SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2505
Senate, November 14, 2023 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2023 for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects (House, No.4171) |
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
_______________
SECTION 1. To provide for supplementing certain items in the general appropriation act and other appropriation acts for fiscal year 2023, the sums set forth in section 2 are hereby appropriated from the General Fund, the federal COVID-19 response fund established in section 2JJJJJ of chapter 29 of the General Laws or the Transitional Escrow Fund established in section 16 of chapter 76 of the acts of 2021, as amended by section 4 of chapter 98 of the acts of 2022, unless specifically designated otherwise in this act or in those appropriation acts, for the several purposes and subject to the conditions specified in this act or in those appropriation acts and subject to the laws regulating the disbursement of public funds for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. These sums shall be in addition to any amounts previously appropriated and made available for the purposes of those items. Except as otherwise provided, these sums shall be made available through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
SECTION 2.
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Office of the Secretary
0521-0000Elections Division…………..$182,433
Group Insurance Commission
1108-5500 Group Insurance Dental and Vision…………..$27,564
Reserves
1599-0793Critical HHS and Workforce Reserve…………..$55,000,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Department of Early Education and Care
3000-7040EEC Contingency Contract Retained Revenue…………..$200,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
4000-0700MassHealth Fee for Service Payments…………..$2,116,827,526
Department of Public Health
4590-0915DPH Hospital Operations…………..$10,710,901
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Office of the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development
7003-0101Labor and Workforce Development Shared Services…………$11,000,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
7061-9400 Student and School Assessment…………..$8,833,222
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
Military Division
8700-0001 Military Division…………..$185,000
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ SERVICES
Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke
4190-0400 Consolidated Appropriations Act…………..$708,240
4190-0401 American Rescue Plan Act…………..$1,714,016
SECTION 2A. To provide for certain unanticipated obligations of the commonwealth, an alteration of purpose for current appropriations and to meet certain requirements of law, the sums set forth in this section are hereby appropriated from the General Fund, the federal COVID-19 response fund established in section 2JJJJJ of chapter 29 of the General Laws or the Transitional Escrow Fund established in section 16 of chapter 76 of the acts of 2021, as amended by section 4 of chapter 98 of the acts of 2022, unless specifically designated otherwise in this section, for the several purposes and subject to the conditions specified in this section, and subject to the laws regulating the disbursement of public funds for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Except as otherwise stated, these sums shall be made available through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER
Office of the Comptroller
1595-4514For an operating transfer to the Commonwealth’s Pension Liability Fund, established in subsection (e) of subdivision (8) of section 22 of chapter 32 of the General Laws…………..$100,000,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth
0950-0050 For the commission on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth established in section 67 of chapter 3 of the General Laws to provide training and technical assistance to school districts to support LGBTQ students, families and educators; provided, that funds in this item shall be expended, in consultation with the department of elementary and secondary education, to provide training and technical assistance to implement the revised Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum framework as approved by the board of elementary and secondary education; and provided further, that not later than April 15, 2024, the commission shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on education and the joint committee on public health that shall include, but not be limited to, expenditures made under this item and recommendations to integrate and transfer the administrative duties, responsibilities and oversight of the training and technical assistance programs provided to school districts under this item to the department of elementary and secondary education………………........................................................$500,000
Reserves
1599-0012 For a reserve to support reimbursements for extraordinary relief to school districts pursuant to section 5A of chapter 71B of the General Laws and item 7061-0012; provided, that funds shall be made available for reimbursements in fiscal year 2024 to school districts that experience increases to instructional costs reimbursable under said section 5A of said chapter 71B and incurred such instructional costs during fiscal year 2024 that exceed 25 per cent of such instructional costs incurred during fiscal year 2023; provided further, that funds shall also be made available to reimburse districts in fiscal year 2024 for 100 per cent of any such instructional cost increases exceeding 7.5 per cent where the total of such increase also exceeds 0.5 per cent of total actual net school spending in fiscal year 2023; provided further, that no funds from this item shall be distributed to any school district that does not have a spending plan in place as required for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds pursuant to: (i) section 18003(b) of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Public Law 116-136; (ii) section 313 of the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, Division M of Public Law 116-260; (iii) section 2001 of the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2001, Public Law 117-2; or (iv) any other federal act providing for COVID-19 response funds; provided further, that no funds shall be distributed to any school district until said spending plans have been verified by the department of elementary and secondary education; provided further, that the department of elementary and secondary education shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing said spending plans for all school districts receiving funds from this item; provided further, that funds paid from this provision in fiscal year 2024 shall not be reimbursable in fiscal year 2025; and provided further, that the funds appropriated in this item shall not revert but shall be made available through June 30, 2025 and may be transferred to item 7061-0012 and expended subject to the conditions specified in said item in the general appropriations act for that year…...$75,000,000
1599-0514 For a reserve to support the commonwealth’s response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and influx of families seeking shelter; provided, that the executive office for administration and finance, in consultation with the executive office of housing and livable communities, shall submit reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means every 14 days; provided further, that said reports shall include, but shall not be limited to: (i) the total number of families in the emergency housing assistance program under section 30 of chapter 23B of the General Laws or this item who entered said program as migrants, refugees or asylum seekers as a result of the ongoing humanitarian crisis; (ii) the total number of families currently in shelters, hotels or motels, delineated by municipality, in the emergency assistance program or funded through this item, including, but not limited to, those who entered the emergency assistance program as migrants, refugees or asylum seekers as a result of the ongoing humanitarian crisis; (iii) the total number of individuals and the number of families with work authorizations for those individuals who entered the emergency assistance program as migrants, refugees or asylum seekers as a result of the ongoing humanitarian crisis; (iv) the total amount expended on the emergency assistance program overall, including, but not limited to, shelter, food and other services; (v) the total amount expended on supplemental school district costs, delineated by district; (vi) the total amount expended on municipal supports, delineated by municipality; (vii) any other spending under this item; and (viii) any projected deficiency in funds related to said crisis in fiscal year 2024 and projected costs related to said crisis through the end of fiscal year 2025; provided further, that funds in this item may be expended for the costs associated with sheltering eligible families including, but not limited to, housing, food, and onsite staffing; provided further, that funds may be expended for temporary emergency shelter sites; provided further, that funds shall be expended for additional non-housing specific services at shelter sites and community supports, including, but not limited to, medical services, health assessments, legal assistance, migrant and refugee workforce programs, municipal supports and supplemental school district costs associated with additional student enrollments; provided further, that the secretary of administration and finance may transfer funds from this item to state agencies as defined in section 1 of chapter 29 of the General Laws; provided further, that not later than January 1, 2024, the executive office for administration and finance shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, which shall include, but not be limited to: (a) the number of families applying for emergency shelter above the 7,500 capacity limit established in the Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Declaration dated October 31, 2023 pursuant to 760 CMR 67.10; (b) the number of families on the waitlist for emergency shelter; and (c) the immediate services provided to such families on said waitlist; and provided further, that not later than February 1, 2024, the executive office of housing and livable communities shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, which shall include information from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, inclusive, related to contract compliance by providers of alternative temporary emergency accommodations and the procurement process for shelter, food and other services …………………………………………………..$250,000,000
1599-1101For a reserve for the payroll of the department of transitional assistance’s caseworkers and other necessary staff to serve applicants and clients of the supplemental nutrition assistance, transitional aid to families with dependent children and emergency aid to the elderly, disabled and children programs; provided, that funds may be transferred to items 4400-1000 and 4400-1100; and provided further, that the funds appropriated in this item shall be made available through the year ending June 30, 2025…………..…………..…………..$60,300,000
1599-1214 For a reserve for expansion, upgrades or enhancements to staffing, operations or infrastructure for new and existing facilities that treat men with an alcohol or substance use disorder under sections 1 and 35 of chapter 123 of the General Laws; provided, that the secretary of administration and finance may transfer funds from this item to state agencies as defined in section 1 of chapter 29 of the General Laws…………..…………..$14,000,000
1599-2301 For a reserve for costs associated with the settlement agreement in Spencer Tatum et al. v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk Superior Court C.A. No. 0984CV00576…………………………………………………………………………$40,000,000
1599-4449 For a reserve to meet the costs of salary adjustments and other economic benefits authorized by the collective bargaining agreement between the board of higher education and the Massachusetts Community College Council…………...............…$26,233,522
