By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1817) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide fair and affordable public retiree benefits. Public Service.
By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1423) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to generate revenue to expand transit options. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2028) of Jason M. Lewis relative to the sales tax for certain purchases by rental companies. Revenue.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2038) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to increase the commuter tax deduction to reflect rising costs. Revenue.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2019) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to certain child-care deductions for taxable purposes. Revenue.
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.
By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1962) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. relative to excluding student loan forgiveness from taxable income for permanently and totally disabled veterans. Revenue.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1985) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to 100% disabled veteran excise tax exemptions. Revenue.
This bill establishes a special commission to study and improve Massachusetts' state funding for special education services. The commission, composed of education officials, legislative leaders, and advocates from disability and school organizations, will examine the current Chapter 70 funding formula and the special education circuit breaker program. It must recommend specific changes by March 2026, including adjustments for inflation, modifications to local funding requirements, and improvements to the circuit breaker program. The commission's work directly affects how special education funding is calculated and distributed across school districts.
This bill creates a new tax-advantaged savings account in Massachusetts to help first-time homebuyers save for a down payment and closing costs. Account holders can deduct contributions (up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 jointly) from their Massachusetts income tax each year, with a lifetime limit of $50,000 over 15 years. Funds must be used within 15 years for eligible home purchases by a designated first-time homebuyer (someone who hasn’t owned a home in Massachusetts for three years). The account is open to anyone who establishes it, but only the account holder - not contributors - receives the tax benefit. Funds not used for home purchases by the 15-year deadline become taxable income.
