Budget & Taxes

passed both · Massachusetts · House Jun 18, 2026

H 4754: An Act relative to expanded small property tax abatements in the Town of Auburn

This bill increases property tax abatements for small properties in Auburn, Maine. It raises the exemption threshold from $10,000 to $25,000 for certain residential properties and from $1 million to $5 million for other properties under existing tax law. It also allows the town to grant exemptions for commercial parcels if at least 50% of occupants are eligible businesses. The changes apply specifically to real property within Auburn and take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands property tax abatements for small properties in Auburn, reducing tax burden for residents - direct tax relief aligning with support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 20, 2025

S 1934: An Act relative to funding of the Massachusetts State House police memorial

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1934) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to funding of the Massachusetts State House police memorial. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for a police memorial, a specific budget expenditure under revenue allocation.85% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 20, 2025

S 2018: An Act relative to senior property tax deferral

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2018) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to senior property tax deferral. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax deferral relief for seniors, reducing immediate tax burden on fixed-income residents, aligning with tax relief indicators for lower-income groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 29, 2026

S 1957: An Act supporting families through enhanced tax credits

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1957) of Sal N. DiDomenico and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to support families through enhanced tax credits. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill enhances tax credits for families, providing direct tax relief which aligns with supporting middle-income fiscal policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 3073: An Act supporting families through enhanced tax credits

This bill increases tax credits for low-income families with children by boosting the credit percentage by 5 percentage points for each qualifying child beyond three. It allows families without a Social Security Number to claim the credit using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and creates a new $600 credit per qualifying dependent (including elderly or disabled relatives). The changes apply to tax years starting January 1, 2025, and require the state to provide multilingual outreach about tax credits through websites, employers, and social service programs. The bill directly affects families meeting federal eligibility rules for tax credits but facing barriers like lacking an SSN or needing assistance navigating the system.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEnhanced tax credits provide direct tax relief to families, aligning with support indicators for middle-income tax relief and fiscal responsibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 1127: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

S 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state budget funds for a new Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, increasing government spending on public legal services.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCreates state-funded legal defense fund for low-income immigrants facing deportation, directly providing services to protect rights and replace limited pro bono options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 999: An Act to promote employee ownership

This bill (HD 999) creates a tax deduction for small businesses that sell ownership to employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). It allows businesses with fewer than 500 employees to deduct capital gains from selling company shares to an ESOP that owns at least 49% of the business, provided the business sponsors the ESOP itself. The deduction applies to gains from the sale of employer securities to qualifying ESOPs, reducing taxable income for these businesses. This policy directly affects small, private companies seeking to transition ownership to employees through ESOPs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deduction for small businesses, reducing taxable income via capital gains relief, aligning with tax relief indicators for business growth.95% confidence

Tags Small Business

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3106: An Act relative to senior tax exemptions

HD 3106 proposes expanding Boston's senior homeowner property tax exemption to provide greater relief for residents aged 65 and older. The bill would increase the exemption amount from $500 to $1,500, adjust income limits to 50% of Area Median Income (based on HUD data), and raise asset limits from $28,000/$30,000 to $80,000/$110,000. These changes aim to make the exemption more accessible for seniors on fixed incomes, as current enrollment is far below the estimated eligible population. The bill seeks state legislative approval to modify Boston's local tax rules under Massachusetts' home-rule provisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands senior tax exemption by increasing relief amount and adjusting eligibility, providing targeted tax relief for fixed-income seniors per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands property tax exemptions for senior homeowners, reducing housing costs and increasing affordability for this group, directly supporting affordable housing policies.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Homeownership Property Taxes

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jan 29, 2025

HD 4315: An Act relative to the appropriation of special education expense reimbursements and the Education and Transportation Fund

HD 4315 requires that before any funds can be appropriated from the Education and Transportation Fund for other purposes, the state must first fully fund the special education reimbursement program under Chapter 71B, Section 5A(c) for the same fiscal year. This bill directly affects school districts receiving special education reimbursements and the state budget process by prioritizing education funding. The key mechanism establishes a sequence: special education reimbursements must be fully funded first, before other allocations from the fund can occur. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to all future fiscal years.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates full funding of special education reimbursements before other appropriations, prioritizing essential education program funding within state budget process.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates full funding of special education reimbursements before other appropriations, prioritizing education budget allocation per Chapter 71B, Section 5A(c).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2025

H 35: Legislative recommendations of the Office of the State Treasurer

H 35 is not a single bill but a letter from Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg presenting 15 legislative recommendations to the General Court. The recommendations cover diverse policy areas including modernizing alcohol laws, expanding retirement savings access (e.g., 401(k) CORE Plan, Baby Bonds program), updating pension systems (State Employees, Turnpike Authority), requiring financial education in schools, and advocating for public pension fund divestment from firearms. These proposals aim to modernize state financial operations, enhance economic security for residents, and improve retirement and capital access policies. The document serves as a formal request for the Legislature to consider these specific legislative actions, not as a bill itself.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRecommendations include pension system updates and public fund divestment, promoting fiscal responsibility in state financial management and retirement programs.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly recommends requiring financial education in schools, directly enhancing curriculum standards for K-12 students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pensions

Track