1599-2303 For a reserve to provide extraordinary relief and support mitigation costs associated with storms and natural disasters that impacted municipalities throughout the commonwealth in 2023; provided further, that funds in this item shall provide direct assistance and relief to impacted municipalities with costs related to damage caused by said storms and natural disasters; provided further, that municipalities may expend funds received under this item, in coordination with local emergency relief organizations, to assist populations affected by said storms and natural disasters; provided further, that efforts shall be made to maximize available federal reimbursement for the purposes of this item; provided further, that funds in this item shall be administered by the executive office for administration and finance; and provided further, that not less than 15 days in advance of distribution, the secretary of administration and finance shall file a distribution plan along with a detailed description of the qualifying expenses for which municipalities will be reimbursed with the house and senate committees on ways and means……………….………………..$15,000,000
1599-8910 For a reserve to support costs associated with the 14 county sheriffs’ offices; provided, that the secretary of administration and finance may transfer funds from this item to state agencies as defined in section 1 of chapter 29 of the General Laws…………..$16,000,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Office of the Secretary
2000-0120For obligations of the commonwealth to neighboring states incurred pursuant to interstate compacts for flood control…………..$506,140
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office for Refugees and Immigrants
4003-0123 For the resettlement agencies in the commonwealth that contract with the United States Department of State to resettle and support refugees and immigrants; provided, that funds shall be used to provide services to refugees and other displaced persons eligible for the services provided by said resettlement agencies; provided further, that funds may be expended by said resettlement agencies to provide services and supports to prevent families from entering the emergency shelter system; provided further, that said resettlement agencies shall coordinate with the executive office of housing and livable communities and the executive office of health and human services to identify individuals eligible for services in a way that promotes geographic equity and prioritizes municipalities or regions that are supporting a disproportionate number of immigrants and refugees; and provided further, that said resettlement agencies shall submit monthly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) a list of recipients of such funds; (ii) the amounts distributed to each recipient; (iii) the number of immigrants and refugees served by each recipient, delineated by municipality; (iv) a breakdown of the number of immigrants and refugees served by each recipient, delineated by individuals: (a) currently residing in the emergency housing assistance program under section 30 of chapter 23B of the General Laws; (b) who entered said program as migrants, refugees or asylum seekers as a result of the ongoing humanitarian crisis; and (c) who are currently on the waitlist for placement into said program; (v) a breakdown of the number of immigrants and refugees served by each recipient who have been resettled into long term housing other than the emergency shelter system; (vi) a breakdown of the number of immigrants and refugees served by each recipient who are currently awaiting federal work authorization versus the number of said immigrants and refugees who have had their federal work authorization approved; and (vii) a list of all municipalities served by each recipient of such funds.............................………….….$10,000,000
Department of Transitional Assistance
4400-1031For reimbursement to clients who have had their federal supplemental nutrition assistance program payments stolen through electronic benefit transfer card skimming, card cloning and other similar fraudulent methods, including organized identity theft schemes during the period of October 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024, to the extent that federal funds will not cover the cost of reimbursement; provided, that claims for such reimbursement must be verified by the department of transitional assistance and must be reported to or identified by the department not later than July 31, 2024……………………........................................ $1,000,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Massachusetts Marketing Partnership
7008-0250 For the office of travel and tourism for the costs of planning and celebrating the commonwealth’s 250th anniversary of the American Revolution…........................ $1,000,000
SECTION 2CI. For the purpose of making available in fiscal year 2024 balances of appropriations which otherwise would revert on June 30, 2023, the unexpended balances of the appropriations listed below, not to exceed the amount specified below for each item, are hereby re-appropriated for the purposes of and subject to the conditions stated for the corresponding item in section 2 of chapter 126 of the acts of 2022. However, for items which do not appear in section 2 of the general appropriation act, the amounts in this section are re-appropriated for the purposes of and subject to the conditions stated for the corresponding item in section 2 or 2A of this act or in prior appropriation acts. Amounts in this section are re-appropriated from the fund or funds designated for the corresponding item in section 2 of said chapter 126; provided, however, that for items which do not appear in said section 2 of said chapter 126, the amounts in this section are re-appropriated from the fund or funds designated for the corresponding item in sections 2 to 2E, inclusive, of this act or in prior appropriation acts. The unexpended balance of each appropriation in the Massachusetts management accounting and reporting system with a secretariat code of 01 or 17 is hereby re-appropriated for the purposes of and subject to the conditions stated for the corresponding item in said section 2 of said chapter 126. The sums reappropriated in this section shall be in addition to any amounts available for said purposes.
JUDICIARY
Committee for Public Counsel Services
0321-1500Committee for Public Counsel Services…………..1,345,240
0321-1510Private Counsel Compensation…………..$7,868,803
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee
0321-2000 Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee…………..$45,000
Trial Court
0330-0300Trial Court Administration…………..$8,500,000
Commissioner of Probation
0339-1001Commissioner of Probation$558,617
TREASURER AND RECEIVER GENERAL
0610-2000 Welcome Home Bill Bonus Payments…………..$1,000,000
STATE LOTTERY COMMISSION
0640-0000 State Lottery Commission…………..$207,500
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
0800-0003 Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities…………..$99,840
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Office of the Child Advocate
0930-0100Office of the Child Advocate ………….. …………..$250,000
CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION
1070-0840Cannabis Control Commission…………..$200,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Bureau of the State House
1102-3331 Office of the State House Superintendent…………..$100,000
1102-3400 Security Operations at the State House…………..$150,000
Reserves
1599-0054 Hinton Lab Reserve…………..$368,347
1599-0080 Tests Vaccine Outreach Reserve…………..$5,000,000
1599-0793Critical HHS and Workforce Reserve…………..$81,322,743
1599-4448 Collective Bargaining Contract Costs…………..$40,000,000
1599-8909Election Costs Reserve…………..$8,000,000
1599-9817HCBS Reserve…………..$171,967,037
DISABLED PERSONS PROTECTION COMMISSION
1107-2501Disabled Persons Protection Commission…………..$20,423
HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION
1450-1200Health Policy Commission…………..$370,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Department of Environmental Protection
2260-8870 Hazardous Waste Cleanup…………..$1,000,000
Department of Fish and Game
2300-0101 Riverways Protection and Access…………..$400,000
Office of the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
2000-0101 Climate Adaptation and Preparedness…………..$637,000
2000-0102 Environmental Justice…………..$300,000
2200-0107 Redemption Centers Operations …................................................... $200,000
Department of Agricultural Resources
2511-0100 Agricultural Resources Administration…………..$24,000
2511-0103 Cannabis and Hemp Agricultural Oversight…………..$32,150
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
4000-0051 Family Resource Centers…………..$450,000
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf
4125-0100 Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing……..$399,000
Department of Youth Services
4200-0300 Residential Services for Committed Population…………..$5,000,000
Department of Public Health
4510-0721 Boards of Registration for HPL…………..$864,000
4512-2022 Grants to Local Boards of Health…………..$973,700
4513-2020 Behavioral Health Supports…………..$500,000
Department of Mental Health
5011-0100 DMH Administration and Operations…………..$145,000
5095-0017 DMH Loan Forgiveness Program…………..$10,000,000
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ SERVICES
Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts
4180-0100Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts Administration and Operations…………..$4,661,119
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
1599-1971 MBTA Workforce Safety Reserve…………..$229,290,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Office of the Secretary of Economic Development
7002-0017 Economic Development IT Costs…………..$505,000
Massachusetts Marketing Partnership
7008-0900 Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism …………..$2,207,028
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
7004-0102 Homeless Individual Shelters…………..$6,000,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Office of the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development
7003-0150 Demonstration Workforce Development…………..$2,293,876
7003-0607 Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities…………..$166,667
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Department of Early Education and Childcare
3000-1020 Quality Improvement…………..$1,000,000
3000-1046 EEC Infrastructure Policy Reforms…………..$8,127,000
3000-2050 Children’s Trust Fund…………..$350,000
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
7061-9805 Teacher Diversity Initiative…………..$14,856,250
Department of Higher Education
7066-0115 Endowment Incentive Program…………..$9,775,000
University of Massachusetts
7100-0700 Office of Dispute Resolution…………..$93,000
7100-0701 For the Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth........................................................................................... $183,909
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
Office of the Secretary of Public Safety and Security
8000-0605 Human Trafficking Prevention Grants…………..$241,565
8000-1700 Public Safety Information Technology Costs…………..$700,000
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
8000-0105 Office of the Chief Medical Examiner…………..$70,000
Massachusetts State Police
8100-0515 New State Police Class…………..$5,367,000
Department of Fire Services
8324-0000 Department of Fire Services Administration…………..$647,159
8324-0050 Local Fire Department Projects and Grants…………..$200,000
Department of Correction
8900-0001 Department of Correction Facility Operations…………..$8,000,000
8900-1100 Re-Entry Programs…………..…………..…………..$2,997,166
SECTION 2C.II. For the purpose of making available in fiscal year 2024 balances of retained revenue and intragovernmental chargeback authorizations which otherwise would revert on June 30, 2023, the unexpended balances of the authorizations listed below, not to exceed the amount specified below for each item, are hereby re-authorized for the purposes of and subject to the conditions stated for the corresponding item in section 2 or 2B of chapter 24 of the acts of 2021. However, for items which do not appear in section 2 or 2B of said chapter 24, the amounts in this section are re-authorized for the purposes of and subject to the conditions stated for the corresponding item in section 2, 2A, or 2B of this act or in prior appropriation acts. Amounts in this section are re-authorized from the fund or funds designated for the corresponding item in section 2 or 2B of the general appropriation act; provided, however, that for items which do not appear in section 2 or 2B of the general appropriation act, the amounts in this section are re-authorized from the fund or funds designated for the corresponding item in section 2, 2A, or 2B of this act or in prior appropriation acts. The sums re-authorized in this section shall be in addition to any amounts available for those purposes.
MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
0940-0103 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Fair Employment Programs…………..…………..1,200,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Operational Services Division
1775-0800 Chargeback for Purchase of Operation and Repair of State Vehicles…………..…………..$225,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Roxbury Community College
7515-0121 Reggie Lewis Track – Retained Revenue…………..$100,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
8000-0122 Chief Medical Examiner Fee Retained Revenue…………..$230,000
Department of Correction
8900-0011 Prison Industries Retained Revenue…………..…………..$400,000
8900-0021 Chargeback for Prison Industries and Farm Program…………..$2,000,000
SECTION 3. The sixth paragraph of section 22N of chapter 7 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:- Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, child care and school age programs, except for special education and residential programs, contracting with the department of early education and care or their agents shall be exempt from the price limitations set forth by the bureau.
SECTION 4. Subsection (b) of section 35XX of chapter 10 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 16, the figure “1” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2.
SECTION 5. Section 20 of chapter 25A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 33, the word “(b)” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- (c).
SECTION 6. Section 39M of chapter 30 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 63, the word “and”.
SECTION 7. Said section 39M of said chapter 30, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the figure “$150,000”, in line 67, the following words:- and, at the option of the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance, every maintenance service contract, as defined in paragraph (D½) of section 44A of chapter 149, by the division of capital asset management and maintenance.
SECTION 8. The fourth paragraph of subsection (a) of said section 39M of said chapter 30, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the first sentence the following sentence:- The division of capital asset management and maintenance shall evaluate the performance of the contractor of a maintenance service contract, as defined in said paragraph (D½) of said section 44A of said chapter 149, procured pursuant to this section at the end of each maintenance service contract and keep said maintenance service contract performance evaluations on file.
SECTION 9. Section 5B of chapter 40 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the third paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-
There shall be designated 2 types of stabilization funds: (i) the general purpose stabilization fund; and (ii) special purpose stabilization funds. At the time of creating any stabilization fund, the city, town or district shall specify, and at any later time may alter, the purpose of the fund, which may be for any lawful purpose, including, but not limited to, an approved school project pursuant to chapter 70B or any other purpose for which the city, town or district may lawfully borrow money. The specification and any alteration of purpose and any appropriation of funds from the general purpose stabilization fund shall be approved by a two-thirds vote, except as provided in paragraph (g) of section 21C of chapter 59 for a majority referendum vote. Subject to said section 21C of said chapter 59, any such vote shall be of the legislative body of the city, town or district, subject to its charter. Appropriation of funds from a special purpose stabilization fund shall be approved by a majority vote.
SECTION 10. Section 53 of chapter 44 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out clauses (2) and (3) and inserting in place thereof the following 4 clauses:- (2) sums not in excess of $150,000 to be recovered under the terms of a fire or physical damage insurance policy or received in restitution for damage done to such city, town or district property may, with the approval of the chief executive officer, be spent by the officer or department having control of the city, town or district property for the restoration or replacement of such property without specific appropriation during the fiscal year in which the damage occurs or within 120 days after the end of said fiscal year, whichever is later; provided, however, that any insurance or restitution received shall be applied to finance the restoration or replacement and any such expenditures outstanding at the close of the fiscal year after the fiscal year in which the damage occurred shall be reported by the auditor or accountant of the city, town or district, or other officer having similar duties, or by the treasurer if there is no such officer, to the assessors, who shall include the amount so reported in the determination of the next annual tax rate, unless the city, town or district has otherwise made provision therefor, (3) sums recovered from pupils in the public schools for loss of or damage to school books, materials, electronic devices or other learning aids provided by the school committee, or paid by pupils for materials used in the industrial arts projects, may be used by the school committee for the restoration or replacement of such books or materials without specific appropriation, (4) non-recurring, unanticipated sums received by multiple cities, towns or districts and not otherwise provided for by general or special law, may, upon the approval of the director of accounts, be expended at the direction of the chief executive officer without further appropriation only for the singular purpose for which the monies were received, and (5) non-recurring, unanticipated sums received by multiple cities, towns or districts and not otherwise provided for by a general or special law, may, upon the approval of the director of accounts, be deposited in a separate revenue account established in the treasury and expended, with appropriation, only for the purposes for which the monies were received.
SECTION 11. Said chapter 44 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 53J the following section:-
Section 53K. Notwithstanding section 53, any city or town may, upon the approval of its chief executive officer, establish in the treasury of the city or town a separate revenue account into which shall be deposited the monies received from: (i) a party under a host agreement or other agreement in connection with the costs imposed upon the city or town by the operation or location of the party in the city or town; or (ii) an applicant to meet any condition or obligation required for the approval or issuance of a permit or license, including those issued under section 8C of chapter 40 of the General Laws, chapter 40A of the General Laws, chapter 40B of the General Laws, sections 81K to 81GG, inclusive, of chapter 41 of the General Laws, chapter 111 of the General Laws, chapter 138 of the General Laws or any other municipal permitting or licensing general or special law, ordinance, by-law or rules and regulations promulgated by a municipal permit or license-granting officer or board when implementing any authority conferred under any law, regulation, ordinance or by-law. An account established pursuant to this section shall be established by the treasurer of the city or town in the treasury and shall be kept separate and apart from other monies. Monies in such account shall be expended at the direction of the chief executive officer of the city or town without further appropriation only for the purposes for which the monies were received.
SECTION 12. Section 3 of chapter 62 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 146 to 149, inclusive, as so appearing, the words “wagering transactions, that were incurred at a gaming establishment licensed in accordance with chapter 23K or at any racing meeting licensee or simulcasting licensee, only to the extent of the gains from such transactions” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- sports wagers that were incurred through a sports wagering operator licensed under chapter 23N or from wagering transactions that were incurred at a gaming establishment licensed under chapter 23K or at any racing meeting licensee or simulcasting licensee; provided, however, that the amount of losses deducted shall not exceed the amount of gains from such sports wagers and wagering transactions.
SECTION 13. Section 5A of said chapter 62, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “23K”, in line 27, the following words:- or sports wagering winnings acquired through a sports wagering operator licensed under chapter 23N.
SECTION 14. Subsection (aa) of section 6 of said chapter 62, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 1385, the words “the day” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- 6 months after.
SECTION 15. Section 2 of chapter 62B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “establishment”, in lines 94 to 95, the following words:- from sports wagering under chapter 23N.
SECTION 16. Said section 2 of said chapter 62B, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “licensee”, in line 105, the following words:- or sports wagering operator.
SECTION 17. Section 38KK of chapter 63 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 15, the words “the day” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- 6 months after.
SECTION 18. Subsection (e) of section 42B of said chapter 63, as inserted by section 35 of chapter 50 of the acts of 2023, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-
For the purposes of this section, “value-added agricultural products” shall mean any products of farming or agriculture, as defined in section 1A of chapter 128, which have increased in market value due to some process other than packaging. “Value-added agricultural products” shall include, but shall not be limited to: cheese, butter, buttermilk, yogurt, cream, ice cream, fruit preserves, fruit juices, fruit sauces, fruit syrups, dried fruit, seeded fruits, peeled or chopped fruit and vegetables, processed fruit and vegetables, salads, maple syrup, maple candy, honey and all apicultural products, horticulture nursery and greenhouse products, topiary plants, bacon, sausage, lard, dried or smoked meat, wool and fish, seafood and other aquatic products.
SECTION 19. Chapter 90 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out section 2D, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 2D. (a) The registrar shall design, issue and regulate the use of temporary registration plates for issuance to and use by the following purchasers of motor vehicles: (i) residents of the commonwealth pending receipt of registration plates issued pursuant to section 2; and (ii) nonresidents of the commonwealth who will be transporting the vehicle to the purchaser’s state of residence for registration in that state. Such temporary plates shall be issued to dealers, upon application accompanied by the proper fee, as provided in section 33, for use by purchasers of motor vehicles; provided, however, that said plates shall be valid for not more than 20 days. Prior to the issuance of temporary plates to a purchaser who does not reside in the commonwealth and who intends to transport a vehicle to their state of residence for registration in that state, the purchaser shall furnish to the dealer sufficient proof of: (i) out of state residence; (ii) motor vehicle liability insurance in an amount equal to or greater than the minimum limits set forth in section 34A; and (iii) property damage insurance in an amount equal to or greater than the minimum limit set forth in section 34O.
(b) Temporary registration plates issued to nonresidents of the commonwealth who will be transporting the vehicle to the purchaser’s state of residence for registration in that state shall not be subject to chapter 60A.
(c) The registrar is hereby empowered to issue and enforce regulations for the administration of this section.
SECTION 20. Said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 2I the following section:-
Section 2J. The registrar shall refuse to register, and shall suspend or revoke if already registered, a commercial motor vehicle if the registrar has received notice, in any form which the registrar deems appropriate, including electronic transmissions, that the commercial motor carrier attempting to register a commercial motor vehicle has been prohibited from operating in interstate commerce by a federal agency with authority to do so under federal law.
SECTION 21. Section 2 of chapter 90D of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 28 to 30, inclusive, the words “(10) Trailers having gross weight of three thousand pounds or less; (12) Manufactured home, as defined in section thirty-two Q of chapter one hundred and forty” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- (9) Trailers having gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less; (10) A manufactured home, as defined in section 32Q of chapter 140; or (11) A vehicle purchased by a nonresident who will be transporting the vehicle to the purchaser’s state of residence for registration in that state pursuant to section 2D of chapter 90.
