An Act establishing a municipal building assistance program and building authority

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Municipal Building Authority to create a program providing financial assistance to towns for constructing and maintaining municipal buildings, such as town halls, community centers, and public facilities. It funds the program through a dedicated 0.5% sales tax on retail sales and services, deposited into a trust fund managed by the state treasurer. The authority will disburse funds directly to municipalities for projects addressing community needs, including downtown development, open space, and safe facility upgrades, without requiring annual state appropriations. The authority, composed of state officials and appointed experts in building construction and municipal management, will oversee the program to ensure cost-effective, well-planned investments in public infrastructure.