This bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2027 to support various state departments, boards, and institutions, including specific allocations for education, healthcare, and social services. It authorizes the lottery commission to enter into new contracts for games not previously authorized, allowing contractors to receive a percentage of revenues without those payments being subject to future appropriation. The legislation also adjusts the percentage of lottery proceeds distributed to specific trust funds, such as the Youth Development and Achievement Fund and the Public Health Trust Fund, while modifying the authority of the inspector general regarding report submissions. Additionally, the bill sets spending limits and reporting requirements for programs addressing homelessness, child welfare, and special education.
House Document 6108 is a formal submission from the Office of the Inspector General that presents the findings of a study on special education transportation costs in Massachusetts. The document analyzes various factors influencing these expenses, such as driver shortages, contract complexity, and regionalization efforts, while also listing specific recommendations for improvement. This report is intended to inform policymakers and school districts about the current state of transportation logistics and funding challenges without proposing new legislation.
This bill appropriates state funds for fiscal year 2026 to support various government programs and agencies, including corrections, transportation, education, and public safety services. It allocates money to specific entities such as the Board of Bar Examiners, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the MBTA, and the Department of Transitional Assistance for caseworker salaries. The legislation also establishes reserves for unanticipated obligations, including support for the 2026 World Cup matches in Boston, winter heating assistance for low-income households, and transition age youth services. Additionally, it provides targeted funding for local school districts to offset special education costs and create a fund for vocational-technical teacher training.
This bill amends Massachusetts special education funding formulas by changing the foundation aid calculation from 4 to 3 in two specific sections of state law. The change directly affects how the state distributes financial resources to school districts for special education services. By adjusting these numerical values in the statutory text, the legislation modifies the method used to determine funding allocations. The bill does not add new programs or change eligibility requirements, but rather adjusts the mathematical basis for existing funding calculations.
December 15, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 383) of John F. Keenan for legislation to create a facilities loan program for private special education schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 430) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation for a special commission to review and valuate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure; (accompanied by resolve, Senate, No. 442) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a special commission on special education funding; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 454) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to conduct a study on the delivery of special education services; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 455) of Bruce E. Tarr relative to the foundation funding of special education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2864).
Senate, December 29, 2025 -- The committee on Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 317) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to ensure equitable access to education, including special education services, for all students in Massachusetts, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2869).
By Representatives Scanlon of North Attleborough and Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 691) of Adam J. Scanlon, Michael P. Kushmerek and others relative to the special education reimbursement program and for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of special education funding. Education.
By Representative Sullivan-Almeida of Abington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4217) of Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida relative to special education disputes. Education.
By Representative Peisch of Wellesley, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 670) of Alice Hanlon Peisch relative to special education finance. Education.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 430) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Joanne M. Comerford, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation for a special commission to review and valuate the commonwealth’s current special education financing structure. Education.