SECTION 22. Section 14 of chapter 94G of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 16, the words “15 per cent of the fund” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- not later than January 1, an amount equal to 15 per cent of the revenue deposited in the fund in the prior fiscal year.
SECTION 23. Section 23 of chapter 118E of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “manager”, in line 5, the following words:- , dental benefit manager, accountable care organization, managed care entity, casualty insurer, workers’ compensation insurer, malpractice insurer, short-term limited duration insurance, association health plan.
SECTION 24. The third paragraph of said section 23 of said chapter 118E, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the second sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:- A health care insurer shall respond to an inquiry by the division about a claim for payment for health care benefits not later than 60 days after receiving any inquiry and shall not deny a claim for payment for health care benefits solely on the basis of the date of submission of the claim, the type of format for the claim form or a failure to present proper documentation at the point of sale that is the basis of the claim if the claim is submitted by the division within a 3-year period beginning on the date on which the service was furnished and if any action by the division to enforce its rights with respect to a claim is filed within 6 years after the submission of the claim to the health insurer.
SECTION 25. Said section 23 of said chapter 118E, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the third paragraph the following 2 paragraphs:-
A health care insurer shall: (i) accept the division’s authorization that the item or service is covered under the state plan or waiver of such plan, as if the authorization were the prior authorization made by the health care insurer for the item or service; and (ii) not deny a claim submitted by the division for failure to obtain prior authorization for an item or service.
Prior authorization made by the health care insurer or any other entity on behalf of the health care insurer, including, but not limited to, a third-party administrator, shall mean any review to determine coverage of an item or service before the item or service is provided and before a claim is submitted for payment, including, but not limited to, prior approvals, pre-certifications or medical necessity determinations.
SECTION 26. Said section 23 of said chapter 118E, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “commonwealth”, in line 68, the following words:- or providing coverage to residents of the commonwealth.
SECTION 27. Said section 23 of said chapter 118E, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “division”, in line 71, the following words:- , or its designee,.
SECTION 28. The fourth paragraph of section 25 of said chapter 118E, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the second sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:- In the absence of managed care plans, the division may require, to the extent permitted by federal law, that recipients, if eligible for such benefits, be liable for a copayment of up to $5 toward the purchase of each pharmaceutical product, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.
SECTION 29. Subsection (1) of section 44A of chapter 149 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Eligible” the following definition:-
“Maintenance service contract”, a multi-year contract exclusively for the ongoing, periodic maintenance, including maintaining, servicing, testing and incidental repairs, of 1 or more of the following building systems: (i) electrical; (ii) elevator; (iii) fire protection sprinkler system, as defined in section 81 of chapter 146, and fire alarm system; (iv) heating, ventilating and air-conditioning and any associated mechanical system; or (v) plumbing.
SECTION 30. Said section 44A of said chapter 149, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 47, the word “(A)” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- (2)(A).
SECTION 31. Subsection (2) of said section 44A of said chapter 149, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after paragraph (D) the following paragraph:-
(D½) Every maintenance service contract for any building by the division of capital asset management and maintenance estimated to cost more than $150,000 shall be awarded to the lowest responsible and eligible general bidder on the basis of competitive bids in accordance with the procedure set forth in section 44A to 44H, inclusive; provided, however, that this paragraph shall not apply if a maintenance service contract is bid, at the option of the commissioner, pursuant to section 39M of chapter 30.
SECTION 32. Section 7 of chapter 161A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out subsection (d) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-
(d) Five members of the board shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of members present at a duly-called meeting, if a quorum is present, shall be necessary for any action taken by the board. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the board may be taken without a meeting if all members consent in writing to such action and such written consent is filed with the records of the minutes of the board. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.
SECTION 33. Section 1 of chapter 211B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 7, the figure “384” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 393.
SECTION 34. Section 2 of said chapter 211B, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 3, the figure “51” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 59.
SECTION 35. Item 7008-1117 of section 2A of chapter 142 of the acts of 2019 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “2023”, as inserted by section 121 of chapter 126 of the acts of 2022, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2024.
SECTION 36. Said item 7008-1117 of said section 2A of said chapter 142 is hereby further amended by striking out the figure "2023", as inserted by section 122 of said chapter 126, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2024.
SECTION 37. Sections 1 and 3 to 7, inclusive, of chapter 93 of the acts of 2020 are hereby repealed.
SECTION 38. Subsection (e) of section 117 of chapter 253 of the acts of 2020 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “2023” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2024.
SECTION 39. The first paragraph of section 70 of chapter 260 of the acts of 2020 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- ; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Federal Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
SECTION 40. Item 1410-1616 of section 2 of chapter 24 of the acts of 2021 is hereby amended by striking out the figure "2023", inserted by section 170 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2024.
SECTION 41. Item 1599-0026 of said section 2 of said chapter 24 is hereby further amended by striking out the figure "2023", inserted by section 171 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2024.
SECTION 42. Item 4000-0300 of said section 2 of said chapter 24is hereby amended by striking out the words “July 1”, inserted by section 178 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- November 30.
SECTION 43. Item 8200-0200 of said section 2 of said chapter 24 is hereby amended by striking out the figure "2023", inserted by section 209 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2024.
SECTION 44. Item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 24 is hereby amended by striking out the words “June 30, 2023”, inserted by section 204 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- June 30, 2024.
SECTION 45. Item 1599-2044 of section 2A of chapter 102 of the acts of 2021 is hereby amended by striking out the words “; and provided further, that funds transferred in this item shall support cranberry bog renovation and water management infrastructure improvements and system upgrades;” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- to provide grants and other financial assistance to the commonwealth’s cranberry-growing industry; provided further, that funds transferred in this item shall not be subject to the approval of the advisory committee established under said section 35KKK of said chapter 10.
SECTION 46. Item 1599-2051 of said section 2A of said chapter 102 is hereby amended by striking out the words “June 30, 2023”, inserted by section 45 of chapter 2 of the acts of 2023, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- June 30, 2027; provided further, that funds made available in section 2 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022 for the purpose of this item shall be made available until June 30, 2027; and provided further, that the office of the state auditor, the office of the attorney general, the office of the inspector general, the office of the comptroller and any entity drawing funds from this line item shall submit quarterly reports on expenditures, activities and findings to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the clerks of the senate and house of representatives who shall post the reports on the website of the general court.
SECTION 47. Item 7010-0015 of said section 2A of said chapter 102, as most recently amended by section 224 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, is hereby further amended by striking out the words "provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended for upgrades to an outdoor patio area for classes to be held at the Millville elementary school in the town of Millville" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended for improvements to the Blackstone-Millville regional school district and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 48. Said chapter 102 is hereby further amended by striking out section 67, as amended by section 225 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 67. Item 8200-0200 of said section 2 of said chapter 24 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- ; provided further, that not less than $750,000 shall be expended for a scholarship pilot program to provide financial assistance to student officers who actively enroll in a full-time police academy conducted by the municipal police training committee and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024; provided further, that scholarships shall be used to: (i) promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the hiring of student officers; (ii) defray the upfront costs for qualified underrepresented and economically-disadvantaged individuals enrolled as student officers in a full-time police academy; and (iii) increase municipal police employment opportunities for underrepresented and economically-disadvantaged individuals; provided further, that the amount of any scholarship awarded under this item shall be $7,000 per eligible student officer; provided further, that funds in this item shall be used to directly fund or reimburse student officers enrolled in the full-time police academy; provided further, that scholarships shall be disbursed to eligible student officers under this item in a regionally equitable manner; and provided further, that not later than March 15, 2024, the executive office of public safety and security shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing expenditures from this item and the status of the scholarship program including, but not limited to: (i) the number of scholarship applications; (ii) the number of successful scholarship applicants; and (iii) the criteria used to determine successful applications and the provision of financial assistance.
SECTION 49. Section 81 of said chapter 102, as most recently amended by section 226 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, is hereby further amended by striking out the words “up to $2,563,676,478 from” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- not less than $2,563,676,478 shall be made available from.
SECTION 50. Item 1410-0010 of section 2 of chapter 126 of the acts of 2022 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 51. Item 1410-0012 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Natick” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 52. Item 1410-1616 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Wilmington” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 53. Item 1599-0026 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by section 229 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “infrastructure”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 54. Said item 1599-0026 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as so amended, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “population” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 55. Said item 1599-0026 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as so amended, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Plainville” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 56. Item 1599-7104 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as so amended, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “College” the following words:- ; provided further, that funds in this item shall be made available to mitigate impacts on students resulting from the closure of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth college of visual and performing arts facility located at 182 Union street in the city of New Bedford; and provided further, that said funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 57. Item 1599-8909 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- ; and provided further, that not more than $5,000,000 shall be expended for grants by the state secretary to cities and towns for additional costs to administer early voting in person and by mail in all primaries and elections, including additional municipal personnel and such funds shall be made available until November 30, 2024.
SECTION 58. Item 2000-0100 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Laws”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 59. Item 2300-0101 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “efforts” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 60. Item 2810-0122 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “forest” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 61. Said item 2810-0122 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Franklin”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 62. Said item 2810-0122 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Sherborn” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 63. Said item 2810-0122 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “Goodwill park” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 64. Said item 2810-0122 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Wakefield” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 65. Item 3000-7040 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “$320,000”, each time it appears, and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $520,000.
