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S 216

Resolve relative to disclosure of radio frequency notifications

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr and 1 co-sponsor

Creates an 11-member state commission to study EMR/RFR health effects and the feasibility of radiofrequency disclosure labeling, with a final report due by Dec 31, 2027.

Resolve reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 216

Summary — S.216: Resolve relative to disclosure of radio frequency notifications (Commonwealth of Massachusetts)

Note: The packet you provided also includes an unrelated federal S.216 (Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act). This summary focuses on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Resolve titled “Resolve relative to disclosure of radio frequency notifications.”

Purpose

Establish a special commission to research the health, consumer protection, and technology implications of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and radiofrequency (RFR) exposure and to evaluate whether and how disclosure (e.g., labeling) of radiofrequency notifications should be implemented in Massachusetts.

Key provisions

  • Creates an 11‑member Special Commission on EMR/RFR disclosure and impacts.
  • Charges the commission to research a defined set of topics (see below) and produce a report with recommendations and any proposed legislation or regulatory changes.
  • Deadline: commission must file its final report with the clerks of the House and Senate and the chairs of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure by December 31, 2027.

Commission composition

11 members total:
- Chair: Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (or designee).
- Ex officio or designee members: Commissioner of the Department of Telecommunications and Cable; Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation; representative from the Office of Technical Assistance and Technology; one member of the Massachusetts Medical Society who specializes in environmental medicine.
- Six governor-appointed members (each with ≥10 years’ experience), including:
- A telecommunications industry representative
- A pediatrician with knowledge of EMR/RFR effects on children
- A scientist specializing in environmental medicine (EMR/RFR expertise)
- An attorney experienced in environmental law and EMR/RFR
- An academic in medical technology/public health with research methodology expertise
- An engineer expert in wireless network engineering and EMR/RFR

Research topics the commission must address (selected)

  • Cost/benefit and consumer impacts of disclosing radiofrequency notifications on wireless device packaging (including how fine‑print labeling affects buying behavior and the tech industry).
  • Public awareness and education materials for consumers and businesses about EMR/RFR.
  • Biological (non‑thermal) effects of EMR/RFR on adults and children; role of device “time” (exposure duration), with emphasis on children.
  • Implications of exposure from new wireless technologies.
  • Regulatory issues: impact of FCC exposure limits and industry compliance with FCC standards.
  • Guidelines for rigorous EMR/RFR research (evaluating industry vs. non‑industry studies and methods).
  • Premarket safety testing procedures for wireless technologies.
  • Review of national and international regulatory best practices related to EMR/RFR, consumer protection, and public health.

Who is affected / potential impact

  • Consumers (especially parents and children) — potential outcomes could include new labeling, warnings, or education campaigns.
  • Wireless device manufacturers and the telecommunications industry — may face new disclosure or testing expectations.
  • State agencies (DPH, telecommunications, consumer protection) — will be involved in implementation of recommendations.
  • Researchers and clinicians — may be impacted by recommended research standards and surveillance priorities.

Procedural status & next steps (as provided)

  • Introduced and filed Jan 10 / presented by Senator Julian Cyr (MA).
  • Referred to Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (House concurred; committee referrals noted).
  • Resolve reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways and Means (reported favorably by committee; hearing dates scheduled in 2025).
  • Final report due to the legislature by Dec 31, 2027.

Implementation note

This Resolve creates a study/commission (a fact‑finding and advisory body). Any legal or regulatory changes (e.g., mandatory labeling) would require subsequent legislative or regulatory action based on the commission’s recommendations.

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

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