Massachusetts H1931: An Act to enhance protections against child exploitation and misuse of emerging technologies

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 272 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out existing provisions addressing child exploitation and replacing them with the following sections: Section 29D. Definitions. As used in sections 29E through 29I, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (a) "Child pornography," any visual depiction of a minor engaged in prohibited sexual acts, including depictions created using artificial intelligence or computer-generated technologies. (b) "Non-consensual explicit material," any visual depiction, including deepfake content, created or distributed without the consent of the depicted individual. (c) "Computer-generated content," any visual depiction created, adapted, or modified using artificial intelligence or similar technologies that is indistinguishable from an actual minor. (d) "Child-like sex doll," any obscene anatomical doll, mannequin, or robot designed to resemble a prepubescent child and intended for sexual purposes. (e) "Prohibited sexual act," any act as defined in section 31 of this chapter. Section 29E. Possession of Exploitative Material. (a) Any person who knowingly possesses: (i) any visual depiction of a minor engaging in a prohibited sexual act; or (ii) any non-consensual explicit material, including computer-generated content, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than 2 ½ years and not more than 5 years, or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Francisco Paulino (D) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. March 26, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
2. October 20, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-2
3. July 15, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
4. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
5. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
6. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H1931?

H1931 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to enhance protections against child exploitation and misuse of emerging technologies.

What is the status of H1931?

Failed as of March 26, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) (March 26, 2026).

Who sponsored H1931?

Francisco Paulino (D).

Where is the official record for H1931?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1931