SECTION 66. Item 4510-0600 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “commonwealth” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 67. Item 4513-2020 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “schools” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 68. Item 4590-0250 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by striking out the words “provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended as a grant to HealthFirst Family Care Center, Inc. for school-based health service” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended as a grant to Stanley Street Treatment and Resources, Inc. for school-based health services in the city of Fall River and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 69. Item 5011-0100 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by striking out the words “and provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the creation of a substance use disorder services team focused on the public health crisis at the high impact area of Massachusetts avenue and Melnea Cass boulevard in the city of Boston” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to hire and contract with qualified social workers and clinicians to perform court-ordered evaluations pursuant to section 35 of chapter 123 of the General Laws in Suffolk county and that such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024; and provided further, that said evaluations may be performed remotely in a hospital or medical facility in Suffolk county.
SECTION 70. Item 7002-0012 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Essex”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 71. Item 7007-0300 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 72. Item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by section 237 of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Somerset” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 73. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Report” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 74. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “playground”, the fifth time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 75. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “properties” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 76. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Project”, the seventh time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 77. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Quincy”, the first time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 78. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Spencer” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 79. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Brookfield” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 80. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Economy” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 81. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “projects”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 82. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “Beverly public library” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 83. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Duxbury” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 84. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Hull”, the first time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 85. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “programs”, the seventh time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 86. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Agawam” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 87. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “production”, the first time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 88. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “policies” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 89. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “infrastructure”, the sixth time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 90. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Boston”, the twenty-first time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 91. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston, Inc.” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 92. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Boylston”, the first time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 93. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Massachusetts”, the third time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 94. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Westwood” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 95. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Boston”, the first time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 96. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “inclusion” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 97. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “celebration”, the third time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 98. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “plan”, the fourth time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 99. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “remediation” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 100. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by striking out the words “South Boston Leadership Initiative, Inc.” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- South Boston Neighborhood House, Inc. and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 101. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 239 of said chapter 268, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “branch”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 102. Item 7010-1192 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by section 55 of chapter 2 of the acts of 2023, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Center”, the ninth time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 103. Said item 7010-1192 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 55 of said chapter 2, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Leicester”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 104. Said item 7010-1192 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 55 of said chapter 2, is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “Westfield High School”, the second time they appear, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 105. Said item 7010-1192 of said section 2 of said chapter 126, as most recently amended by said section 55 of said chapter 2, is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “North Reading”, the first time they appear, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 106. Item 7061-9401 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 107. Item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Hubbardston” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 108. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “devices” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 109. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “examinations” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 110. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Franklin” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 111. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “parks” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 112. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “sports fields in town” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 113. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “program”, the fifth time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 114. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the figure “2020” the following words:- ; provided further, that not more than $750,000 from funds appropriated for the program in fiscal year 2023 shall not revert and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 115. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “chapter 253 of the acts of 2020” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 116. Said item 8000-0313 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “Charlton police station” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 117. Item 8000-1001 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 118. Item 8324-0000 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 119. Item 8324-0050 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Plymouth”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 120. Item 9110-9002 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Lakeville”, the second time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 121. Said item 9110-9002 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “facilities” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 122. Said item 9110-9002 of said section 2 of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “community”, the first time it appears, the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 123. Item 1595-6368 of section 2E of said chapter 126 is hereby amended by inserting after the words “in the Brighton section of the city of Boston” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 124. Said item 1595-6368 of said section 2E of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “engagement” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 125. Said item 1595-6368 of said section 2E of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Westport” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 126. Said item 1595-6368 of said section 2E of said chapter 126 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “Governors avenue” the following words:- and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2024.
SECTION 127. Subsection (c) of section 19 of chapter 154 of the acts of 2022 is hereby amended by striking out the words “June 1, 2023” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- June 30, 2024.
SECTION 128. Section 68 of chapter 179 of the acts of 2022 is hereby amended by striking out the words “July 31, 2023” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- January 31, 2024.
SECTION 129. Subsection (e) of section 81 of said chapter 179 is hereby amended by striking out the third and fourth sentences and inserting in place thereof the following 2 sentences:- All amounts credited to the fund shall be expended, without further appropriation, solely for activities and expenditures consistent with the purposes of this section, including the ordinary and necessary expenses of administration and operation of the fund; provided, however, that no expenditure made from the fund shall cause the fund to become deficient at any point during the fiscal year. Any money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in the following fiscal year.
SECTION 130. The first paragraph of section 2A of chapter 268 of the acts of 2022 is hereby amended by inserting after the words “General Fund” the following words:- or the Transitional Escrow Fund established in section 16 of chapter 76 of the acts of 2021, as amended by section 4 of chapter 98 of the acts of 2022,.
SECTION 131. Item 1599-6063 of said section 2A of said chapter 268, as amended by section 60 of chapter 2 of the acts of 2023, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “audiences” the following words:- ; provided further, that not less than $4,000,000 shall be expended for capital improvements at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center located in the city of New Bedford.
SECTION 132. Said item 1599-6063 of said section 2A of said chapter 268, as so amended, is hereby further amended by striking out the figure “$85,854,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $89,854,000.
SECTION 133. Item 1599-6090 of said section 2A of said chapter 268, as amended by section 64 of chapter 2 of the acts of 2023, is hereby further amended by striking out the words “the architectural, mechanical and electrical bid specifications for the installation of a new high efficiency air to water heat pump at the Beaman Memorial Public Library” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- HVAC improvements at the Beaman Memorial public library.
SECTION 134. Said item 1599-6090 of said section 2A of said chapter 268, as so amended, is hereby further amended by striking out the words “the town of Maynard for the benefit of ArtSpace, Inc. to make renovations and repairs to the facility located on Summer street in the town of Maynard” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- ArtSpace, Inc. to provide affordable studio space to artists and to promote the arts in the community.
SECTION 135. Said item 1599-6090 of said section 2A of said chapter 268, as so amended, is hereby further amended by striking out the words "provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for the staffing costs associated with the Massachusetts Graf Writers Collective pilot program” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- provided further, that $100,000 shall be expended to department of state police H Troop for dedicated patrols including along Southwest Corridor park in the Back Bay, Roxbury and South End sections of the city of Boston, the Old Harbor Reservation in the South Boston section of the city of Boston and Columbia road in the city of Boston; provided further, that $40,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority transit police for dedicated patrol at Newmarket Square, Massachusetts Avenue and Back Bay stations; provided further, that $50,000 shall be expended to the Allied War Veterans Council of South Boston, Inc. for the Evacuation Day and St. Patrick’s Day Parade; provided further, that $35,000 shall be expended to Julie’s Family Learning Program, Inc. for children and families; provided further, that $25,000 shall be expended for the South Boston Neighborhood House, Inc. for their senior center and community programming.
SECTION 136. Item 7002-8041 of section 2A of chapter 2 of the acts of 2023 is hereby amended by inserting, after the word “organizations”, the second time it appears, the following words:- or qualifying private businesses.
SECTION 137. Said item 7002-8041 of said section 2A of said chapter 2 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “programs” the following words:- ; provided further, that a private university or business entity shall not be eligible for assistance unless the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation has made a finding that a grant to such university or entity will result in a significant public benefit and the private benefit is incidental to a legitimate public purpose.
SECTION 138. Section 76 of said chapter 2 is hereby amended by adding the following words:- to be held by the Massachusetts marketing partnership notwithstanding subsection (d) of said section 13T of said chapter 23A.
SECTION 139. Item 0610-2000 of section 2 of chapter 28 of the acts of 2023 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “$300,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $1,300,000.
SECTION 140. Said section 2 of said chapter 28 is hereby further amended by inserting after item 1599-7114 the following item:-
1599-4448 For a reserve to meet the costs of salary adjustments and other economic benefits authorized by the ratified collective bargaining agreements..........................$312,162,361
SECTION 141. Item 2330-0100 of said section 2 of said chapter 28 is hereby amended by striking out the figure “$9,310,231” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $9,460,231.
SECTION 142. Said item 2330-0100 of said section 2 of said chapter 28 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “means” the following words:- ; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Incorporated for a research project to characterize the impact of offshore wind on economically important species using acoustic telemetry and environmental DNA.
SECTION 143. Item 4590-1503 of said section 2 of said chapter 28 is hereby amended by striking out the words “nonprofit birth centers and maternal health-centered community-based nonprofit organizations shall be eligible to apply for the funds; provided further, that the department of public health shall promulgate regulations establishing application criteria, which shall include a requirement that a birth center be licensed or be in active pursuit of licensure; provided further, that priority for funding shall be given to birth centers that serve communities historically impacted most by racial inequities in maternal health including, but not limited to, high rates of maternal and infant mortality” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- freestanding birth centers and maternal health-centered community-based nonprofit organizations shall be eligible to apply for the funds, which shall include a requirement that a birth center be licensed or be in active pursuit of licensure; provided further, that priority for funding shall be given to birth centers that serve communities historically impacted most by inequities in maternal health including, but not limited to, high rates of maternal and infant mortality; provided further, that funds made available for the purpose of this item shall be made available until June 30, 2025.
