Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-1
ECO 1
Tariff Pricing Transparency
Messrs. Moore, Montigny, Tarr and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-
"SECTION __. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the attorney general shall promulgate regulations requiring that, in connection with any Advertising or marketing, solicitation, or offer of Sale that is Targeted To or results in a Sale in Massachusetts, misrepresenting or failing to disclose Clearly and Conspicuously, at the time of the initial presentation of the Total Price of any Product, or any subsequent presentation thereafter, the nature, purpose, and amount of any import fees, import charges, or other import duties that would be imposed on the transaction due to the purchase of that Product shall constitute an unfair and deceptive practice under section 2 of chapter 93A of the General Laws.
(b) The terms used in subsection (a) shall, unless context requires otherwise, have the same meaning as provided in 940 CMR 38.03, provided that import fees, import charges, or other import duties shall be itemized separately from the Total Price of any Product in accordance with subsection (a).
(c) For the purposes of this section, “import fees, import charges, or other import duties” shall mean, with respect to any products, merchandise, or goods imported into the United States, any: (1) ad valorem duty; (2) specific duty; and (3) other duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges, identified by the attorney general.
(d) The attorney general shall promulgate the regulations required under subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the effective date of this act, provided that said regulations shall have an enforcement date that applies to acts committed or practices in force after the minimum reasonable time needed for compliance, as determined by the attorney general."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-2
ECO 2
EcoTarium Zoological Park
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7007-0952, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Natural History Society, doing business as the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature in the city of Worcester, for its zoological park to support the daily care of the animals, community education programming and capital improvements to animal habitats”; and by striking out the figure “$4,700,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-2-R1
Redraft ECO 2
EcoTarium Zoological Park
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7007-0952, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Natural History Society, doing business as the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature in the city of Worcester, for its zoological park to support the daily care of animals, community education programming and capital improvements to animal habitats”; and by striking out the figure “$4,700,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,950,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-6
ECO 6
Chapter 40B Updates
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following sections:-
"SECTION __. Section 20 of chapter 40B is hereby amended, in the definition of “Low or moderate income housing” by adding the following sentence:- For the purposes of this definition, low or moderate income for a household shall not exceed 60% of the average median income.
SECTION __. Said section of said chapter is hereby further amended, in the definition of “Consistent with local needs” by adding the following sentence:- For the purposes of this definition, the determination of whether of low or moderate income housing exists shall be the sum of low or moderate income housing where a active building permit has been issued together with low or moderate income housing where building occupancy permits have been issued."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-9
ECO 9
REDO
Messrs. Moore, Cronin, Durant, Mark, Eldridge and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7007-0150, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $1,500,000 shall be utilized for services performed by these organizations and not for attached projects"; and striking out the figure "$1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$2,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-10
ECO 10
Mass. Fair Housing
Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Montigny and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0099, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, Inc. to protect residents of the commonwealth from housing discrimination"; and by striking out the figure "$15,573,388" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "15,773,388".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-11
ECO 11
Benefits Moratorium
Messrs. Tarr and Fattman and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, and to the extent consistent with federal law, the commonwealth shall not create, establish, adopt, or initiate any measure which would create an entitlement to any new publicly funded benefit for those not legally present in the United States, through law, rule, regulation, or other mechanism."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-12
ECO 12
Relative to the Impacts of MBTA Zoning
Messrs. Tarr and Fattman, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION _. Not less than every three years, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities shall study, analyze, and make determinations as to :
1. the number of housing units produced pursuant to Chapter 40A, S.3A of the general laws
2. the impacts on municipal water supplies, wastewater treatment, and transportation infrastructure of such units , and,
3. the impacts of the production of such units on the local school districts where such units are located.
and provided further, that the results of said study, analysis, and determinations shall be filed as a report with the clerks of the House and Senate, and the Joint Committee on Housing not later than December 31."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-13
ECO 13
3A Multi-Family Zoning -- MBTA Communities Appeal
Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. Section 18 of Chapter 358 of the Acts of 2020 is hereby amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: -
(d) The Executive office of housing and livable communities shall develop and promulgate regulations to allow a municipality affected by the zoning provisions of this section to appeal for relief from such provisions based on one or more of the following:
1. The inability to meet the drinking water supply requirements necessary to support the housing units authorized by such provisions
2. The inability to meet the wastewater treatment requirements necessary to support such units
3. The inability of municipal transportation infrastructure to safely accommodate increased population attributable to housing development pursuant to such provisions
4. Any adverse environmental impacts attributable to the developments of housing units pursuant to such provisions."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-14
ECO 14
Requiring a Competitive Bidding Process
Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting at the end, the following section:-
"SECTION___. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any funds expended for the purpose of providing services through the emergency housing assistance program shall be subject to a competitive bidding process."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-15
ECO 15
First Time Homebuyer & Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
Messrs. Eldridge, Gómez, Collins, Fattman and Cronin, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0011, by striking out, each time it appears, the figure "$1,500,000" and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- “$3,050,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-16
ECO 16
Expanding RAFT
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. Subclause (iii) of subsection (b) of section 15 of Chapter 239 is hereby amended by inserting after the word, "denied", the following words:- "provided that notice shall be given of such pending eviction, and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall expedite the processing of such applications."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-17
ECO 17
Worker Ownership
Mr. Cyr and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7007-0300, by inserting after the word “industries” the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership for the purpose of contracting for services and other operational costs that further the mission of the center”; and by striking out the figure “$1,750,071" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,050,071”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-17-R1
Redraft ECO 17
Worker Ownership
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. O'Connor, Collins, Eldridge, Payano and Gómez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7007-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership for the purpose of contracting for services and other operational costs that further the mission of the center”; and by striking out the figure “$1,750,071" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,950,071”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-18-R1
Redraft ECO 18
Massachusetts Women's History Center
Ms. Rausch, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Fernandes and Collins, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. O'Connor and Oliveira, Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Payano, Tarr and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Women’s History Center, Inc. to amplify the history of women of all backgrounds in the commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-18
ECO 18
Massachusetts Women's History Center
Ms. Rausch, Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Women’s History Center"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$400,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-19
ECO 19
Affordable Homeownership Program for First Generation, First Time Homebuyers
Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Gómez and Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,500,0000 shall be expended for the Saving Towards Affordable and Sustainable Homeownership program administered by the Massachusetts Affordable Homeownership Alliance, Inc. to provide a matched-savings program, financial literacy, and homebuyer education for long-term home ownership stability, and to assist first-generation homebuyers in a regionally equitable manner to benefit communities throughout the Commonwealth,” and in said item, by striking out the figures:-"100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures:- "1,600,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-19-R1
Redraft ECO 19
Affordable Homeownership Program for First Generation, First Time Homebuyers
Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Gómez, Cronin and Payano, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Eldridge, Brady and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Saving Towards Affordable and Sustainable Homeownership program administered by MAHA, LLC to provide a matched-savings program, financial literacy and homebuyer education for long-term home ownership stability and to assist first-generation homebuyers in a regionally equitable manner to benefit communities throughout the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$600,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-20
ECO 20
Housing and Livable Communities
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Payano, Lewis, Collins and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0099, by striking out the figure “$15,573,388” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$22,235,340”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-21
ECO 21
The Builder Coalition
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Builder Coalition to provide training and support to emerging local developers, advancing efforts to meet Massachusetts' housing production goals"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$350,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-21-R1
Redraft ECO 21
The Builder Coalition
Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Keenan and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to The Builder Coalition, Inc. to advance efforts to meet the commonwealth’s housing production and affordable housing goals by providing support and training to enable emerging local developers to meet construction and community standards and needs"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-23
ECO 23
Community Action Agencies
Messrs. Moore, Mark, Collins, O'Connor, Finegold, Eldridge and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7002-0017 the following item:
"7002-0025 For operational support grants to community action agencies; provided, that criteria for the distribution of the grants, including minimum or maximum grant size, eligible uses and any relevant reporting and accountability measures shall be developed jointly with the Massachusetts Association for Community Action, Inc. or MASSCAP; and provided further, that the grants shall be used to assist the agencies in their mission to assist residents of the commonwealth living with low incomes to stabilize their lives and achieve economic prosperity, and in creating and expanding opportunity for those residents in the neighborhoods and municipalities where they live and work ...................................................$5,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-24
ECO 24
Hudson Armory
Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be made available for the Hudson Cultural Alliance, Inc. for the planning, construction, renovation, property management and maintenance work at the Hudson Armory located at the intersection of Park street and Washington street in the town of Hudson"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-24-R1
Redraft ECO 24
Hudson Armory
Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Hudson Cultural Alliance, Inc. for the planning, construction, renovation, property management and maintenance work at the Hudson Armory located at the intersection of Park and Washington streets in the town of Hudson"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-27
ECO 27
Credit Score Discrimination in Housing
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-
SECTION ___. Section 4 of Chapter 151B of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after paragraph 10 the following paragraph:-
