FILED ON: 10/28/2019
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 4154
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)
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An Act financing the general governmental infrastructure of the Commonwealth.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1.To provide for a program of capital investments for public safety, governmental infrastructure, information technology and data- and cyber-security improvements to various state programs, services, agencies, institutions and properties and to fund technology infrastructure, the sums set forth in this act, for the several purposes and subject to the conditions specified in this act, are hereby made available, subject to the laws regulating the disbursement of public funds, which sums shall be in addition to any other amounts previously appropriated for these purposes; provided, that the amounts specified for a particular project may be adjusted in order to facilitate projects authorized in this act.
SECTION 2.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND SECURITY
Office of the Secretary
1790-3006 For costs associated with initiatives, projects, and expenditures to make improvements to the quality, consistency, efficiency, and delivery of any service or program for the benefit of the public and the interactions between residents and state agencies and instrumentalities of the commonwealth, including but not limited to, planning and studies, the preparation of plans and specifications, purchase, procurement, acquisition, licensing and implementation of information technology, telecommunications and data-security-related equipment, hardware, software, systems, intellectual property and related projects for various state agencies of the commonwealth; provided, that for projects the secretary of administration and finance certifies to the comptroller directly or indirectly generate state revenue or budgetary savings, the comptroller shall transfer such revenue or budgetary savings to the state treasurer for payment of debt service related to those projects; provided further, that any federal reimbursement received by a state agency in connection with projects funded from this item may be retained by the state agency or the executive office of technology services and security and expended for the purposes of the project, without further appropriation, in addition to the amounts appropriated in this item; provided further, that funds under this item may be used for costs associated with the development, implementation, and deployment of an online delivery system for unemployment compensation benefits; provided further, that the development, implementation and deployment of the online delivery system shall be undertaken in consultation with the Benefit Modernization Advisory Committee established in SECTION 3 .…………………………………………................................................................... $195,000,000
1790-3007 For costs associated with initiatives, projects, and expenditures to make improvements to the quality, consistency, efficiency, and delivery of any service or program to support, improve, extend, secure, or maintain technology or telecommunications infrastructure, including but not limited to, planning and studies, the preparation of plans and specifications, purchase, procurement, acquisition, licensing and implementation of information technology, telecommunications and data-security-related equipment, hardware, software, systems, intellectual property and related projects for various state agencies of the commonwealth; provided, that for projects the secretary of administration and finance certifies to the comptroller directly or indirectly generate state revenue or budgetary savings, the comptroller shall transfer such revenue or budgetary savings to the state treasurer for payment of debt service related to those projects; provided further, that any federal reimbursement received by a state agency in connection with projects funded from this item may be retained by the state agency or the executive office of technology services and security and expended for the purposes of the project, without further appropriation, in addition to the amounts appropriated in this item…………………………………………………………………………………. $105,000,000
1790-3008 For costs associated with planning and studies, the preparation of plans and specifications, purchase, procurement, acquisition, licensing and implementation of information technology, telecommunications and data-security-related equipment, hardware, software, systems, intellectual property and related projects for various state agencies and public instrumentalities of the commonwealth to mitigate, avoid, or respond to risks to the security of the commonwealth’s technology and telecommunications infrastructure or operations; provided, that for projects the secretary of administration and finance certifies to the comptroller directly or indirectly generate state revenue or budgetary savings, the comptroller shall transfer such revenue or budgetary savings to the state treasurer for payment of debt service related to those projects; provided further, that no less than $5 million shall be provided to cybersecurity, software, hardware, and infrastructure upgrades at community colleges; provided further, that any federal reimbursement received by a state agency in connection with projects funded from this item may be retained by the state agency or the executive office of technology services and security and expended for the purposes of the project, without further appropriation, in addition to the amounts appropriated in this item ……………………………… $140,000,000
1790-3009 For costs associated with planning and studies, the preparation of plans and specifications, purchase, procurement, acquisition, licensing and implementation of information technology, telecommunications and data-security-related equipment, hardware, software, systems, intellectual property and related projects for various state agencies of the commonwealth including, but not limited to, executing strategic initiatives, improving business intelligence, and modernizing governmental functions; provided, that for projects the secretary of administration and finance certifies to the comptroller directly or indirectly generate state revenue or budgetary savings, the comptroller shall transfer such revenue or budgetary savings to the state treasurer for payment of debt service related to those projects; provided further, that any federal reimbursement received by a state agency in connection with projects funded from this item may be retained by the state agency or the executive office of technology services and security and expended for the purposes of the project, without further appropriation, in addition to the amounts appropriated in this item………………………….…………. $165,000,000
SECTION 2A.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