SECTION 144. Item 5042-5000 of said section 2 of said chapter 28 is hereby amended by inserting after the words “$500,000 shall be expended” the following words:- to the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program.
SECTION 145. Item 7004-0107 of said section 2 of said chapter 28 is hereby further amended by striking out the words "for the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Inc. on behalf of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness to facilitate regional coordination across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties to prevent and end homelessness with a housing first approach that centers on racial equity" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- as a grant to the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Inc. to support: (i) organizations and programs in the cities of Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke; and (ii) the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness to facilitate regional coordination across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties to prevent and end homelessness with a housing first approach that centers on racial equity.
SECTION 146. Item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 28 is hereby amended by striking out the words “Boston Athletic Association” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- Boston Athletic Academy.
SECTION 147. Said item 7008-1116 of said section 2 of said chapter 28 is hereby further amended by striking out the words “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Incorporated for a research project to characterize the impact of offshore wind on economically important species using acoustic telemetry and environmental DNA”.
SECTION 148. Item 1595-1075 of section 2E of said chapter 28 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Laws” the following words:-; provided, that to address workforce challenges connected to the commonwealth’s response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and influx of families seeking shelter, not more than $2,000,000 may be transferred from the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to the department of career services and the commonwealth corporation, as determined by the secretary of labor and workforce development, to: (i) support the 1-stop career centers that receive funding through item 7003-0803 in advancing workforce development across the commonwealth; and (ii) serve the goals of said section 2WWW of said chapter 29; and provided further, that the secretary of labor and workforce development shall notify the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 14 days in advance of any such transfer.
SECTION 149. Section 47 of chapter 50 of the acts of 2023 is hereby amended by striking out the words “take effect on” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- apply to tax years beginning on or after.
SECTION 150. The sums set forth in this act may, as determined by the secretary of administration and finance in consultation with the state comptroller, be appropriated from the General Fund, the federal COVID-19 response fund established in section 2JJJJJ of chapter 29 of the General Laws or the Transitional Escrow Fund established in section 16 of chapter 76 of the acts of 2021; provided, however, that no funds from this act shall be appropriated from the federal COVID-19 response fund established in said section 2JJJJJ of said chapter 29 or the Transitional Escrow Fund established in said section 16 of said chapter 76 if the fiscal year 2023 consolidated net surplus is greater than 0. Not later than January 15, 2024, the secretary of administration and finance shall submit a report to the senate and house committees on ways and means detailing the amount that each appropriation in this act was charged to the General Fund, the federal COVID-19 response fund or the Transitional Escrow Fund.
SECTION 151. Notwithstanding section 5B of chapter 40 of the General Laws, section 4B of chapter 4 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, any city, town or district that has accepted the fourth paragraph of said section 5B of said chapter 40, and thereby dedicated statewide opioid settlement receipts to a stabilization fund, may vote to revoke said acceptance at any time. Upon such revocation, the city, town or district may, without further appropriation, account for all statewide opioid settlement receipts previously received, including those already in a stabilization fund, in accordance with section 53 of chapter 44 of the General Laws, unless already certified as free cash. Unless otherwise reserved, any city, town or district may account for all statewide opioid settlement receipts previously received in accordance with said section 53 of said chapter 44, unless already certified as free cash. Any statewide opioid settlement receipts already certified as free cash may be appropriated to the separate statewide opioid settlement revenue account established pursuant to said section 53 of said chapter 44.
SECTION 152. Notwithstanding sections 22A and 22B of chapter 7 of the General Laws or chapter 30B of the General Laws, any agency, executive office, department, board, commission, bureau, division or authority of the commonwealth, including the executive, legislative and judicial branches or any political subdivision thereof, or of any authority established by the general court to serve a public purpose may contract, specifically for cybersecurity and related services, including cybersecurity training and workforce development in the area of cybersecurity and related fields, directly with an organization that was established, in whole or in part, through a grant from the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Innovation Fund established in section 4H of chapter 40J of the General Laws.
SECTION 153. (a) Notwithstanding sections 32 to 37, inclusive, of chapter 7C of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance, in consultation with the court administrator of the trial court, may convey certain adjacent parcels of land in the city of Framingham acquired for the purpose of erecting a building for the first district court of southern Middlesex for nominal consideration to the city of Framingham; provided, however, that the commissioner shall not convey said parcels until: (i) the completion of a regional justice center at 121 Union avenue in the city of Framingham; and (ii) a determination by the commissioner, in consultation with the court administrator, that the parcels are surplus to the needs of the trial court. The parcels are located at 600 and 602 Concord street in the city of Framingham and are further described in deeds recorded in the Middlesex southern district registry of deeds in book 7816, page 107 and book 9859, page 328. The parcels shall be conveyed by deed without warranties or representations by the commonwealth and without restrictions on use or future conveyance by the city. The conveyance shall be subject to such additional conditions and restrictions as the commissioner, in consultation with the court administrator, may determine. The commissioner may, in consultation with the court administrator, determine the exact boundaries of the parcels prior to conveyance.
(b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the city of Framingham shall be responsible for all costs and expenses of any transaction authorized by this section as determined by the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance, including, but not limited to, the costs of any engineering, surveys, appraisals, title examinations, recording fees and deed preparation.
SECTION 154. Notwithstanding section 28 of chapter 53 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the state primary in 2024 shall be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
SECTION 155. Notwithstanding section 3 of chapter 53 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, a person whose name is not printed on the September 3, 2024 state primary ballot as a candidate for an office, but who receives sufficient votes to nominate the person for the office, shall file with the state secretary a written acceptance of the nomination and a receipt from the state ethics commission verifying that a statement of financial interest has been filed pursuant to chapter 268B of the General Laws not later than 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
SECTION 156. Notwithstanding sections 11, 13 and 53A of chapter 53 of the General Laws and section 5 of chapter 55B of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, objections to and withdrawals from nominations made at the September 3, 2024 state primary shall be filed with the state secretary not later than 12:00 P.M. on Friday, September 6, 2024.
SECTION 157. Notwithstanding section 14 of chapter 53 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, any vacancies from the September 3, 2024 state primary caused by death, withdrawal or ineligibility under section 145 shall be filled by an executive committee, determined by the state party committee of the same political party who made the original nomination.
SECTION 158. Notwithstanding section 15 of chapter 53 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, when a nomination is made to fill a vacancy caused by the death, withdrawal or ineligibility of a candidate from the September 3, 2024 state primary, the certificate of nomination shall be on a form prescribed by the state secretary, signed by the executive committee appointed by the state committee of the same political party as provided for in section 146 and filed with the state secretary not later than 5:00 P.M. on Monday, September 9, 2024.
SECTION 159. Notwithstanding section 135 of chapter 54 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, a petition for a recount of the September 3, 2024 state primary shall be filed with the appropriate local election officials not later than 5:00 P.M. on Friday, September 6, 2024 and all recounts shall be completed and notice of the results shall be sent to the state secretary not later than 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Petitions for districtwide and statewide recounts of the September 3, 2024 state primary shall be submitted to the appropriate local election officials for certification not later than 12:00 P.M. on Friday, September 6, 2024 and local election officials shall complete certification not later than 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Thereafter, certified petitions shall be filed with the state secretary not later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. If the state secretary determines that the contest is eligible for a statewide or districtwide recount, the state secretary shall notify the local election officials who shall complete the recount and shall notify the state secretary of the results of the recount not later than 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Notwithstanding section 135 of chapter 54 of the General Laws, a board of registrars shall provide 2 days’ notice of the date, time and location of the recount to each candidate for the office for which the recount has been petitioned. Electronic notice shall be sufficient.
SECTION 160. Notwithstanding sections 8 to 10, inclusive, of chapter 55B of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the state ballot law commission shall notify candidates of any objections filed to nominations at the September 3, 2024 state primary not later than 5:00 P.M. on Friday, September 6, 2024. Notice of the commission hearings shall be given by telephone and electronic mail. Hearings on objections shall be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 and decisions shall be rendered not later than 5:00 P.M. on Monday, September 16, 2024.
SECTION 161. Notwithstanding section 23 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, section 31 of chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, a city or town may amortize over fiscal years 2025 to 2027, inclusive, in equal installments or more rapidly, the amount of its fiscal year 2024 major disaster related deficit. The local appropriating authority as defined in section 21C of said chapter 59 shall adopt a deficit amortization schedule in accordance with this section before setting the municipality’s fiscal year 2025 tax rate. The commissioner of revenue may issue guidelines or instructions for reporting the amortization of deficits authorized by this section.
SECTION 162. Notwithstanding section 38G of chapter 71 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner of education, for school years 2023 and 2024, may issue a temporary school nurse certificate to a registered nurse who has not satisfied the certification testing requirements pursuant to said section 38G of said chapter 71 and who: (i) is authorized to practice as a registered nurse in the commonwealth pursuant to section 74 of chapter 112 of the General Laws; and (ii) has been employed as a registered nurse pursuant to clause (i) for not less than 3 years.
SECTION 163. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of public utilities may allow recovery by the electric distribution companies of transmission service agreement expenditures and payments associated with clean energy generation power purchase agreements previously approved by the department following a competitive solicitation and procurement conducted under section 83D of chapter 169 of the acts of 2008 in connection with a change in law in the state of Maine, subsequently causing suspension of development construction; provided, however, that if the department elects to allow such recovery, it shall allow recovery for such expenses and payments that the department determines to be associated with the subsequent construction delay.
