Q. How can a signature drive lead to a law?

More than 120,000 Massachusetts voter signatures are needed on official petitions, without extra markings, to let voters vote on the law. Public lobbying & support is needed, too, so the legislature supports the law as well. Fall 2026 is our trial run. September 2027 begins our full signature drive. Please register to vote now or check your voter registration online with the Massachusetts Secretary of State.

Q. Does this petition ban cell phones, Wi-Fi, or smart devices?

No. You may keep your personal and work technology.

Q. What tech is examined to support safety?

Non-ionizing radiation technology is analyzed. Depending on whether legally possible, ionizing radiation may be added.

**Q. What is non-ionizing radiation (NIR) technology?**

This is any technology that emits non-ionizing radiation (NIR). NIR is an electric and magnetic field surrounding electricity, transmitted by antennas, or visible as light. NIR from technology includes wireless transmissions, power line fields, and computer screen light.

Q. What is ionizing radiation (IR) tech?

We may or may not resubmit this petition to add ionizing technology safety, which includes medical imaging and nuclear reactors.

Q. How does the law support safer tech?

The law creates an advisory research office.

Q. What does the the office of research & technology optimization (ORTO) actually do?

ORTO conducts/ funds public research, including of state radiation exposures alongside health statistics. ORTO prepares advisory public reports & establishes a state-sponsored scientific journal (bypassing academic censorship) on how technology impacts our lives, whether privacy, health, or other topics. ORTO also prepares model ordinances, provides educational materials, examines relevant law, and may file legal evidence & briefs.

Q. Does this address privacy, AI, & more?

Yes, in relation to NIR functions (e.g., remote surveillance)—see https://lasttreelaws.com/radiating-tech/ for more examples.

Q. How will ORTO remain independent?

Leadership of ORTO is vetted for qualifications and conflicts of interest by a select group of non-profit organizations that must be free of conflicts of interests too. Leadership and staff must comply with state conflict of interest rules, plus: are prohibited from investment or employment in relevant industries; may not have worked for a prohibited industry within 5 years; and must file annual disclosures of any other potential conflicts. Only if necessary expertise cannot be found can ORTO leaders reduce the 5-year industry prohibition, but guard rails remain.

Q. How will safer technology be implemented without a mandate, since ORTO is an advisory office?

By describing how to make technology safer, ORTO will provides an opportunity for change through consumer purchasing, government purchasing, and vendor or manufacturer choices. Also, ORTO may provide legal briefs and scientific information to support safer technology in court cases or for state regulations.

Q. What court assistance is available?

When a legal decision would help influence technology safety, ORTO specialists are authorized and have the choice to file legal briefs and provide scientific or technical information as evidence.

Q. Why can’t ORTO set mandates for safer technology, such as stop 5G non-ionizing radiation?

The Massachusetts Supreme Court has stated that only the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can regulate wireless transmissions as part of federal preemption, and a petition initiative is prohibited from overturning the state Supreme Court.

Q. Can states set limits on safer technology?

States can set limits on many factors, whether related to AI or cell tower placement. As far as the right of states to regulate wireless for the benefit of public and environmental health, law & legal opinions could change or vary by state or jurisdiction, or be overturned by state and federal legislatures.

Q. Can ORTO set limits for exposures from electricity or wireless?

ORTO cannot mandate limits, but can recommend limits be adopted based on a standard that is ‘ASARAA’ or ‘As Safe as Reasonable and Achievable.’

Q. What will this cost taxpayers?

Because the “Office of Research and Technology Optimization” (ORTO) operates remotely with few staff, the cost should be less than 2 million. The ORTO trust fund can also be used to support research & equipment costs.

Q. Can ORTO charge fees?

Yes, ORTO is allowed to set reasonable rates for some specialized services, such as radiofrequency (RF) testing. ORTO is allowed to petition the judicial system for cost recovery of certain scientific and technical services provided in a winning case. These funds enter a trust fund to support ORTO’s mission, such as to fund research. The trust fund can never be used to increase salaries set by the state.

Q. What cost-based services are provided for municipalities?

Municipalities can pay for radiofrequency (RF) testing of cell towers and other electromagnetic equipment by the independent ORTO engineer, provided the engineer has an appointment available. Municipalities can also pay for direct assistance for implementing model ordinances into their codes, provided ORTO legal staff has the time available.

Q. Will ORTO save money?

Cost savings can occur if recommendations for safer technology are adopted—such as by reducing hacking damage or environmental harm.

Q. How do we know costs will stay low for municipalities and the state?

Municipalities and individuals have zero required costs. Choosing safer equipment and practices is optional for everyone. Public schools and towns can choose to adopt ORTO’s recommendations incrementally as part of standard maintenance budgets. It costs zero extra dollars to use already budgeted funds to replace old equipment.

Q. Where can I find more information?

Please see the website lasttreelaws.com for the full petition, progress, blogs and handouts, such as our handout on Why (Wireless) Federal Protections Froze in 1996, or see our campaign progress online.

Q. Can I help?

Yes, please join online at lasttreelaws.com, in person, and donate! We need your support. Visit our website to learn more or sign up & please share our campaign widely.