1599-7064 For a competitive, matching grant program to be administered by the executive office of education and the department of elementary and secondary education, in consultation with the secretary of technology services and security, to assist public school districts in improving student instruction and assessment through the use of information technology; provided that the executive office of education and the department of elementary and secondary education, in consultation with the executive office of technology services and security, shall determine the criteria used to evaluate applications for the matching grant program; provided further, that the criteria shall promote access to broadband to public school districts; and provided further, that such criteria shall include, but not be limited to, the commitment of the school district to improve the efficiency and productivity of education through the use of technology, to deliver statewide online assessments, to provide student access to individualized and rigorous digital learning experiences and to ensure that educators and administrators have the knowledge and skills to develop and implement digital learning curricula……………………………………….…………………………………. $5,000,000
Department of Higher Education
7066-6829 For initiatives to improve the safety and security of public institutions of higher education, to be administered in coordination with the Executive Office of Education and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security; provided, that funding may be used for multi-year grants to public higher education institutions for school security and communications upgrades; provided further, that funding may be used to provide training for campus public safety officials; provided further, that funding may be used to provide upgrades of security cameras, door locks, active shooter detection systems, emergency communication systems, campus lighting, and emergency call boxes; provided further, that no less than $10,000,000 shall be provided to community colleges……………………………………………… $30,000,000
SECTION 2B.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Office of the Secretary
1599-1952 For a competitive, matching grant program to be administered by the executive office for administration and finance, in consultation with the secretary of technology services and security, to assist municipalities with the construction of fiber broadband infrastructure and related projects and expenditures …………….…….…………. $20,000,000
SECTION 2C.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Office of the Secretary
1100-2512 For a grant program to cities, towns, regional organizations whose membership is exclusively composed of municipal governments or municipal redevelopment authorities or agencies, or similar governmental development agencies to provide funding for capital purposes, including, but not limited to, planning and studies, preparation of plans and specifications, site assembly and preparation, dispositions, acquisitions, repairs, renovations, improvements, construction, demolition, remediation, modernization and reconstruction of facilities, infrastructure, equipment and other capital assets, technical assistance, information technology equipment and infrastructure and for costs associated with improving accessibility of municipal facilities, including, but not limited to, assessments, transition plans, technical assistance to cities, towns, municipal councils on aging and disability, and regional organizations whose membership is exclusively composed of municipal governments, under guidelines adopted by the secretary of administration and finance; provided further that not less than $500,000 be directed to the City of New Bedford for Buttonwood Park Zoological Society’s infrastructure improvements for the Animal Ambassador and Nature Connection Education Center projects; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 be directed to the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance for infrastructure improvements to the Garden of Peace……………………………………………………………………..… $ $101,500,000
1100-2513 For infrastructure related to governmental performance and efficiency; ……………………………………….………………………………….... $100,000,000
Massachusetts Office on Disability
1107-2410 For state financial assistance in the form of grants to cities and towns for modifications to governmental infrastructure to enhance accessibility; provided that projects may include, but shall not be limited to, projects providing for renovation, remodeling, reconstruction, redevelopment and hazardous material abatement, including asbestos and lead paint removal, for the adaptation of facilities for families and persons with disabilities, and for compliance with state codes and laws and for adaptations necessary for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and provided further, that priority shall be given to projects undertaken for the purpose of compliance with state codes and laws or for other purposes related to the health and safety of residents ……………………………………….……………… $10,000,000
Department of Revenue
1201-0001 For the division of local services within the department of revenue, for grants to carry out the Community Compact Information Technology Grant Program established in conjunction with Executive Order 554 ……………………………………….… $30,000,000
Board of Library Commissioners
7000-9092 For a program of grants to cities and towns for approved public library projects pursuant to sections 19G to 19J, inclusive, of chapter 78 of the General Laws ……...……………………………………….…………………………………… $150,000,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Department of Housing and Community Development
7004-0063 For a local capital projects grant program to support and encourage implementation of the housing choice designation for communities that have demonstrated housing production and adoption of housing best practices, including a grant program to support housing best practices in small towns ……………………………………….…… $25,000,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
Department of Fire Services
8324-2019 For the study, preparation of plans and specifications, design, remediation, demolition, construction, renovation, and improvements, including furnishings and equipment, of department of fire services facilities and grounds, including the establishment of a department of fire services Southeastern Massachusetts firefighter training facility, and for costs associated with repair and maintenance of department of fire services grounds, buildings, building systems and equipment, and for the acquisition of apparatus and specialty vehicles……….$10,000,000
SECTION 2D.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
Office of the Secretary
8324-2000 For a grant program to be awarded competitively to fire departments of cities, towns, fire districts and authorities of the commonwealth to purchase firefighter safety equipment; provided, that eligible fire safety equipment under this program shall include, but not be limited to, washer or dryer units, turnout gear, hand-held power lights, communication devices, personal alarm safety systems, self-contained breathing apparatus, fit test equipment, air packs, tanks, compressors, thermal imaging devices and computerized personnel accountability systems, but shall exclude firefighter vehicles ……………………….…………. $25,000,000
SECTION 2E.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
Office of the Secretary
8000-0703 For equipment for the department of correction and other agencies within the executive office of public safety and security including, but not limited to, medical equipment, security equipment, safety equipment, communications equipment and vehicles… $20,000,000
Department of State Police
8000-2024 For the replacement of state police cruisers and accompanying equipment; provided, that funds may be expended for equipment purchased in conjunction with the operation of the state police cruiser fleet, including, but not limited to, mobile data terminals………………………………………………………………….………… $82,500,000
SECTION 3.