SECTION 164. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a certain parcel of land located at 173 Alford street situated partly in the city of Everett and partly in the city of Boston shall be removed from and not be considered to be within the boundaries or a part of the Mystic River designated port area pursuant to 310 C.M.R. 25 and 310 C.M.R. 9 or any other applicable law, rule or regulation; provided, however, that such removal shall only be for the purpose of converting the parcel into a professional soccer stadium and a waterfront park. The parcel consists of approximately 43.11 acres and is located on the southeasterly side of Alford street, on the southwesterly side of Dexter street and bounded southerly by the Mystic river and is more particularly described in a deed recorded in the land court department of the Middlesex southern district registry district as document No. 1554521 and recorded with the Middlesex southern district registry of deeds in book 56211, page 350 and also recorded in the land court department in the Suffolk county registry deeds as document No. 786425 and recorded in the Suffolk county registry of deeds in book 47428, page 145. Site redevelopment on the parcel shall be subject to licensing in accordance with 310 C.M.R. 9 as a nonwater-dependent use.
(b) If the professional soccer stadium and waterfront park fail to be permitted and constructed within a reasonable time after the effective date of this act, as determined by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, then subsection (a) shall be void and the port area designation and corresponding use restrictions under 310 C.M.R. 25 and 310 C.M.R. 9 shall be restored to the parcel; provided, however, that such determination of a reasonable time period shall not be made sooner than 5 years after the effective date of this act.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt or alter the site’s obligations under chapter 91 of the General Laws or 310 C.M.R. 9 beyond designated port area-related use restrictions.
(c) The department of environmental protection, in consultation with the office of costal zone management, shall: (i) complete a review of existing designated port area criteria and use restrictions; and (ii) update relevant regulations based on the results of the review; provided, however, that updates to regulations shall include, but not be limited to: (A) the protection of traditional maritime industrial activities; (B) the addition of allowable uses consistent with future maritime industrial uses and clean energy activities; (C) the reevaluation of compatible uses within designated port areas; (D) a requirement, to the extent feasible, that all traditional and new allowed uses be resilient to coastal flood damage; (E) examining the feasibility of creating working port easements to purchase development rights from landowners in designated port areas; (F) opportunities to create grants and revolving loan funds to update port infrastructure, including conversion from 1 designated port area use to another designated port area use; (G) consideration of coastal flood resilience for inland neighborhoods; and (H) an assessment of new and adjacent areas that could be added to designated port areas to reduce net loss of acreage.
(d) Except for the boundary adjustment provided for in subsection (a), there shall be no boundary adjustments to designated port areas until the review required in subsection (c) is completed; provided, however, that the department and the office shall complete said review not later than January 1, 2025; and provided further, that the department and the office may continue to conduct boundary reviews.
(e) The commonwealth, having previously transferred control to, and taken on the behalf of the city of Boston a certain parcel of land situated in the city of Boston, being a part of a state highway location, Layout No. 5242 dated September 11, 1962, and shown as Parcel No. 8 in an Order of Taking recorded with said Layout No. 5242 in the Suffolk county registry of deeds in book 7681, page 307, and as shown on the plan filed therewith, and also shown as parcel 0201831001 on the city of Boston assessors’ maps, shall transfer, remise, and release to the city of Boston any interest the commonwealth may have in such parcel.
SECTION 165. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, local election officials shall transmit absentee ballots to voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. section 20302 et seq., whose applications were received at least 45 days before the November 5, 2024 state election, not later than Saturday, September 21, 2024.
SECTION 166. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the state secretary may add or change any dates relating to the nominations made at the September 3, 2024 state primary that the state secretary considers necessary for the orderly administration of the November 5, 2024 state election by providing notice of the change to the state parties and any affected person, by filing notice with the state secretary’s rules and regulations division, by posting on the state secretary’s website and by whatever other means the state secretary considers appropriate.
SECTION 167. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for fiscal year 2023, the secretary of health and human services, with the written approval of the secretary of administration and finance, may authorize transfers of surplus among items 4000-0320, 4000-0430, 4000-0500, 4000-0601, 4000-0641, 4000-0700, 4000-0875, 4000-0880, 4000-0885, 4000-0940, 4000-0950, 4000-0990, 4000-1400, 4000-1420 and 4000-1426.
SECTION 168. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any unexpended balances, not exceeding a total of $40,000,000, in items 4000-0700 and 4000-1426 of section 2 of chapter 126 of the acts of 2022 shall not revert to the General Fund until September 1, 2023 and may be expended by the executive office of health and human services to pay for services enumerated in said items 4000-0700 and 4000-1426 provided during fiscal year 2023.
SECTION 169. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, not later than 10 days after the effective date of this act, the commissioner of revenue shall certify to the comptroller the amount of tax revenues estimated to have been collected during fiscal year 2023 in connection with the additional 4 per cent income tax levied pursuant to Article XLIV of the Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth. Following such certification, the comptroller shall transfer all such certified revenue from the General Fund to the Education and Transportation Fund established in section 2BBBBBB of chapter 29 of the General Laws. Such transfer shall be credited as a fiscal year 2023 transfer and shall precede the calculation of fiscal year 2023 consolidated net surplus pursuant to section 5C of said chapter 29.
SECTION 170. Notwithstanding section 14 of chapter 94G of the General Laws, for fiscal year 2023 the transfer under said section 14 of said chapter 94G shall be equal to 15 per cent of the ending balance in the Marijuana Regulation Fund as of June 30, 2023 and shall be made prior to the comptroller’s calculation of the fiscal year 2023 consolidated net surplus as required by section 5C of chapter 29 of the General Laws.
SECTION 171. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for fiscal year 2024, the registrar of motor vehicles shall provide quarterly reports to the commissioner of correction detailing the number of identity cards processed pursuant to the enhanced state identity card program announced by the governor on March 24, 2023 for citizens released from department of correction facilities. The report shall also provide a summary and detail of the registry of motor vehicles’ fees associated with the transactions. Upon receipt and verification by the department of correction of the accuracy of the transactions reported in each quarterly report, the commissioner of correction shall submit a request to the comptroller for an operating transfer of the full amount of the registry of motor vehicles’ fees to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund established in section 2ZZZ of chapter 29 of the General Laws. The transfer request shall include the department of correction account from which the transfer shall be made and the quarterly report from the registrar of motor vehicles as supporting documentation.
SECTION 172. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the secretary of administration and finance shall direct the comptroller to transfer $192,650,000 from the Transitional Escrow Fund established in section 16 of chapter 76 of the acts of 2021 to the Behavioral Health Trust Fund established in section 1 of chapter 77 of the acts of 2022. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Behavioral Health Trust Fund shall not be subject to section 5C of chapter 29 of the General Laws.
SECTION 173. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be a special commission to study and make recommendations concerning the support of individuals and families in need of shelter and to promote the long-term sufficiency of those seeking shelter and the sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness of response efforts.
(b) The commission shall consist of: the secretary of housing and livable communities or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the secretary of health and human services or a designee; the secretary of administration and finance or a designee, the director of the office for refugees and immigrants or a designee; the commissioner of the department of transitional assistance or a designee; the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities; the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on housing; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and 5 members appointed by the governor, who shall have expertise in public and affordable housing, issues of homelessness prevention or response, immigration law or advocacy, or emergency management.
(c) The commission shall investigate, evaluate and make recommendations on items, including, but not limited to: (i) examining the financial impact and sustainability of response efforts and the emergency housing assistance program; (ii) investigating the existing reception and placement structure in the commonwealth for families seeking shelter, including immigrants, refugees and homeless individuals and families, including, but not limited to, temporary shelter, pathways to permanent housing, healthcare, education, language lessons and workforce training; (iii) identifying any failures or gaps in resources that exist in the current structure to facilitate the successful integration of immigrants, refugees and homeless individuals and families into the community; (iv) analyzing the emergency housing response impact on providing temporary and permanent housing for homeless individuals and families, including, but not limited to, immigrants, refugees and non-migrant families and individuals; (v) studying the impact on, and supports to, municipalities necessary to provide additional non-housing community supports to meet the basic needs of those in the program, including, but not limited to, access to food, education, medical services, health assessments and legal assistance; (vi) exploring opportunities to maximize the use of federal reimbursement for expenditures from the program; (vii) examining strategies to coordinate with local organizations and resettlement agencies to maximize resources to help integrate immigrants and refugees into the community, including, but not limited to, stable housing opportunities, wraparound services, language lessons, job training programs and pathways to employment and self-sufficiency and state benefits and services for which they are eligible; (viii) analyzing the utilization of community and state resources and programs, including, but not limited to, homebase, RAFT, resettlement agencies, public housing authorities and non-profits to reduce the time families and individuals spend in emergency shelter and to transition them to more stable housing options; and (ix) comparing the emergency housing response to response efforts operating in other jurisdictions.
(d) Not later than March 1, 2024, the commission shall file a report of its findings, including any recommendations, with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on housing, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the executive office of health and human services and the executive office of housing and livable communities.
