Massachusetts S1965: An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Subsection (a) of section 18H of chapter 6A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the seventh sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence: The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to prepaid wireless service as defined in section 18A. SECTION 2. Chapter 62C of the General Laws is hereby amended to add the following new section: Section 89. (a)The following words as used in this section shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings “Registered business in the commonwealth”, a business entity that is currently registered to do business in the state prior to the declared state disaster or emergency. “Out-of-state business”, a business entity that, except for disaster or emergency related work, has no presence in the commonwealth and conducts no business in the commonwealth whose services are requested by a registered business in the commonwealth or by the commonwealth or local government for purposes of performing disaster or emergency related work in the commonwealth. This shall also include a business entity that is affiliated with the registered business in the commonwealth solely through common ownership. The out-of-state business has no registrations or tax filings or nexus in the commonwealth other than disaster or emergency related work during the tax year …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• William Driscoll (D) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. July 23, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5596
2. April 1, 2026: Reporting date extended to Thursday June 25, 2026
3. October 17, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 10/17/2025 from 10:00 AM-10:30 AM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
4. October 7, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 10/17/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-2
5. February 27, 2025: House concurred
6. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Revenue

Common questions

What is S1965?

S1965 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to support disaster response and broadband infrastructure affordability.

What is the status of S1965?

Failed as of July 23, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5596 (July 23, 2026).

Who sponsored S1965?

William Driscoll (D).

Where is the official record for S1965?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1965