“10A. For the owner, lessee, sublessee, real estate broker, assignee or managing agent of other covered housing to refuse to rent or lease or sell or negotiate for sale or otherwise to deny to or withhold from any individual because of the individuals credit history when they are a recipient of any such public assistance, rental assistance, or housing subsidy program.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-28
ECO 28
Summer Jobs Program for Youth At-Risk
Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Gómez, Lewis, Brady, Keenan, Moore and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Payano, O'Connor, Collins and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0012, by striking out the figure "$15,240,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$22,100,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-29
ECO 29
Discover Brookline
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for the Brookline Chamber of Commerce, Inc. to promote local businesses and attractions through its Discover Brookline campaign”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$120,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-29-R1
Redraft ECO 29
Discover Brookline
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for Brookline Chamber of Commerce, Inc. to promote local business districts and attractions through its Discover Brookline campaign”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$120,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-30-R1
Redraft ECO 30
Pathway to Possible
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be expended to Pathway to Possible, Inc. in the city of Newton to provide housing, support and advocacy for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$190,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-30
ECO 30
Pathway to Possible
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be expended for Pathway to Possible, Inc. in the city of Newton to provide housing, support, and advocacy for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities”; and by striking out the figure “$190,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-31
ECO 31
Newton At Home
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended for Newton At Home, Inc. to provide financial assistance to qualifying seniors in the city of Newton”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$145,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-32
ECO 32
Welcome Home
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $55,000 shall be expended for Welcome Home, Inc. in the city of Newton for its home goods pantry”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$155,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-33
ECO 33
Historic Newton
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-0900, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended for Historic Newton, Inc. to upgrade and develop exhibits”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$145,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-33-R1
Redraft ECO 33
Historic Newton
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-0900, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended to Historic Newton, Inc. to upgrade and develop exhibits that educate the public on local history”; and by striking out the figure “$283,203” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$328,203”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-34
ECO 34
JALSA's Confronting the History of Housing Discrimination Curriculum
Ms. Creem, Mr. Gómez, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, Inc. for outreach related to and the operation of its confronting the history of housing discrimination curriculum and for the development of additional curriculum units”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$250,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-36
ECO 36
Eagle Lake Recreation Area Revitalization Feasibility Study
Mr. Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the purpose of a feasibility study for the revitalization Eagle Lake Recreation Area in the town of Holden”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-36-R1
Redraft ECO 36
Eagle Lake Recreation Area Revitalization Feasibility Study
Mr. Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the purpose of a design and engineering study for the revitalization of Eagle Lake Recreation Area in the town of Holden”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-37
ECO 37
Quaboag Historical Society Roof
Mr. Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the purpose of a new roof at the Quaboag Historical Society in the town of West Brookfield”; and by striking out the figure "$1,153,624” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,203,624”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-37-R1
Redraft ECO 37
Quaboag Historical Society Roof
Mr. Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Quaboag Historical Society, Inc. in the town of West Brookfield for a new roof at the Quaboag Historical Society Museum”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-39
ECO 39
CCC Enforcement Department & Licensing Systems
Mr. Gómez, Ms. Miranda and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1070-0840, by striking the figures ‘$16,424,372” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$18,624,372”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-40
ECO 40
Small Business Technical Assistance
Messrs. Gómez, Mark, Collins and Cronin, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Payano, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge, Brady and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0040, by striking the figure "$5,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-42
ECO 42
Coalition for an Equitable Economy
Mr. Gómez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the Coalition for an Equitable Economy, Inc. to promote an equitable and inclusive small business ecosystem"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$600,000."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-42-R1
Redraft ECO 42
Coalition for an Equitable Economy
Mr. Gómez, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Eldridge and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to the Coalition for an Equitable Economy, Inc. to promote an equitable and inclusive small business ecosystem"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-43
ECO 43
Amplify Latinx
Mr. Gómez, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Eldridge and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for The Latina Circle, Inc. to promote racial equity and economic mobility "; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$600,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-43-R1
Redraft ECO 43
Amplify Latinx
Mr. Gómez, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Eldridge, Payano and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for We Are ALX Inc. to promote equity and economic mobility"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-46-R1
Redraft ECO 46
Springfield Museums
Messrs. Gómez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-0900, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Springfield Museums Corporation for planned and ongoing improvements in Dinosaur Hall and for expanded interactive and bi-lingual learning opportunities"; and by striking out the figure “$283,203” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$333,203”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-46
ECO 46
Springfield Museums
Messrs. Gómez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-0900, by adding adding following words:- "; provided further that not less than $50,000 be expended for planned and ongoing improvements in Dinosaur Hall which will increase the number of dinosaur models on display. These models will be accompanied by interactive and bi-lingual learning opportunities in the hall"; and by striking out the figures “$283,203” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$333,203”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-51
ECO 51
Targeted Tourism Marketing
Messrs. Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-0900, by inserting after the words "tourism in the commonwealth", the following words:- " that shall include, but not be limited to, the feasibility of initiatives to promote the commonwealth as a destination to residents of countries showing declines in travel to the commonwealth since January 1, 2025".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-52
ECO 52
Black Economic Council of Massachusetts
Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Gómez, Collins, Payano, O'Connor and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that no less than $750,000 shall be expended for Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA)"; and by striking out the figure "100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "850,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-53-R1
Redraft ECO 53
MassEON
Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Eldridge and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for Equitable Opportunities Now to provide programs, services and technical assistance to support equitable economic opportunities in the cannabis industry for people from communities harmed by the war on drugs”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$160,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-53
ECO 53
MassEON
Ms. Miranda and Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for The EON Foundation d/b/a Equitable Opportunities Now, a nonprofit organization that provides programs, services, and technical assistance to support equitable economic opportunities in the cannabis industry for people from communities harmed by the war on drugs”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$160,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-54-R1
Redraft ECO 54
Compass Working Capital
Messrs. Rush and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to Compass Working Capital, Inc. to support the expansion of the Family Self-Sufficiency program to eligible households in the greater Boston area”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$250,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-54
ECO 54
Compass Working Capital
Messrs. Rush and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by inserting the following:- “; provided further that not less than $150,000 be expended to Compass Working Capital, Inc. to support the expansion of the Family Self-Sufficiency program to eligible households in the greater Boston area” and in said item by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “$250,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-55
ECO 55
Roslindale Village Main Streets
Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Roslindale Village Main Street, Inc. to further promote economic development opportunities for businesses located in its business district”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-56-R1
Redraft ECO 56
Southwest Boston CDC
Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0040, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation to assist with planning, programming and operations”; and by striking out the figure “$5,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,050,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-56
ECO 56
Southwest Boston CDC
Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0040, by adding the following words: - “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation to assist with planning, programming and operations”; and by striking out the figure “$5,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure “$5,075,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-62
ECO 62
Camp Harbor View
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to Camp Harbor View Foundation, Inc. to provide programming and family services at Camp Harbor View and its leadership academy"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$600,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-62-R1
Redraft ECO 62
Camp Harbor View
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to Camp Harbor View Foundation, Inc. to provide programming and family services at Camp Harbor View and its leadership academy"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$350,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-65
ECO 65
Cape Verdean Association
Messrs. Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the Cape Verdean Association of Boston Inc. for community programming including English as a second language, citizenship training, and workforce development and job pathway programs”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-68
ECO 68
Salvation Army in Plymouth and Kingston
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for the Salvation Army for supporting people in need in Plymouth and Kingston”; and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$115,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-69
ECO 69
Plymouth Tourism
Messrs. Fernandes and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce to support the promotion of tourism”; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-70
ECO 70
Digital Advertising Services
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-
"SECTION ____ Chapter 29 of the General Laws as appearing in the 2022 official edition is hereby amended by inserting after section 2KKKKK, as inserted by section 1 of chapter 254 of the acts of 2020, the following 2 sections:-
“Section 2LLLLL. There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund to be known as the Local Newspaper Trust Fund, hereinafter referred to as the fund, for the purposes of aiding local businesses and promoting an informed populace. The fund shall provide, without further appropriation, grants to newspapers: (i) with a principal place of business within the commonwealth and (ii) circulation not exceeding 50,000 on weekdays. The secretary of housing and economic development shall administer the fund, develop eligibility and application requirements and select grant recipients.
The fund shall consist of: (i) fifteen percent of revenue from the tax on digital advertising services within the commonwealth as provided in subsection (d) of section 82 of chapter 63, annually; (ii) interest earned on such revenues; and (iii) funds from public and private sources, including, but not limited to, gifts, federal or private grants, donations, rebates and settlements received by the commonwealth that are specifically designated to be credited to the fund.
No expenditure from the fund shall cause the fund to be in deficiency at the close of a fiscal year. Monies deposited in the fund that are unexpended at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.
