By Bob Katzen
House 155-1, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that makes it illegal for a person to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, possess or operate a robotic device equipped or mounted with a weapon. Other provisions prohibit anyone from using a robotic device to threaten to commit a crime, criminally harass a person or physically restrain or attempt to physically restrain a person; and exempt law enforcement agencies from the proposed new law.
Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton) who filed an earlier version of the measure, said the bill is designed to get ahead of potential misuses of advanced robotics technology while ensuring that this technology can be used responsibly by law enforcement for non-violent purposes. She said, “The commonwealth of Massachusetts is a global leader in robotics, and with the passage of this bill in the Senate and signature of the governor, it would become one in robotics safety as well.”
“Massachusetts has always believed that innovation and accountability go hand in hand, and this bill makes sure that as robotic technology advances, it does so with the right guardrails in place,” said Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield). “We’re not standing in the way of progress. We’re making sure it doesn’t become a tool for unchecked surveillance or harm in our own neighborhoods.”
“Ensuring that our laws keep up with advancements in technology is critical,” said Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary. “This bill prohibits the possession of drones and robots equipped to harm others and ensures clear civil rights protections for our residents.”
“[This] is a ‘feel good’ bill that is not well thought out and does nothing to protect the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver), the only member who voted against the proposal. “It merely stifles innovation, like farmers using drones to spray their fields as it will be illegal to use a drone to spread a chemical agent and gives more power to the government infringing on our right to privacy and creativity, seeking to make criminals of law-abiding citizens.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes