Senate, July 16, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth (House, No. 5576) [This legislation authorizes $325,100,000 in bond obligations and $100,000,000 in direct fiscal year 2026 appropriations from the Education and Transportation Fund.]
This bill appropriates state funds for fiscal year 2027 to support various departments, boards, and institutions across the Commonwealth, including specific allocations for healthcare, education, and public safety. It establishes new reporting requirements for certain programs, such as mandating that the Department of Children and Families submit data on enforcement actions and the number of individuals subjected to solitary confinement. The legislation also amends existing laws to increase penalties for specific child sexual offenses and adjusts lottery rules to allow for new game contracts while ensuring prize payouts remain at least 45 percent of revenue. Additionally, the bill modifies the minimum age for certain criminal charges and increases the number of years required for specific legal provisions.
This bill allocates state funding for fiscal year 2027 to cover the operations of Massachusetts departments, boards, and institutions, as well as interest on state debt and specific infrastructure projects. It requires all state agencies receiving these funds to actively promote equal opportunity in hiring, compensation, and public relations for minority groups, women, and people with disabilities. The legislation also establishes a detailed revenue plan that projects income from sources like corporate taxes, sales, and alcohol excises to ensure the budget is fully funded. Additionally, it mandates that the comptroller provide quarterly reports comparing actual tax collections against the projected amounts listed in the bill.
This bill (S 1948) creates a program allowing veterans who own property in Massachusetts to reduce their property tax bills by performing community service. It directly affects eligible veterans with property tax obligations, enabling them to earn tax credits through volunteer work instead of paying the full amount. The key provision establishes a system where veterans can complete approved service hours to offset their annual property tax liability. The bill focuses on providing a practical alternative for veterans facing financial strain from property taxes.
Senate, January 8, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill authorizing the establishment of a mean tested senior citizen property tax exemption (Senate, No. 2036),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2902).
Senate, January 15, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill relative to municipal tax relief (Senate, No. 2915) (being the text of Senate, No. 2900, printed as amended)
Senate, January 8, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to municipal tax relief (Senate, No. 1935),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2900).
Senate, January 15, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill relative to senior property tax deferral (Senate, No. 2914) (being the text of Senate, No. 2901, printed as amended)
Senate, January 15, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to prevent property tax bill shocks (Senate, No. 2917) (being the text of Senate, No. 2899, printed as amended)
This bill (H 4761) is a funding measure for the fiscal year 2025, specifically adding supplemental money to existing state budgets for ongoing programs and projects. It directly affects state agencies and programs that rely on annual appropriations by providing additional financial resources. The bill resolves differences between the House and Senate versions of the funding plan through a conference committee process. As an appropriations bill, it focuses on budgetary allocation rather than creating new policies or regulations.