Section 2MMMMM. There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund to be known as the Pre-K and After School Program Trust Fund. The fund shall provide, without further appropriation, grants to the Massachusetts universal pre-kindergarten program, early education and care programs and school-aged child care programs, as defined in section 1A of chapter 15D. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education and commissioner of early education and care shall administer the fund, develop eligibility and application requirements and select grant recipients.
The fund shall consist of: (i) eighty-five percent of the revenue from the tax on digital advertising services within the commonwealth as provided in subsection (d) of section 82 of chapter 63; (ii) interest earned on such revenues; and (iii) funds from public and private sources, including, but not limited to, gifts, federal or private grants, donations, rebates and settlements received by the commonwealth that are specifically designated to be credited to the fund.
No expenditure from the fund shall cause the fund to be in deficiency at the close of a fiscal year. Monies deposited in the fund that are unexpended at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.”
Chapter 63 of the General Laws as appearing in the 2022 official edition is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
“Section 82. (a) As used in this section the following terms shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
“Digital advertising services”, advertisement services on a digital interface, including advertisements in the form of banner advertising, search engine advertising, interstitial advertising and other comparable advertising services.
“Digital interface”, any type of software, including a website, part of a website or an application that a user may access.
“IP address”, a unique string of characters assigned to each device connected to a computer network using the Internet Protocol for communication.
“User”, an individual who accesses a digital interface using a device with an IP address.
(b) There shall be assessed and levied in each calendar year an excise on the sale of digital advertising services within the commonwealth on corporations or companies with revenue from digital advertising services in excess of $50 million per year within the commonwealth. The excise shall be assessed at a rate equal to 5 percent of the corporation’s or company’s annual revenue from digital advertising services within the commonwealth. A digital advertising service shall be deemed to have been provided within the commonwealth if it is received on a user’s device having an IP address located within the commonwealth.
(c) Corporations or companies with revenue from digital advertising services in excess of $50 million per year within the commonwealth shall remit the excise described in subsection (b) to the commissioner of revenue on a monthly basis.
(d) The commissioner of revenue shall deposit revenue from the excise described in subsection (b) as follows: (i) fifteen percent of the annual revenue into the Local Newspaper Trust Fund established in section 2LLLLL of chapter 29, annually; (ii) eighty-five percent of the annual revenue into the Pre-K and After School Trust Fund established in section 2MMMMM of said chapter 29; and (iii) any remaining funds into the General Fund established in section 2 of said chapter 29.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-71
ECO 71
Town of Plympton
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Town of Plympton for infrastructure improvements at the Town Center Complex and by striking out the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-71-R1
Redraft ECO 71
Town of Plympton
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the town of Plympton for infrastructure improvements at the town center complex”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-72-R1
Redraft ECO 72
Open Cape high-speed internet access in Plymouth and Falmouth
Messrs. Fernandes and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to OpenCape Corporation to support high-speed internet access in the towns of Plymouth and Falmouth”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-72
ECO 72
Open Cape high-speed internet access in Plymouth and Falmouth
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the for Open Cape to support high-speed internet access in Plymouth and Falmouth” and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-74-R1
Redraft ECO 74
Plymouth Area Veterans Center Housing
Messrs. Fernandes and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Volunteers of America Massachusetts Plymouth Area Veterans Center to support a planning study on veteran housing”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-74
ECO 74
Plymouth Area Veterans Center Housing
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the for the Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMASS) Plymouth Area Veterans Center to support a planning study veteran housing” and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-75
ECO 75
Belonging to Eachother in Falmouth
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Belonging to Eachother in Falmouth” and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-75-R1
Redraft ECO 75
Belonging to Eachother in Falmouth
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Belonging to Each Other, Inc. in the town of Falmouth to support those experiencing homelessness in their transition to stable housing by providing temporary cold-weather housing and year-round compassionate, supportive services”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-76
ECO 76
Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District to support the promotion of tourism” and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-77
ECO 77
See Plymouth Radio
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended for See Plymouth to support radio promotion of tourism” and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-78
ECO 78
Sandwich Glass Museum
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for the Sandwich Glass Museum to support renovations”; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$115,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-79
ECO 79
Sagamore Visitor Center
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Sagamore Visitor Center to support the promotion of tourism”; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-80
ECO 80
Local Seen in Plymouth
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for The Local Seen in Plymouth for equipment and to expand outreach” and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$115,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-81
ECO 81
Pembroke Water Treatment
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for the Town of Pembroke to support water treatment” and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$120,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-82
ECO 82
Historic Spooner's Alley
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Town of Plymouth to complete the restoration of historic Spooner's Alley”; and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-83
ECO 83
Resident Service Coordinators
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-4314, by striking out the figure "$6,500,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$7,500,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-84
ECO 84
Millbury Senior Center Improvements
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $57,000 shall be expended to the town of Millbury for repairs and improvements to the Millbury senior center”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$157,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-88
ECO 88
250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council for the planning and operational costs associated with the 250th anniversary celebration of Evacuation Day in Boston and the Evacuation Day and St. Patrick's Day Parade."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-88-R1
Redraft ECO 88
250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council for the planning and operational costs associated with the 250th anniversary celebration of Evacuation Day in Boston and the Evacuation Day and St. Patrick's Day Parade"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-90-R1
Redraft ECO 90
Improvements to HomeBASE
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Gómez and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Lewis and Mark, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0108, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the executive office shall not require families to be evicted from their existing housing or to otherwise establish that they fall into one of the four categories of affirmative eligibility for emergency assistance shelter currently listed in item 7004-0101"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-90
ECO 90
Improvements to HomeBASE
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Gómez and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Lewis and Mark and Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0108, by striking the figure “$30,000” each time it appears and replacing it with the following figure:- “$50,000”; and
By striking the figure “$15,000” and replacing it with the following figure:- “$25,000”; and
By striking the following:- “for a subsequent 12-month period” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “for subsequent 12-month periods”; and
By inserting the following:- “; provided further, that the executive office shall not require families to be evicted from their existing housing or to otherwise establish that they fall into one of the four categories of affirmative eligibility for emergency assistance shelter currently listed in item 7004-0101; provided further, that families in summary process actions commenced for a reason determined by the executive office to be a no fault or excused fault reason for eviction shall be able to apply and be found eligible for short-term transition program benefits in order to prevent eviction from existing housing or permit the family to relocate to another housing situation; provided further, that the executive office shall allow families to apply and be found eligible for this short-term housing benefit after a summons and complaint is filed in court; provided further, families shall be found eligible for short-term housing transition benefits if, but for feasible alternative housing, they meet the requirements for family shelter; provided further, that the executive office shall allow families to combine and maximize benefits under the Massachusetts short-term housing transition program, residential assistance for families in transition funds from line item 7004-9316, and other rental assistance programs if families are eligible for said programs, such funds are needed to promote housing stability, and the assistance is non-duplicative”; and
By striking the figure "$57,322,001" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$64,822,001"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-91
ECO 91
Strengthening Downtowns and Main Streets
Messrs. Cronin, Mark and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after item ___ the following item:
“xxxx-xxxx For a matching grant program for cities and towns to support the vitality of downtowns and main streets; provided, that grants may be used to develop, sustain or strengthen business districts, town centers, commercial corridors, cultural districts or other walkable mixed-use areas; provided further, that funds may be used for community planning, district management, and investment activities that stimulate economic development, expand entrepreneurship and create jobs in the downtown economy sector and to construct, improve, repair, maintain and protect downtown assets; provided further, that the executive office of economic development may establish additional program requirements through regulations or policy guidelines; provided further, that funds shall be awarded on a competitive basis in accordance with such program requirements; and provided further, that financial assistance offered pursuant to this item shall be awarded, to the extent feasible, in a manner that reflects geographic and demographic diversity and social and economic equity.............................................................................. $500,000"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-92
ECO 92
Essex County Community Foundation
Messrs. Finegold and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Essex County Community Foundation Incorporated for the provision of financial support to community development and improvement projects in the county of Essex”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-93
ECO 93
Statewide Youth Sports Activities
Messrs. Finegold, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for a grant program to support youth sports nonprofit programs that primarily serve low-income or marginalized students and that seek to foster improved outcomes in physical health, mental well-being, school participation and sense of community”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-94
ECO 94
Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority
Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0010, by striking out the figure “$750,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,500,000”, and by striking out the figure “$6,358,084” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,108,084”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-95
ECO 95
Civil Service Special Removals
Mr. Finegold and Ms. Friedman moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 70 the following
section:-
“SECTION 70A. Chapter 238 of the acts of 2024 is hereby amended by striking out section 284 and inserting in place thereof the following:-
Section 284. Notwithstanding chapter 31 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, a city or town, on behalf of which legislation has been duly filed with the general court between January 4, 2023 and July 31, 2024, inclusive, relative to the participation in civil service of the police or fire department of the city or town and which includes a documented local approval as acknowledged by the clerk of the senate or house of representatives, may enact any such exemption, including, but not limited to, a procedural exemption related to hiring practices, as specified within such legislation without the need for any further action by the general court on such legislation; provided, however, that any city or town that seeks an exemption pursuant to this section shall submit a letter indicating that the city or town still seeks such exemption from said chapter 31 to the personnel administrator of the division of human resources within the executive office for administration and finance, the joint committee on public service and the chair of the civil service commission duly signed by: (i) the mayor or city manager, in the case of a city, or the chair of the select board or town manager, in the case of a town; and (ii) the police chief or fire chief, as applicable, of the department seeking exemption; provided further, that any such letter shall be received by the personnel administrator of the division of human resources in proper form not later than February 15, 2025; and provided further, that the appropriate exemption for which such letter is so submitted shall take effect on March 1, 2025 notwithstanding the approval of the personnel administrator of the division of human resources.”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-95-R1
Redraft ECO 95
Civil Service Special Removals
Mr. Finegold and Ms. Friedman moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 70 the following section:-