BENEFIT MODERNIZATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Benefit Modernization Advisory Committee (advisory committee) is established to advise and report to the executive office of labor and workforce development, the executive office of technology services and security, the executive office for administration and finance and to report to the joint committee on labor and workforce development regarding the implementation and deployment of a comprehensive online system for unemployment insurance benefits including alternate methods of access for individuals without online access or who have other barriers to access including English proficiency, disabilities, or lack of proficiency with online systems (delivery system). The following shall apply:
(a)The advisory committee shall consist of the following members:
(1)Three employees of the department of unemployment assistance (department) including an individual who provides constituent services, an individual who provides multilingual services, and an individual with technical expertise who regularly communicates with front-line staff, appointed by the secretary of the executive office of labor and workforce development.
(2)A legal technology design academic appointed by the chairs of the joint committee on labor and workforce development.
(3)A representative of organized labor, appointed by the chairs of the joint committee on labor and workforce development.
(4)A representative of a group representing employers, appointed by the chairs of the joint committee on labor and workforce development.
(5)An attorney experienced in representing unemployed insurance claimants, appointed by the chairs of the joint committee on labor and workforce development.
(6)The secretary of labor and workforce development and the secretary of technology services and security or their designees shall be ex officio members of the advisory committee.
(b)The advisory committee shall meet within 90 days of the effective date of this section.
(c)The members appointed under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) shall be the co-chairs of the advisory committee.
(d)After the initial meeting, the co-chairs of the advisory committee shall organize quarterly meetings of the advisory committee. At the request of a co-chair, the committee may schedule additional meetings.
(e)The department shall provide administrative support and suitable working space for the advisory committee.
(f)Members of the advisory committee shall be provided with monthly updates regarding the development, implementation and deployment of the delivery system.
(g)In addition to department staff members of the advisory committee, other relevant department staff and representatives of relevant project vendors as determined and requested by the co-chairs shall attend meetings of the advisory committee.
(h)The advisory committee shall have the following powers and duties:
(1)The advisory committee shall monitor the development, implementation and deployment of the delivery system.
(2)The advisory committee may request information related to the development, implementation and deployment of the delivery system at any time. The department shall timely provide information requested unless the specific information is determined by the department to be of a proprietary interest or the release of the information is prohibited by law.
(3)The advisory committee may make recommendations to the department regarding the development, implementation and deployment of the delivery system at any time.
(4)The advisory committee may provide the department with assistance related to testing of the development, implementation and deployment of the delivery system.
(5)The advisory committee shall provide a report, not later than June 30 of each year, to the joint committee on labor and workforce development and to the executive offices of labor and workforce development, technology services and security, and administration and finance. The report shall include the advisory committee’s assessment of the progress regarding the development, implementation and deployment of the delivery system, a list of recommendations that the advisory committee has made to the department and whether those recommendations have been accepted, feedback from stakeholders in response to testing of the system, and comments to notices generated by the system. The advisory committee shall provide the department with a draft copy of the report at least 30 days prior to submission under this paragraph, and shall be permitted to include its response to the contenets of the report. In no event shall the department be allowed to delay the submission of the report by the advisory committee.
(6)The advisory committee shall continue to exercise the powers and duties provided under this subsection until December 31, 2026.
SECTION 4. The second sentence of section 16 of chapter 304 of the acts of 2008 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “10”, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 20.
SECTION 5. The third sentence of said section 16 of said chapter 304 of the acts of 2008 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “2023”, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2033.
SECTION 6. The second sentence of subsection (a) of section 6 of chapter 257 of the acts of 2014 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “10”, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 20.
SECTION 7. The third sentence of said subsection (a) of said section 6 of said chapter 257 of the acts of 2014 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “2029”, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2039.
