By Representative Gallagher of Bridgewater, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Dennis C. Gallagher for legislation to establish tax exemptions for certain veteran's clubs and organizations. Revenue.
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 requires health insurers with reserves exceeding 550% of risk-based capital to pay an assessment generating $400 million total. The funds are split equally: $200 million goes to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund (supporting community health programs) and $200 million to the Medicaid Stabilization Trust Fund (preventing access cuts for MassHealth beneficiaries). The assessment applies to insurers meeting specific reserve thresholds set by the Division of Insurance, with enforcement mechanisms including interest charges for late payments. The program expires on December 31, 2026.
Senate, January 8, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to prevent property tax bill shocks (Senate, No. 1933),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2899).
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 -- Order (Senator Rodrigues) relative to procedures to be followed when considering the Senate Bill to prevent property tax bill shocks (Senate, No. 1933)
This bill (H 4975) updates Massachusetts tax law to align with federal tax changes while protecting state revenue. Key provisions include increasing the personal exemption from $1,200 to $2,000 (adjusted for inflation), adding a federal deduction for certain taxpayers, and creating a new 4% excise tax on pass-through entities (like S-corps and partnerships) for income exceeding a surtax threshold (Chapter 63E). It also establishes a rule (Section 5) preventing Massachusetts from applying federal tax changes that would impact state revenue by less than $20 million, unless the tax commissioner approves. The bill directly affects individual taxpayers, businesses structured as pass-through entities, and state tax administration.
Senate, January 8, 2026 -- Order (Senator Rodrigues) relative to procedures to be followed when considering the Senate Bill authorizing the establishment of a mean tested senior citizen property tax exemption (Senate, No. 2036)
Senate, January 8, 2026 -- Order (Senator Rodrigues) relative to procedures to be followed when considering the Senate Bill relative to municipal tax relief (Senate, No. 1935)
This bill creates a property tax exemption for seniors in Grafton, Massachusetts, specifically for their primary residence. To qualify, applicants must be 65+ (or 60+ with one 65+ partner), have lived in Grafton for 10+ years, meet income limits tied to the state's circuit breaker tax credit, and pass an asset test. The town's select board sets the annual exemption amount (50-200% of the state circuit breaker credit), which applies only to the homeowner's primary residence. The exemption expires after 3 years unless renewed by Grafton's town meeting.