“SECTION 70A. Chapter 238 of the acts of 2024 is hereby amended by striking out section 284 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 284. Notwithstanding chapter 31 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, a city or town, on behalf of which legislation has been duly filed with the general court between January 4, 2023 and July 31, 2024, inclusive, relative to the participation in civil service of the police or fire department of the city or town or any or all positions within said police or fire department, and which includes a documented local approval as acknowledged by the clerk of the senate or house of representatives, may enact any such exemption, including, but not limited to, a procedural exemption related to hiring practices, as specified within such legislation without the need for any further action by the general court on such legislation; provided, however, that any city or town that seeks an exemption pursuant to this section shall submit a letter indicating that the city or town still seeks such exemption from said chapter 31 to the personnel administrator of the division of human resources within the executive office for administration and finance, the joint committee on public service and the chair of the civil service commission duly signed by: (i) the mayor or city manager, in the case of a city, or the chair of the select board or town manager, in the case of a town; and (ii) the police chief or fire chief, as applicable, of the department seeking exemption; provided further, that any such letter shall be received by the personnel administrator of the division of human resources in proper form not later than February 15, 2025; provided further, that the appropriate exemption for which such letter is so submitted shall take effect on March 1, 2025; provided further, that the personnel administrator shall reconsider and approve any request for exemption outlined in such letter which previously received an adverse determination of eligibility on the basis of the scope of the local approval as soon as practicable but not later than August 30, 2025; and provided further, that an exemption approved after reconsideration shall be effective as of March 1, 2025.”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-96
ECO 96
Mitigating Cost Increases of Unemployment Insurance
Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:--
"Section __ - There shall be a special commission to conduct an analysis of the impacts on employers in the commonwealth of unemployment insurance cost increases attributable to the disallowed use of federal COVID-19 relief funds for unemployment claims, and the resulting settlement agreement between the commonwealth and the federal government, and develop recommendations for mitigating, to the maximum feasible extent, cost increases caused by these factors. The commission shall consist of 13 members, including the Secretary of Labor And Workforce Development, or a designee, whom shall act as its chair, and 12 members appointed by the governor, one of which shall represent the National Federation of Independent Business, one of which shall represent the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, one of whom shall represent the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, two of whom shall represent organized labor in the commonwealth, two of whom shall represent employees not affiliated with organized labor in the commonwealth, two of which shall be affiliated with the University of Massachusetts, one of which shall have experience in labor law, and one of which shall have experience in economics, and one member representing the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. In carrying out the provisions of this section, the commission shall meet not less than 3 times, and conduct not less than 3 public hearings in geographically diverse regions of the commonwealth, provided that at least one of which shall allow remote electronic participation. The commission shall file a report of its findings, together with any legislative, regulatory and other recommendations, with the clerks of the House and Senate, the Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means, the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, and the Secretary of Administration and Finance not later than December 31, 2025."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-97
ECO 97
Community Day Center of Waltham
Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to maintain patient safety and security at the Community Day Center of Waltham, Inc"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-98-R1
Redraft ECO 98
Young Craftsman Association
Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for Young Craftsman Foundation, Inc. for equipment procurement to support emerging workers in the trades in the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$115,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-98
ECO 98
Young Craftsman Association
Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for the Young Craftsman Association for the purposes of equipment procurement”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$115,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-99
ECO 99
W.A.T.C.H., Inc
Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $80,000 shall be expended to support staffing at W.A.T.C.H., Inc. and to prevent evictions”; and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “180,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-100-R1
Redraft ECO 100
Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation
Messrs. Fernandes and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc. to develop regionally agreed-upon blue economy curriculum, course options and implementation and evaluation standards for K-12 students”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-100
ECO 100
Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation
Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation to develop regionally agreed-upon blue economy curriculum, course options, and implementation/evaluation standards for K-12 students” and by striking out the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-101-R1
Redraft ECO 101
Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC)
Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Miranda and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, Inc. to support its continued operation and expand program delivery"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$300,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-101
ECO 101
Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC)
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, Inc. to build infrastructure, capacity, and expand program delivery"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-102
ECO 102
Latin American Business Organization Regional Small Business Support
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Latin American Business Organization Inc. to provide technical assistance to historically disadvantaged businesses in Worcester county focused on financial management, access to capital, legal compliance, startup fundamentals and supplier diversity certification"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-103
ECO 103
New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill to replace a terminated IMLS Museums for America federal grant”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-103-R1
Redraft ECO 103
New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill to serve the public through exhibitions and educational programs”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-104
ECO 104
EA Shelter Pilot
Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Cyr and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by inserting after “unavailability of contracted shelter beds” the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended to Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness (WMNEH), and Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA) for ongoing coordination and collaboration to prevent and end homelessness and a pilot program to identify and create regional solutions to reduce the number of families needing shelter; provided further, that the entities shall meet quarterly with the secretary of the executive office of housing and livable communities, the chair of the senate committee on ways and means, the chair of the house committee on ways and means, and the chairs of the joint committee on housing to report on ongoing efforts, including but not limited to: (a) identifying root causes of homelessness; (b) identifying gaps in services and barriers to housing stability; (c) identifying early intervention opportunities; (d) collating and analyzing data that informs proposed recommendations for reform;”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-104-R1
Redraft ECO 104
EA Shelter Pilot
Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Cyr, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended to Father Bill’s & MainSpring, Inc., the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness and Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Inc. for ongoing coordination and collaboration to prevent and end homelessness and a pilot program to identify and create regional solutions to reduce the number of families needing shelter; provided further, that said entities shall meet quarterly with the secretary of housing and livable communities, the chair of the senate committee on ways and means, the chair of the house committee on ways and means and the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on housing to report on ongoing efforts, including, but not limited to: (i) identifying root causes of homelessness; (ii) identifying gaps in services and barriers to housing stability; (iii) identifying early intervention opportunities; and (iv) collating and analyzing data that informs proposed recommendations for reform”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$550,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-105
ECO 105
Tenancy Preservation Program
Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Gómez and Keenan, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Mark, Eldridge and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by adding after item 7004-3036 the following item:
“7004-4045 For a tenancy preservation program for neutral party consultation services in eviction cases before the housing court department of the trial court for individuals with disabilities and for families with individuals with disabilities; provided, that the disability of the program participant or family member must be directly related to the reason for eviction to be eligible for the program, prior appropriation continued .....................................................$42,755”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-106
ECO 106
MCI Concord Redevelopment
Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the town of Concord for planning the reuse and redevelopment of the former Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Concord”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-107-R1
Redraft ECO 107
Flag and Seal Commission
Mr. Lewis, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 70 the following section:-
“SECTION 70A. Item 7008-0900 of section 2 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024 is hereby amended by striking out the words “12 months after the effective date of this act” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- December 15, 2025.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-107
ECO 107
Flag and Seal Commission
Mr. Lewis and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following sections:-
"SECTION X. Item 7008-0900 of section 2 of chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after the words “which shall propose a new seal, flag and motto of the commonwealth;” the following words:- provided further, such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2026;
SECTION XX. Said item 7008-0900 of said section 2 of said chapter 140 is hereby further amended by striking the words “12 months after the effective date of this act” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- December 15, 2025."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-108
ECO 108
Malden public art
Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the city of Malden for the installation of public art in the city"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-111-R1
Redraft ECO 111
FORGE
Messrs. Kennedy, Velis, Gómez and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0010, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended for FORGE to operate a statewide program that promotes manufacturing and innovation by supporting manufacturing readiness for startups and connecting them to commonwealth-based manufacturers to promote local supply chains and future resiliency"; and by striking out the figure "$6,358,084" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,533,084".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-111
ECO 111
FORGE
Messrs. Kennedy, Velis and Gómez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0010, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to FORGE to operate a statewide program that promotes manufacturing and innovation by supporting manufacturing readiness for startups and connecting them to Massachusetts-based manufacturers to promote local supply chains and future resiliency." and by striking the figure "$6,358,084" and replacing it with the figure "6,658,084".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-113-R2
2nd Redraft ECO 113
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
Messrs. Fattman and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended to the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in the village of Whitinsville in the town of Northbridge for workforce training, small business expansion and regional economic development initiatives”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$450,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-113-R1
Redraft ECO 113
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended to the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in the village of Whitinsville in the town of Northbridge for workforce training, small business expansion and regional economic development initiatives”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$450,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-113
ECO 113
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in the village of Whitinsville in the town of Northbridge for workforce training, small business expansion and regional economic development initiatives”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$600,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-114
ECO 114
Social Enterprise Mattress Recycling Program
Messrs. Kennedy, Lewis, Collins, Moore, Eldridge, Payano and Finegold and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the department of environmental protection to develop an employment social enterprise impact pilot program to provide funding for at least 1 nonprofit entity to provide recycling services with the overall goal of fostering job security for individuals facing barriers to employment through the provision of mattress recycling work opportunities; provided further, that eligible applicants shall have a demonstrated history of providing mattress recycling services in the commonwealth as an approved vendor to the department for not less than 5 years; provided further, that contracts through the program may be awarded for periods no less than 5 years, with options or renewal, with a minimum annual funding amount of $500,000;" and by striking out the figure “$488,748 ” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$988,748 ”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-115-R1
Redraft ECO 115
Community Teamwork
Mr. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Community Teamwork Inc. to administer a program for emergency needs for families in crisis"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-115
ECO 115
Community Teamwork
Mr. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by inserting the following words, "provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be directed to Community Teamwork Inc. for the purpose of administering a program for emergency needs for families in crisis" and by striking the figure "$100,000" and replacing it with the figure "$175,000"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-116
ECO 116
Greater Lowell Community Projects
Mr. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended to Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Inc. in the city of Lowell for community programs”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$225,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-117
ECO 117
Waters Farm 250th Celebration
Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Waters Farm in the town of Sutton for infrastructure capital items, and costs associated with the 250th anniversary celebration”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-117-R1
Redraft ECO 117
Waters Farm 250th Celebration
Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to Waters Farm Preservation, Inc. in the town of Sutton for infrastructure improvements to its historic site and costs associated with the town of Sutton’s 250th anniversary celebration”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-118
ECO 118
Charlton Historical Society
Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to the Charlton historical society for maintenance upgrades including, but not limited to the purchase and installation of heating and cooling systems at the Rider Tavern”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-119
ECO 119
Worcester Festivals
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association, Incorporated; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival in the city of Worcester; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended to Casita Cultura Latina, Inc. for the Día de los Muertos event and other cultural events in the city of Worcester"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-119-R1
Redraft ECO 119
Worcester Festivals
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association, Incorporated for cultural events in the city of Worcester; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival in the city of Worcester; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended to Casita Cultura Latina, Inc. for the Día de los Muertos event and other cultural events in the city of Worcester; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended to AIDS Project - Worcester Inc. for the Pride Worcester festival to be celebrated by the Greater Worcester community"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$140,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-120
ECO 120
Veteran Workforce Development
Messrs. Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-1091, provided further that not less than $380,000 shall be expended to Massachusetts Fallen Heroes for their Veteran Computer Lab and Tech Training Program"; and by striking out the figure “$8,985,600” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,365,600”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-120-R1
Redraft ECO 120
Veteran Workforce Development
Messrs. Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-1091, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Massachusetts Fallen Heroes for their Veteran Computer Lab and Tech Training Program"; and by striking out the figure “$8,985,600” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,085,600”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-121
ECO 121
Modern Mentor
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - ";provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Modern Mentor for the purpose of youth mentorship and personal development; and in said item by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures $125,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-121-R1
Redraft ECO 121
Modern Mentor
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to The Modern Mentor Inc. for the purpose of youth mentorship and personal development”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-122-R1
Redraft ECO 122
AccessMA
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words - "; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to AccessMA, Inc. to expand access to health and human resources to those who have been incarcerated, their families and impacted communities”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$120,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-122
ECO 122
AccessMA
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - ";provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to AccessMA for the purpose of expanding access to health and human resources to those who have been incarcerated, their families and impacted communities; and in said item by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures $120,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-123
ECO 123
St. Stephen's Youth Programs
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - ";provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to St. Stephen's Youth Parent Mentoring Program at the Mattahunt Elementary School for afterschool programming; and in said item by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures $200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-123-R1
Redraft ECO 123
St. Stephen's Youth Programs
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - "; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to St. Stephen's Youth Program at the Mattahunt elementary school for the continued operation of its Parent Mentoring program;” and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-124
ECO 124
Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs for the purpose of providing comprehensive programming in the fields of child welfare, children’s behavioral health, and special education;" and in said item by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures $200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-125
ECO 125
Daddy & Me Literacy Program
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Daddy & Me Literacy Program for the purpose of instilling the love of reading in our young ones, and to encourage fellowship amongst men and dads of color”; and in said item by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$120,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-125-R1
Redraft ECO 125
Daddy & Me Literacy Program
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Daddy & Me Incorporated for their literacy program to promote a love of reading in young people”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$120,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-126-R1
Redraft ECO 126
Gallivan Boulevard Community Gardening & Food Security Initiatives
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to the Boston Housing Authority for improvements to exterior space at the Gallivan Boulevard apartment community and to support community gardening and resident-driven food sustainability initiatives”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-126
ECO 126
Gallivan Boulevard Community Gardening & Food Security Initiatives
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following words:- “; provided further that $75,000 shall be expended for the Boston Housing Authority for improvements to exterior space at the Gallivan Boulevard homes and to support community gardening and resident-driven food sustainability initiatives” and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$175,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-127
ECO 127
Stoneham downtown improvements
Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the town of Stoneham for transportation infrastructure and pedestrian accessibility improvements"; and by striking out the figure "$10,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$10,100,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-128
ECO 128
Franklin Field
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that $100,000 shall be expended for the Boston Housing Authority for improvements to exterior space at the Franklin Fields homes and to support climate resilliency retrofitting and sustainability initiatives” and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-129
ECO 129
Greater Worcester Community Health
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc for the implementation of racial equity strategies in the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-129-R1
Redraft ECO 129
Greater Worcester Community Health
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc for the implementation of equity strategies in the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-130
ECO 130
DMH Rental Subsidy Program
Messrs. Eldridge, Gómez, Keenan, Fernandes, Mark and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-9033, by striking out the figure "$16,548,125" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$21,548,125".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-130-R1
Redraft ECO 130
DMH Rental Subsidy Program
Messrs. Eldridge, Gómez, Keenan, Fernandes, Mark and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-9033, by striking out the figure "$16,548,125" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$17,048,125".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-131-R1
Redraft ECO 131
Museum of Science Theater of Electricity
Mr. DiDomenico, Ms. Rausch and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-0900, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to the Museum of Science for improvements to the Theater of Electricity and the development of more interactive exhibit demonstrations”; and by striking out the figure "$283,203" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$483,203".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-131
ECO 131
Museum of Science Theater of Electricity
Mr. DiDomenico and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-0900, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to the Museum of Science for improvements to the Theater of Electricity and the development of more interactive exhibit demonstrations”; and by striking out the figure "$283,203" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$583,203".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-132
ECO 132
Local Economic Development Projects
Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for East End House, Inc. in the city of Cambridge to provide comprehensive support services for families; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. in the city of Cambridge for economic stability and mobility services; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Margaret Fuller House, Incorporated in the city of Cambridge for community advancement programming; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Global Arts Live in the city of Cambridge to support their youth engagement programs; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Sponsor Inc., d/b/a Mission. Earth, for the services and community programs of Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition in the city of Cambridge; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Just-A-Start Corporation's biomedical careers program in the city of Cambridge; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the John F. Kennedy Family Service Center, Inc. in the Charlestown section of the city of Boston to provide community services"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-133
ECO 133
Local Economic Development Initiatives
Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Chelsea Black Community, Inc. in the city of Chelsea for community-based services and resources; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Community Action Programs Inter-City, Inc. in the city of Chelsea for economic stability and mobility services; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for La Comunidad, Inc. in the city of Everett to support community programming and services; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Everett Haitian Community Center in the city of Everett for community programming, resources and services; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Latinos Unidos en Massachusetts in the city of Everett to provide community resources, programming and support; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Eliot Family Resource Center in the city of Everett for comprehensive community-based services and resources"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$275,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-134
ECO 134
Stoneham public library
Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the town of Stoneham supporting the operation of the Stoneham Public Library"; and by striking out the figure "$10,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$10,100,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-135
ECO 135
Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations
Messrs. DiDomenico, Gómez, Collins and Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0010, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, Inc. to offer organizational capacity building, staff training, and technical assistance to community development corporations and other community development nonprofits as they work to expand affordable housing and economic opportunity”; and by striking out the figure "$6,358,084" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$6,858,084".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-136
ECO 136
Zac’s House
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “ ; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Christian Community Church in Worcester for the operation of Zac’s House shelter for homeless individuals” ; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-137
ECO 137
RISE Clinic
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Worcester Refugee and Immigrant Support and Empowerment (RISE) for Health, Inc to support community healthcare workers”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-138
ECO 138
Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition for the purpose of promoting health, wellness, and an active lifestyle for the Mattapan community; and in said item by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures $150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-139
ECO 139
Northborough Sidewalks
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $65,000 shall be expended to the town of Northborough for downtown public sidewalk improvements”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place there of the following figure:- “$165,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-140
ECO 140
3A Multi-Family Zoning - MBTA Communities Appeal
Mr. Tarr, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. Durant, O'Connor and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. Section 18 of Chapter 358 of the Acts of 2020 is hereby amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: -
(d) The Executive Office of housing and livable communities shall develop and promulgate regulations to allow a municipality affected by the zoning provisions of this section to appeal for relief from such provisions based on one or more of the following:
1. The inability to meet the drinking water supply requirements necessary to support the housing units authorized by such provisions
2. The inability to meet the wastewater treatment requirements necessary to support such units
3. The inability of municipal transportation infrastructure to safely accommodate increased population attributable to housing development pursuant to such provisions
4. Any adverse environmental impacts attributable to the developments of housing units pursuant to such provisions."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-141
ECO 141
Exempting MBTA Adjacent Communities
Mr. O'Connor and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-
“SECTION __. Section 3A of chapter 40A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended in subsection (a) by adding at the end thereof the following:-
No community without a rail, subway, or ferry station shall have to comply with this section.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-142-R1
Redraft ECO 142
South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation to provide housing, employment, health services, food security and education programming"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$120,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-142
ECO 142
South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation for its operations"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$120,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-143
ECO 143
Tourism Trust Fund Grants
Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Mark, Gómez, Velis, Cronin, Tarr and Moore, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Eldridge, Oliveira, Durant, Fattman, Fernandes, O'Connor, Payano and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-
SECTION __. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, grants from the amounts collected pursuant to subsection (a) of section 13T of chapter 23A of the General Laws allocated to regional tourism councils pursuant to clause (ii) of subsection (d) of said section 13T of said chapter 23A for fiscal year 2026 shall be distributed not later than December 1, 2025 pursuant to a transfer schedule determined by the executive office for administration and finance.
Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, grants from the amounts collected pursuant to subsection (b) of section 13T of chapter 23A of the General Laws allocated to regional tourism councils pursuant to clause (ii) of subsection (d) of said section 13T of said chapter 23A for fiscal year 2025 shall be distributed not later than December 1, 2025 pursuant to a transfer schedule determined by the executive office for administration and finance.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-144
ECO 144
Boston Housing Authority
Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Boston Housing Authority to support housing and relocation services associated with redevelopment of the Bunker Hill housing development in the Charlestown neighborhood in the city of Boston"; and by striking out the figure "$116,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "116,100,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-144-R1
Redraft ECO 144
Boston Housing Authority
Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Boston Housing Authority to support housing and relocation services associated with redevelopment of the Bunker Hill housing development in the Charlestown section of the city of Boston"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-145
ECO 145
Urban Impact Initiative
Messrs. Gómez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended as a grant to Urban Impact Initiative Massachusetts to support organizations and programs in the cities of Springfield and Chicopee"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$350,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-148
ECO 148
Saheli, Inc
Ms. Friedman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $85,000 shall be expended for Saheli, Inc. in Woburn for legal and housing assistance work for immigrant survivors of domestic abuse"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$185,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-149
ECO 149
Social Capital Inc
Ms. Friedman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Social Capital Inc. in Woburn for youth leadership and civic engaging programming, migrant support and health equity work"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-150
ECO 150
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program
Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Gómez, Velis, Collins, Keenan, Mark, Eldridge and Lewis, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Payano, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Moore, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-9024, by striking out the figures "$253,311,840" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$270,000,000" and further amends the item by replacing the words "not less than $50 per voucher per month" with "not less than $55 per voucher per month".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-152
ECO 152
Home Works Program
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0101, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $850,000 shall be expended for the Home Works program to provide opportunities for children in the emergency housing assistance program to attend out-of-school time and summer programming run by youth serving organizations; provided further, that a youth serving organization shall apply to contract with the executive office of housing and livable communities to receive contract slots to serve children in the program; provided further, that the executive office may expend funds for the administration and implementation of the Home Works program"; and by striking out the figure "$275,271,903" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$276,121,903".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-152-R1
Redraft ECO 152
Home Works Program
Ms. Lovely and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0101, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $800,000 shall be expended for the Home Works program to provide opportunities for children in the emergency housing assistance program to attend out-of-school time and summer programming run by youth serving organizations; provided further, that a youth serving organization shall apply to contract with the executive office of housing and livable communities to receive contract slots to serve children in the program; provided further, that the executive office may expend funds for the administration and implementation of the Home Works program"; and by striking out the figure "$275,271,903" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$276,071,903".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-155
ECO 155
Tourism and Visitation Economic Competitiveness
Messrs. Mark, Velis, Cronin, Moore, Eldridge, Gómez, Oliveira, Durant, Fattman and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-0900, by inserting at the end thereof the following:-
"; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be transferred to the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund established under section 13T of chapter 23A of the General Laws; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all funds transferred from this item to the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund shall be made available to regional tourism councils”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-156
ECO 156
Emergency Assistance Shelter Notice
Ms. Friedman, Mr. Cyr, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Payano, Mark and Gómez, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Eldridge and Driscoll and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0101, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, the secretary of housing and livable communities shall not take any action pursuant to subparagraph (8) of paragraph (G) of section 30 of chapter 23B, as most recently amended by section 4 of chapter 1 of the acts of 2025, unless the secretary submits a report not less than 90 days prior to taking such action to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on housing, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the clerks of the senate and house of representatives setting forth justification for such action"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-156-R1
Redraft ECO 156
Emergency Assistance Shelter Notice
Ms. Friedman, Mr. Cyr, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Payano, Mark and Gómez, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Eldridge and Driscoll and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0101, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not later than September 15, 2025, the secretary of housing and livable communities shall submit a report to the joint committee on housing, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the clerks of the senate and house of representatives on the status of the applicability of paragraph (G) of said section 30 of said chapter 23B and the justification for such status, including, but not limited to, the number of families in emergency assistance shelter, the current and projected caseload of eligible families applying for or residing in emergency assistance shelter for the fiscal year, the current and estimated capacity of the shelter system for the fiscal year, the average shelter exits in the past 7 and 14 days and the average shelter intakes in the past 7 and 14 days; provided further, that the secretary of housing and livable communities shall provide notice to the joint committee on housing, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than 15 days prior to any change to the applicability of said paragraph (G) of said section 30 of said chapter 23B”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-158-R1
Redraft ECO 158
Civic Action Project, Inc
Ms. Friedman, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Payano and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Civic Action Project, Inc. to provide programming and training to civic leaders for new strategic, public-private partnerships for innovative policies”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-158
ECO 158
Civic Action Project, Inc
Ms. Friedman, Ms. Miranda and Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Civic Action Project, Inc. to provide programming and training to civic leaders for new strategic, public-private partnerships for innovative policies”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-159
ECO 159
Poet Laureate
Mr. Mark and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0640-0300, in line 20, by inserting after the word “needs” the following: “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 be expended as an honorarium to the official poet laureate of Massachusetts, in accordance with Executive Order 640”; and is further amended by striking the figures “$26,045,152” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$26,070,152”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-159-R1
Redraft ECO 159
Poet Laureate
Mr. Mark, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Keenan and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0640-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended as an honorarium to the official Poet Laureate of Massachusetts pursuant to executive order number 640”; and by striking out the figure “$26,045,152” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$26,070,152”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-160
ECO 160
Edward Cooper Community Garden's Emergency Food Pantry
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that $20,000 shall be expended to the Edward L. Cooper Community Gardening & Education Center for the Emergency Food Pantry to operate and provide eligible community members with access to food", and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$120,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-160-R1
Redraft ECO 160
Edward Cooper Community Garden's Emergency Food Pantry
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that $25,000 shall be expended to the Edward L. Cooper Community Gardening & Education Center for the Emergency Food Pantry to operate and provide eligible community members with access to food", and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure "$125,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-161-R1
Redraft ECO 161
Norman Rockwell Museum
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the Norman Rockwell Museum, Inc. to showcase illustration art to reflect and shape society and advance the enduring Rockwell values of kindness, respect and social equity”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-161
ECO 161
Norman Rockwell Museum
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Norman Rockwell Museum to showcase illustration art to reflect and shape society, and advance the enduring Rockwell values of kindness, respect, and social equity”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-163
ECO 163
Blackshires
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation in the City of Pittsfield to empower and uplift the community through comprehensive initiatives in education, leadership development, housing, economic growth, and health”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-164
ECO 164
Mass Marine Trades Association
Messrs. O'Connor and Collins, Mrs. Dooner, Messrs. Tarr and Cyr, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-1091, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association for workforce development training opportunities and technical education in secondary and post-secondary schools for careers in the marine trades"; and by striking out the figure $8,985,600” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,135,600”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-165
ECO 165
Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, Inc
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, Inc. to provide resources and technical assistance for local nonprofit organizations in Berkshire County”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-166
ECO 166
Berkshire Theatre Group
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Berkshire Theatre Group for the repairs and replacement of the roof at the historical Playhouse in Stockbridge”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-167
ECO 167
Berkshire Funding Focus
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to support the work of the Berkshire Funding Focus program”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-168
ECO 168
Extremely Low-Income Housing Commission
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 4, "Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 is amended by striking subsection (c) of Section 128 and inserting in place thereof the following language:
