create ambiguity in application and enforcement.

Legislative status & procedural notes (as provided)

  • Introduced in Senate (listed dates vary in the record). Massachusetts docket filed 1/14/2025 (Senate Docket No. 855). Presented by Senator Joanne M. Comerford.
  • Listed actions in the provided record include referrals to multiple committees (Transportation; Local Government; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs) and a scheduled hearing (11/04/2025). The record also lists other sponsors (including federal senators), related companion bills (HR 4504) and prior session bills — these entries appear inconsistent with the Massachusetts state bill text.

Notable issues and potential impacts

  • Intended safety benefit: reduce driver distraction from recording/broadcasting and from AR/wearable displays.
  • Enforcement tradeoffs: restricting enforcement to stops for other offenses could limit deterrence but reduce stops based solely on suspected display use.
  • Implementation challenges: unclear definitions and absence of technical/penalty details may require follow‑on rulemaking or statutory clarifications; compatibility issues with legitimate in‑vehicle AR/navigation and hands‑free systems will need careful interpretation.

If you want, I can:
- Draft suggested clear definitions (e.g., “spatial computer,” “operate/operate vehicle”)
- Compare the bill to existing distracted‑driving statutes and penalties in Massachusetts
- Produce a redlined version showing where the changes fit into current section 13B.

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

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