Massachusetts2025Active
H100
An Act establishing a commission to study a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:52 AM
In one sentence
This bill creates the Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study how trusted guides called digital navigators can help fix unfair gaps in internet access, devices, and skills.
What it does
- The law requires creating the Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study ways to address unequal digital access using digital navigators.
- Digital navigators are defined as trusted guides who provide ongoing support for affordable connectivity, devices, and digital skills.
- The commission will study how well these services meet resident needs within the goal of digital equity.
- It will examine health and quality of life outcomes connected to digital navigation.
- The group will look at funding methods like private or public contracts, state grants, and reimbursements for navigator services.
- The commission must outline qualifications and standards for navigators, including a process for a statewide credentialing program.
Who it affects
- Members of the General Court serving on specific committees who will sit on the commission alongside representatives from state agencies like Public Health, MassHealth, and Housing.
- Representatives from digital navigation networks such as the Alliance for Digital Equity, community health workers, workforce boards, libraries, and community colleges.
Limits and unknowns
- The bill does not state an effective date, so it is unclear when appointments or meetings must begin.
- The commission's role is to study and make recommendations; it cannot immediately enforce rules until new laws are passed based on its report.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Digital Navigator
- A trusted guide who assists people with ongoing support to get affordable internet, devices, and digital skills.
- Credentialing Program
- An official process for setting qualifications and standards that the commission will study and recommend.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
An Act establishing a commission to study a statewide credentialing program for digital navigators SECTION 1. (a) The Massachusetts General Court shall establish a Massachusetts Digital Navigation Commission to study and make recommendations on ways to address the inequity of ...