c) The commission shall consist of the secretary of housing and livable communities, or their designee, who shall serve as chair; the chairs of the joint committee on housing, or their designees; the minority leader of the house of representatives, or a designee; the minority leader of the senate, or a designee; the secretary of administration and finance, or a designee; the secretary of health and human services, or a designee; a representative of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, Inc.; a representative of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership; a representative of the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency; a representative of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation; a representative of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute; a representative of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations; a representative of the Regional Housing Network; a representative of Justice for Housing, Inc.; and 5 members appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a representative of a local housing authority, 1 of whom shall be a representative of an advocacy organization representing tenants, 1 of whom shall have expertise in affordable housing finance, 1 of whom shall have expertise in nonprofit affordable housing development and 1 of whom shall have expertise in development of permanent supportive housing."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-168-R1
Redraft ECO 168
Extremely Low-Income Housing Commission
Ms. Edwards, Mr. Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 70 the following section:-
“SECTION 70A. Subsection (c) of section 128 of chapter 150 of the acts of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after the word “Network” the following words:- “; a representative of Justice for Housing, Inc.”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-169
ECO 169
Clarifying the Tourism Trust Fund
Messrs. Mark, Velis, Cronin, Moore, Eldridge, Gómez, Oliveira, Durant, Payano, Fattman and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Collins and O'Connor, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Tarr, Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Cyr and Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new section:-
“SECTION XX. Section 14 of Chapter 23A is hereby amended by inserting after the words “No funds may be spent for travel, entertainment, or purchase of equipment under this section”, the following:
“(a) This provision shall not apply to matching funds from nongovernmental sources.
(b) This provision shall not apply to tourism trust funds expended for use for attending and participating in trade shows to promote tourism, convention, travel and recreation in the commonwealth; or for hosting tour operators and media visits to the Commonwealth.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-169-R1
Redraft ECO 169
Clarifying the Tourism Trust Fund
Messrs. Mark, Velis, Cronin, Moore, Eldridge, Gómez, Oliveira, Durant, Payano, Fattman and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Collins and O'Connor, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Tarr, Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Cyr and Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 9 the following section:-
“SECTION 9A. Section 14 of chapter 23A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “section”, in line 38, the following words:-; provided, however, that this restriction shall not apply to matching funds from nongovernmental sources or to funds expended for attendance and participation in trade shows to promote tourism, convention, travel and recreation in the commonwealth or to host tour operators and media visits to the commonwealth”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-170-R1
Redraft ECO 170
Friends of the Public Garden
Ms. Edwards and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - “; provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended to the Friends of the Public Garden, Inc. to expand infrastructure to increase accessibility of public bathrooms at the Boston Common and Public Garden in the city of Boston”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$145,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-170
ECO 170
Friends of the Public Garden
Ms. Edwards and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - “; provided further, that no less than $45,000 shall be expended to the Friends of the Public Garden to expand new infrastructure for public bathrooms accessibility at the Boston Common and Public Garden in the City of Boston”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-171
ECO 171
Maintaining Fair Housing
Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Cyr, Gómez and Payano, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Mark, Eldridge and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0099, in section 2, in item 7004-0099, in line x, by inserting the following:- "provided further that $2,000,000 shall be expended for the operating costs of the Office of Fair Housing established in Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 in section 5; provided further that $1,000,000 be expended to fund the Fair housing trust fund established in Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 in section 6 notwithstanding section 2FFFFFF of chapter 29 of the General Laws; provided further that $2,000,000 shall be expended for the Office of Fair Housing to support entities that participate in Fair Housing initiatives, as defined by § 125.103 of the Code of Federal Regulations in the 2024 edition, at the express direction of the Director of the Office of Fair Housing."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-172
ECO 172
Emergency Contract Reform I
Messrs. Tarr, Fattman and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following new section:-- " SECTION ___. Section 8 of chapter 30B of the general laws is hereby amended, by adding the following at the end of the first paragraph thereof:-- ", provided that such record shall include written findings specifying the cause and circumstances of the emergency, the reasons why it was not reasonably foreseeable, and any identifiable risks arising from not utilizing an emergency contract."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-173
ECO 173
Family Movement Inc
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that $100,000 shall be expended to Family Movement, INC to help families transition out of homeless shelters and into stable and permanent living arrangements by teaching and mentoring homeless youth and families on how to become financially independent to end generational poverty and homelessness.", and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-173-R1
Redraft ECO 173
Family Movement Inc
Ms. Miranda and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to F.A.M.I.L.Y. Movement, Inc. to assist families transition out of homeless shelters and into stable and permanent living arrangements and by teaching and mentoring homeless youth and families on how to become financially independent with a goal of ending generational poverty and homelessness; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Boston chapter of Youth Guidance for programming for at-risk youth; provided further, that not less than $120,000 shall be expended to the Center for Teen Empowerment, Inc. for programming and support for at-risk youth"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$370,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-174-R1
Redraft ECO 174
Mattapan Tech
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - "; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Mattapan/ Greater Boston Technology Learning Center, Inc. to empower individuals and foster self-sufficiency through job training, career development and leadership initiatives"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-174
ECO 174
Mattapan Tech
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - ";provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Mattapan Tech to empower individuals and foster self-sufficiency through job training, career development, and leadership initiatives"; and in said item by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-175
ECO 175
PAC for MCI Concord Redevelopment
Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-
“SECTION XX. Item 7008-1116 of section 2 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after the words ‘Massachusetts correctional institution in Concord’ the following words:- ‘and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2026.’”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-176
ECO 176
Blue Bridge
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that $40,000 shall be expended to Blue Bridge for the purpose of serving underrepresented groups invested in their health by making research more inclusive & putting diverse populations within reach", and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-176-R1
Redraft ECO 176
Blue Bridge
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that $40,000 shall be expended to Blue Bridge LLC to serve historically underserved groups by making healthcare research more inclusive and putting diverse populations within reach of care"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-177
ECO 177
The Boston Showstoppers
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that $20,000 shall be expended to The Boston Showstoppers for the purpose of developing elite female student-athletes through competitive basketball, academic excellence, and a culture rooted in sisterhood, service, and personal growth", and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$120,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-178
ECO 178
Boston Lions Track Team
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Boston Lions Track Team to empower youth though track and field;" and in said item by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$120,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-179
ECO 179
Project RIGHT
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Project R.I.G.H.T., Inc.’s substance use and trauma prevention initiative in the Grove Hall area of Boston;" and in said item by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures $150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-180
ECO 180
Justice4Housing
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Justice 4 Housing, Inc. for transitional reentry homes that provide housing and wraparound services for individuals returning from incarceration"; and in said item by striking out the figures “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-181
ECO 181
One Love Sports Academy
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the One Love Sports Academy Program for violence prevention programming, extracurricular activities, and leadership development for at-risk and proven-risk youth in the neighborhoods of Boston with the highest rates of community violence and gun violence” and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "125,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-182
ECO 182
Food Insecurity Services
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, “; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for food services at the Veterans Food Bank in the city known as the town of Winthrop; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for food services at the Grace Church Federated in the East Boston section of the city of Boston; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for food services at the Friday Night Supper Program, Inc. in the Back Bay section of the city of Boston; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the food pantry at the First Congregational Church of Revere in the city of Revere"; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen, Inc. to provide food aid and additional services”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-183
ECO 183
Emergency Contract Reform III
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ____ the following:--- "SECTION _____. Section 8 of chapter 30B of the general laws is hereby amended by adding the following at the end thereof :
, and shall also submit a copy of such record to the inspector general ( should this be capitalized? ), for review, provided further, that the inspector general shall file a report containing the results of such review in a timely manner with the clerks of the House and Senate."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-183-R1
Redraft ECO 183
Emergency Contract Reform III
Messrs. Tarr, Fattman, Durant and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ____ the following:-
"SECTION _____. Section 8 of chapter 30B of the general laws is hereby amended by adding the following at the end thereof :
, and shall also submit a copy of such record to the inspector general, for review, provided further, that the inspector general shall file a report containing the results of such review in a timely manner with the clerks of the House and Senate."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-184
ECO 184
Chicopee American Legion
Messrs. Velis and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended for the American Legion Auxiliary Fairview Unit 438, Inc. in the city of Chicopee for kitchen renovations and other building improvements”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$140,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-185
ECO 185
Western Massachusetts Tourism
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Irish Cultural Center, Inc. of Western New England in the city known as the town of West Springfield for building improvements and operational costs”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-185-R1
Redraft ECO 185
Western Massachusetts Tourism
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Irish Cultural Center, Inc. of Western New England in the city known as the town of West Springfield for improvements to promote cultural events and tourism in the western region of the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-186-R1
