Amendment #1339 to H5500

Override Prevention Task Force

Representatives Jones of North Reading, Ferguson of Holden, Frost of Auburn, Muradian of Grafton, Vieira of Falmouth and Smola of Warren move to amend the bill by adding the following section:

“SECTION X. There shall be an override prevention task force to identify and study the factors driving the increased use of overrides in the commonwealth as a means of stabilizing local budgets.

The task force shall consist of designees from the executive office for administration and finance; the department of revenue, division of local services; the executive office of economic development; the department of elementary and secondary education; the Massachusetts school building authority; the executive office of housing and livable communities; the Massachusetts municipal association; the speaker of the house of representatives or a designee; the president of the senate or a designee; the house minority leader or a designee; and the senate minority leader or a designee.

The task force shall conduct no fewer than 4 regional public hearings across the commonwealth over a 9-month period to collect testimony from municipal officials, school leaders, and community stakeholders regarding the primary cost drivers contributing to proposed or approved overrides under section 21C of chapter 59 of the General Laws, commonly referred to as Proposition 2½. Testimony shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the impact of unfunded state mandates; (ii) changes in federal or state funding; (iii) education and special education costs; (iv) health insurance and pension obligations; (v) infrastructure and capital needs; and (vi) other fiscal pressures affecting municipal budgets.

The task force shall study, compile, and analyze data regarding: (i) the number of municipalities that have proposed or approved overrides in recent years; (ii) the purposes of such overrides; and (iii) the underlying fiscal factors identified by municipalities.

The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate no later than 12 months after the effective date of this act. The report shall compile the information collected, analyze trends in override activity statewide, and provide a review of state laws, regulations, and funding structures that may be contributing to municipal fiscal stress. The report shall also include recommendations for legislative and administrative actions that the commonwealth may take to reduce municipal cost pressures and reliance on overrides.

The task force shall convene not later than 3 months after the effective date of this act.”

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #1339 to H5500

Override Prevention Task Force