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The following was submitted by the Office of Rep. Michael S. Day:
Rep. Michael S. Day recently joined his colleagues in passing H.5444, An Act relative to civil rights and technology. Day, who chairs the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, helped re-draft the bill and carried the debate on the House floor.
“Ensuring that our laws keep pace with advancements in technology is critical,” said Day. “This bill prohibits the possession of drones and robots equipped to harm others and establishes clear civil rights protections for our residents.”
The bill makes it unlawful to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, possess or operate a robotic device equipped with a weapon. The bill also makes it unlawful to use a robotic device to threaten a crime, criminally harass or physically restrain or attempt to physically restrain someone.
Violators would face mandatory prison sentences ranging from 18 months to five years. Repeat offenders would face enhanced penalties.
The bill exempts the U.S. military, the Massachusetts National Guard, certain defense contractors and recipients of limited Attorney General-approved waivers for research, education or entertainment purposes.
Law enforcement agencies would be authorized to use weaponized robots for bomb disposal and to respond to imminent threats.
The bill enhances civil right protections by ensuring that law enforcement officers must first obtain warrants before utilizing any drones or other robotic devices to enter private property.
Weaponized drones and robot attacks have occurred across the country with increasing regularity. In November 2024, authorities apprehended a Tennessee man as he prepared to use a drone carrying a bomb to attack an interstate energy substation.
In May 2026, an Arizona teenager was sentences to imprisonment for his plans to use an explosive device attached to a drone targeting a Phoenix Pride parade.
“We in Massachusetts do not wait for tragedy to occur when a genuine threat to the safety of our residents is apparent,” said Day. “Technological innovation is advancing faster than ever, and I am confident we will continue updating our laws to meet new challenges and protect the public.”
The House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 155–1. It now moves to the Senate for its consideration.