SECTION 8. To meet the expenditures necessary in carrying out section 2, the state treasurer shall, upon request of the governor, issue and sell bonds of the commonwealth in an amount to be specified by the governor from time to time but not exceeding, in the aggregate, $605,000,000. All such bonds issued by the commonwealth shall be designated on their face, General Governmental Infrastructure Act of 2019, and shall be issued for a maximum term of years, not exceeding 10 years, as the governor may recommend to the general court under section 3 of Article LXII of the Amendments to the Constitution. The bonds shall be payable not later than June 30, 2034. All interest and payments on account of principal on these obligations shall be payable from the General Fund. Bonds and interest thereon issued under this section shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this act, be general obligations of the commonwealth.
SECTION 9. To meet the expenditures necessary in carrying out section 2A, the state treasurer shall, upon request of the governor, issue and sell bonds of the commonwealth in an amount to be specified by the governor from time to time but not exceeding, in the aggregate, $35,000,000. All such bonds issued by the commonwealth shall be designated on their face, General Governmental Infrastructure Act of 2019, and shall be issued for a maximum term of years, not exceeding 10 years, as the governor may recommend to the general court under section 3 of Article LXII of the Amendments to the Constitution. The bonds shall be payable not later than June 30, 2034. All interest and payments on account of principal on these obligations shall be payable from the General Fund. Bonds and interest thereon issued under this section shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this act, be general obligations of the commonwealth.
SECTION 10. To meet the expenditures necessary in carrying out section 2B, the state treasurer shall, upon request of the governor, issue and sell bonds of the commonwealth in an amount to be specified by the governor from time to time but not exceeding, in the aggregate, $20,000,000. All such bonds issued by the commonwealth shall be designated on their face, General Governmental Infrastructure Act of 2019, and shall be issued for a maximum term of years, not exceeding 10 years, as the governor may recommend to the general court under section 3 of Article LXII of the Amendments to the Constitution. The bonds shall be payable not later than June 30, 2034. All interest and payments on account of principal on these obligations shall be payable from the General Fund. Bonds and interest thereon issued under this section shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this act, be general obligations of the commonwealth.
SECTION 11. To meet the expenditures necessary in carrying out section 2C, the state treasurer shall, upon request of the governor, issue and sell bonds of the commonwealth in an amount to be specified by the governor from time to time but not exceeding, in the aggregate, $426,500,000. All such bonds issued by the commonwealth shall be designated on their face, General Governmental Infrastructure Act of 2019, and shall be issued for a maximum term of years, not exceeding 30 years, as the governor may recommend to the general court under section 3 of Article LXII of the Amendments to the Constitution. The bonds shall be payable not later than June 30, 2054. All interest and payments on account of principal on these obligations shall be payable from the General Fund. Bonds and interest thereon issued under this section shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this act, be general obligations of the commonwealth.
SECTION 12. To meet the expenditures necessary in carrying out section 2D, the state treasurer shall, upon request of the governor, issue and sell bonds of the commonwealth in an amount to be specified by the governor from time to time but not exceeding, in the aggregate, $25,000,000. All such bonds issued by the commonwealth shall be designated on their face, General Governmental Infrastructure Act of 2019, and shall be issued for a maximum term of years, not exceeding 10 years, as the governor may recommend to the general court under section 3 of Article LXII of the Amendments to the Constitution. The bonds shall be payable not later than June 30, 2034. All interest and payments on account of principal on these obligations shall be payable from the General Fund. Bonds and interest thereon issued under this section shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this act, be general obligations of the commonwealth.
SECTION 13. To meet the expenditures necessary in carrying out section 2E, the state treasurer shall, upon request of the governor, issue and sell bonds of the commonwealth in an amount to be specified by the governor from time to time but not exceeding, in the aggregate, $102,500,000. All such bonds issued by the commonwealth shall be designated on their face, General Governmental Infrastructure Act of 2019, and shall be issued for a maximum term of years, not exceeding 7 years, as the governor may recommend to the general court under section 3 of Article LXII of the Amendments to the Constitution. The bonds shall be payable not later than June 30, 2031. All interest and payments on account of principal on these obligations shall be payable from the General Fund. Bonds and interest thereon issued under this section shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this act, be general obligations of the commonwealth.
SECTION 14. To provide for the continued availability of certain bond-funded spending authorizations which otherwise would expire, the balances of the following appropriation items and any allocations thereof are hereby extended through June 30, 2024 for the purposes of and subject to the conditions stated for these items in the original authorizations and any amendments to such authorizations: 0640-0035, 1100-9200, 1599-7061, 1790-3001, 1790-3002, 1790-3003, 7000-9091 and 8100-2026.