Massachusetts2025Active
H101
Free Internet in Public Housing and a Health Study
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:52 AM
In one sentence
This bill requires public housing units to offer free broadband internet as part of safe living standards, clarifies that it is not treated as a utility under this law, orders a study on its link to health, and directs the General Court to provide funding.
What it does
- Requires all public housing units offered by authorities to have broadband internet available at no charge to residents.
- States that having free broadband is considered a requirement for a dwelling to be decent, safe, and sanitary.
- Clarifies that under this law, broadband internet will not be treated as a utility.
- Orders the Department of Public Health to study how broadband access relates to public health goals in the Commonwealth.
- Directs the General Court to provide funds for housing authorities to install and maintain these services.
Who it affects
- Residents living in public housing units
- Housing authorities and other public housing bodies
- The Department of Public Health
Limits and unknowns
- The bill does not state when the free internet service must begin or how much money will be provided.
- It requires a study on health impacts but does not include specific findings from that research yet.
- The law is currently active in committee and has not been passed into final effect.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Broadband internet access
- High-speed internet connection that allows users to send and receive data quickly.
- General Court
- The state legislature responsible for passing laws and approving money (appropriations).
- Decent, safe and sanitary dwelling
- A home that meets basic standards of quality to ensure it is healthy and fit for people to live in.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
An Act establishing free broadband internet access in public housing SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:- Section 239 ... The United Nations has declared health a fundamental human right ...