SECTION 174. The salary adjustments and other economic benefits authorized by the following collective bargaining agreements shall be effective for the purposes of section 7 of chapter 150E of the General Laws:
(1) the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State Police Association of Massachusetts, Units 5A and C22;
(2) the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Alliance, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – SEIU Local 888, Unit 2;
(3) the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Service Employees International Union, Local 509, Units 8 and 10;
(4) the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists, Unit 9;
(5) the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the National Association of Government Employees, Units 1, 3 and 6;
(6) the agreement between the sheriff of Berkshire county and the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office Employee Association, Unit SB3;
(7) the agreement between the sheriff of Berkshire county and the Berkshire Correction Officers/IBCO Local R1-297, Unit SB1;
(8) the agreement between the sheriff of Berkshire county and the Berkshire IUE-CWA, Unit SB2;
(9) the agreement between the sheriff of Hampshire county and the Hampshire Sheriff’s Office Non-Uniform Correctional Association, Unit SH7;
(10) the agreement between the sheriff of Hampshire county and the Hampshire Sheriff's Office Treatment Association (SOTA), Unit SH6;
(11) the agreement between the sheriff of Plymouth county and the Plymouth Superior Officers NCEU 104, Unit SP1;
(12) the agreement between the Massachusetts state lottery commission and the Service Employees International Union, Local 888, Unit LT1;
(13) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Society of Professors MTA/NEA, Amherst Campus, Unit A50;
(14) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Boston Public Safety Officers NEPBA L90, Unit B33;
(15) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, L25, Public Safety Lieutenants, Unit B3L;
(16) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, L25, Officers, Unit B3S;
(17) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Head Coaches MTA/NEA Professional Staff Union Unit C, Unit B45;
(18) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Boston Department Chairs Union/MTA/NEA, Unit B50;
(19) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Non-Faculty - Maintenance & Trades MTA, Lowell Campus, Unit L93;
(20) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Non-Faculty - Police Officers Teamsters L25, Lowell Campus, Unit L94;
(21) the agreement between the Essex North and South registry of deeds and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 653, Unit SC3;
(22) the agreement between the sheriff of Suffolk county and the National Association of Government Employees, Local 298, Unit SS2;
(23) the agreement between the sheriff of Suffolk county and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees/AFL-CIO, Council 93, Local RN, Unit SS3;
(24) the agreement between the sheriff of Suffolk county and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees/AFL-CIO, Council 93, Local 3643, Unit SS5;
(25) the agreement between the Sheriff of Franklin County and the National Correctional Employees Union, Local 106, Unit SF1;
(26) the agreement between the sheriff of Franklin county and the Franklin Sheriff’s Office Non-Unit Employer’s Association, Unit SF3;
(27) the agreement between the sheriff of Worcester county and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 275, Unit SW2;
(28) the agreement between the sheriff of Worcester county and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 515, Unit SW5;
(29) the agreement between the sheriff of Hampshire county and the Hampshire Sheriff’s Office Jail and House of Correction Supervisory Correctional Officers’ Association, Unit SH8;
(30) the agreement between the sheriff of Worcester county and the National Association of Government Employees, Local R1-255, Unit SW4;
(31) the agreement between the Massachusetts board of higher education and the Massachusetts Community College Council;
(32) the agreement between the trial court and the National Association of Government Employees/Service Employees International Union Local 5000, Units J2C and J2P;
(33) the agreement between the trial court and Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 6, Units J6C and J6P;
(34) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local 432, Amherst Campus, Unit A06;
(35) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Teachers Association/NEA Classified (CSU), Boston Campus, Units B31 and B32;
(36) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Faculty Staff Union, Boston Campus, Unit B40;
(37) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the American Federation of Teachers Local 6350, Dartmouth Campus, Unit D82;
(38) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 507, Dartmouth Campus, Unit D83;
(39) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local 399, Dartmouth Campus, Unit D84;
(40) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP), Lowell Campus, Unit L90;
(41) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 888, Lowell Campus, Unit L95;
(42) the agreement between the sheriff of Hampden county and the Non-Uniform Correctional Association, Unit SH2;
(43) the agreement between the sheriff of Hampden county and the Superior Correctional Officer Association, Unit SH3;
(44) the agreement between the sheriff of Norfolk county and NAGE, Local 202, Unit SN1;
(45) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the New England Police Benevolent Protection Organization, Amherst Campus, Local 190, Unit A07;
(46) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the American Federation of Teachers, Local 1895, AFL-CIO, Faculty Federation, Dartmouth Campus, units D80 & D81;
(47) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Classified and Technical Union, Lowell Campus, Unit L92;
(48) the agreement between the sheriff of Essex county and the National Correctional Employees Union, Local 121, Unit SE7;
(49) the agreement between the Middlesex sheriff and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 500, Unit SM5;
(50) the agreement between the Middlesex South registry of deeds and OPEIU, Local 6;
(51) the agreement between the Worcester South registry of deeds and OPEIU, Local 6;
(52) the agreement between the Hampden registry of deeds and OPEIU, Local 6;
(53) the agreement between the Middlesex North registry of deeds and OPEIU, Local 6;
(54) the agreement between the Berkshire Middle, North and South registry of deeds and the Service Employees International Union, Local 888;
(55) the agreement between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the National Association of Government Employees, Local R1-292, Unit A, Unit D01;
(56) the agreement between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Coalition of MassDOT Unions, Unit D, Unit D06;
(57) the agreement between the sheriff of Plymouth county and Association of County Employees, Unit SP4;
(58) the agreement between the sheriff of Franklin county and the National Correctional Employees Union, Local 141, Unit SF2;
(59) the agreement between the sheriff of Hampden county and the National Correctional Employees Union, Local 105, Unit SH4;
(60) the agreement between the sheriff of Suffolk county and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 3967, Unit SS6;
(61) the agreement between the sheriff of Suffolk county and the Jail Officers and Employees Association of Suffolk County, Unit SS4;
(62) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the American Federation of Teachers, Local 1895, Unit D85;
(63) the agreement between the Massachusetts board of higher education and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 93, Local 1067, AFL-CIO;
(64) the agreement between the sheriff of Plymouth county and the National Correctional Employees Union, Local 301, Unit SP7;
(65) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1776, Unit A01;
(66) the agreement between the Worcester North registry of deeds and the Service Employees International Union, Local 888;
(67) the agreement between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Coalition of MassDOT Unions, Unit E, Unit D09;
(68) the agreement between the Middlesex sheriff and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Superior Officers Association, Unit SM4;
(69) the agreement between the sheriff of Plymouth county and the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) Local 193, Unit SP5;
(70) the agreement between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Coalition of MassDOT Unions, Unit B, Unit D02;
(71) the agreement between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Coalition of MassDOT Unions, Unit C, Unit D03;
(72) the agreement between the Suffolk county registry of deeds and the Service Employees International Union, Local 888;
(73) the agreement between the Middlesex South registry of deeds and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 414;
(74) the agreement between the sheriff of Hampden county and the National Correctional Employees Union, Local 131, Unit SH1;
(75) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the University Staff Association/MTA/NEA, Amherst Campus, Unit A08;
(76) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Professional Staff Union/MTA/NEA, Unit A15;
(77) the agreement between the sheriff of Norfolk county and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Inc., Local 570, Unit SN3;
(78) the agreement between the sheriff of Barnstable county and the Barnstable County Correctional Officers Union, Unit S1B;
(79) the agreement between the sheriff of Barnstable county and the Barnstable County Correctional Officers Captains Union, Unit S2B;
(80) the agreement between the sheriff of Barnstable county and NAGE, Local 220, Unit S5B;
(81) the agreement between the sheriff of Barnstable county and NAGE, Local 217, Unit S3B;
(82) the agreement between the sheriff of Barnstable county and NCEU, Local 122, Unit S9B;
(83) the agreement between the sheriff of Plymouth county and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Inc., Local 580, Unit SP3;
(84) the agreement between the sheriff of Suffolk county and AFSCME, Council 93, Local 419, Unit SS0;
(85) the agreement between the University of Massachusetts and the Professional Staff Union/MTA/NEA, Unit A, Amherst and Boston, Units A52 and B42;
(86) the agreement between the sheriff of Norfolk county and the County Correctional Officers Association, NEPBA Local 575, Unit SN2;
(87) the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the International Association of Fire Fighters, Locals S-28, and S-29, Unit 11;
(88) the agreement between the sheriff of Hampshire county and the National Correctional Employees Union, Unit SH5;
(89) the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Coalition of Public Safety, Unit 5;
(90) the agreement between the Board of Higher Education and the Massachusetts Teachers Association/National Education Association Associated Professional Administrators, Unit APA;
(91) the agreement between the Board of Higher Education and the Massachusetts Teachers’ Association/National Education State College Faculty, Unit MSCA;
(92) the agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Inc., Unit 4A;
(93) the agreement between the Sheriff of Bristol County and NAGE, Unit C, RI-1478, Unit SA2;
(94) the agreement between the Sheriff of Bristol County and NCEU Local 407, Unit SA3; and
(95) the agreement between the Sheriff of Worcester County and NEPBA Local 550, Unit SW6.
SECTION 175. Section 152 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 176. Section 168 shall take effect as of June 30, 2023.
SECTION 177. Section 175 shall take effect on November 1, 2028.