Redraft ECO 186
Holyoke Economic Development and Tourism
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $70,000 shall be expended for the Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee of Holyoke, Inc. in the city of Holyoke for an economic development study and continued operations to advance tourism, cultural events and economic development initiatives in the city of Holyoke”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$170,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-186
ECO 186
Holyoke Economic Development and Tourism
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $70,000 shall be expended for the Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee of Holyoke, Inc. in the city of Holyoke for an economic development study and continued operations”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$170,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-187
ECO 187
Broker's Fees
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 4, in lines 521-522, by adding after the words "with the licensed broker or salesperson.":- Original engagement shall mean any negotiated collaboration demonstrated by no less than mutual assent and not further limited by a formal contract or agreement between parties, outlining responsibilities and roles of the parties intending to contract for rights in real property; and further moves to amends said section, in line 559, by inserting after the word “lessor" the following:- "or agent of lessor".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-187-R1
Redraft ECO 187
Broker's Fees
Ms. Edwards and Mr. Gómez moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking out section 38 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
“SECTION 38. Section 15B of chapter 186 of the General Laws, as most recently amended by section 50 of chapter 150 of the acts of 2024, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “lessor”, in line 16, the following words:- or agent of the lessor.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-188
ECO 188
Veterans Organizations
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for Operation Veteran Vacation, Inc. in the town of Ludlow for programming”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$110,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-189-R1
Redraft ECO 189
Hampden County Nonprofit Organizations
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Amelia Park Children’s Museum, Inc. in the city of Westfield for capital improvements and community programming for local children”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-189
ECO 189
Hampden County Nonprofit Organizations
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Amelia Park Children’s Museum, Inc. in the city of Westfield for capital improvements and programming”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-191
ECO 191
Crossroads Family Shelter
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Crossroads Family Shelter in the East Boston section of the city of Boston to provide mental health, substance use and clinical recovery services for those impacted by family homelessness”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-193
ECO 193
Revere First Time Home-Owners Program
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the city of Revere to create a pilot program for grants of not less than $5,000 directed to eligible first-time homebuyers who have lived in a jurisdiction selected by the city for not less than 18 months".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-194
ECO 194
Friends of the Public Garden - Lighting Women's Memorial
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words: - “; provided further, that no less than $5,000 shall be expended to the Friends of the Public Garden for lighting of the Women's Memorial on Commonwealth Ave”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-194-R1
Redraft ECO 194
Friends of the Public Garden - Lighting Women's Memorial
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $5,000 shall be expended to Friends of the Public Garden, Inc. for the lighting of the Boston Women's Memorial on Commonwealth avenue in the city of Boston”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$105,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-196
ECO 196
Maintain Expanded Housing Counseling Capacity
Mr. Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $600,000 shall be expended equally as grants to Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Inc. and the Lynn Housing Authority to provide housing stabilization services and information and referral services to households who face significant barriers to sustaining housing, including, but not limited to, those who are currently or previously have been served with: (i) residential assistance payments under item 7004-9316; or (ii) emergency rental assistance and other services under the executive office of housing and livable communities’ 2019 novel coronavirus eviction diversion initiative”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$700,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-196-R1
Redraft ECO 196
Maintain Expanded Housing Counseling Capacity
Mr. Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended as a grant to the Lynn Housing Authority to provide housing stabilization services and information and referral services to households who face significant barriers to sustaining housing, including, but not limited to, those who are currently or previously have been served with: (i) residential assistance payments under item 7004-9316; or (ii) emergency rental assistance and other services under the state 2019 novel coronavirus eviction diversion initiative”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$400,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-197
ECO 197
Veronica Robles Cultural Center
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Veronica Robles Cultural Center to provide cultural education and programming to youth and the community”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-198
ECO 198
East Boston Latino Festival
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, “; provided further, that not less than $70,000 shall be expended to ZUMIX, Inc. in the East Boston section of the city of Boston for the organization of the East Boston Latino Festival in the summer of 2025".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-198-R1
Redraft ECO 198
East Boston Latino Festival
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $70,000 shall be expended to ZUMIX, Inc. in the East Boston section of the city of Boston for the organization of the East Boston Latino Festival in the summer of 2025"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure “$170,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-199
ECO 199
BAMS Fest
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $40,000 to BAMS Fest, Inc. for cultural programming centered on racial equity, creative freedom and economic empowerment for creative entrepreneurs"; and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-200
ECO 200
Boston While Black
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that $100,000 shall be expended for the Philanthropy Massachusetts for the purpose of the Boston While Black program for economic engine initiatives” and in said item by striking out the figures "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-200-R1
Redraft ECO 200
Boston While Black
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that $45,000 shall be expended for Philanthropy Massachusetts, Inc. to partner with local programs that establish economic engine initiatives to increase access to economic opportunities and support community programming in the greater Boston area”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$145,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-201
ECO 201
The Brazilian Worker Center
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the Brazilian Worker Center, Inc. in the city of Boston for the implementation and operation of their programs”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-205
ECO 205
Roots Rising
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Roots Rising, Inc. to support the development of the Farm and Education Center in the city of Pittsfield"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000”; and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-206
ECO 206
YearUp
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7003-0100, by adding the following words: - “;provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for Year Up to implement workforce development programs that provide job opportunities for young adults.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-209
ECO 209
Mosaic Public Media, Inc
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- " ;provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Mosaic Public Media, Inc. to assist immigrants, refugees, and asylees in their resettlement by providing social assistance, immigrant services, and promoting civic engagement and community integration in the city of Brockton" and by striking out the figure "$670,087" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$690,087".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-209-R1
Redraft ECO 209
Mosaic Public Media, Inc
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Mosaic Public Media, Inc. to assist immigrants, refugees and asylees in their resettlement by providing social assistance, immigrant services and promoting civic engagement and community integration in the city of Brockton"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$125,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-210
ECO 210
Downtown Brockton Beautification
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Downtown Brockton Association, Inc.for the cleanup and beautification of the downtown area in the city of Brockton"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000'' and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-211-R1
Redraft ECO 211
Henricus Training Center and staffing Agency
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to the Henricus Training Center LLC for free and income-based training to increase access to the workforce for individuals who face barriers to employment, including English language skills, cultural gaps and life skills in the city of Brockton"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$120,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-211
ECO 211
Henricus Training Center and staffing Agency
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for the Henricus Training Center for bridging cultural gaps through language, life skills, and workforce training, ensuring individuals gain confidence, independence and economic stability in the city of Brockton"; and by striking out the figure “$670,087” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$690,087”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-212
ECO 212
Campello High Rise
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:-''; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Brockton Housing Authority for the redevelopment of the Campello High Rise in the city of Brockton”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-213
ECO 213
Choice4Teens
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Choices4Teens Mentoring Group Inc. for a mentoring program to improve outcomes for at-risk youth, address social and behavioral issues, and support violence prevention in the city of Brockton”; and by striking out the figure “$670,087” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$695,087”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-213-R1
Redraft ECO 213
Choice4Teens
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-1192, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Choices4Teens Mentoring Group Inc. for a mentoring program to improve outcomes for at-risk youth, address social and behavioral issues and support violence prevention in the city of Brockton”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-214
ECO 214
Town of Pepperell Food Hub
Mr. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Town of Pepperell towards various equipment necessary for the regional food hub located at 20 Mill Street in the town of Pepperell "; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-218
ECO 218
SouthCoast Fair Housing
Messrs. Montigny and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for SouthCoast Fair Housing, Inc. to promote equitable access to safe, affordable housing for all residents throughout Bristol and Plymouth Counties”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-221
ECO 221
MA Shelter Workforce
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0102, by inserting the following words:- ", provided, $10,000,000 be expended for the shelter workforce development initiative, to provide pathways to careers in fields related to housing and homelessness; provided, that funds shall be expended to address barriers to obtaining and sustaining shelter employment including, but not limited to, transportation, loan repayment, tuition or certification fee reimbursement and child care; provided further, that, not less than $5,000,000 be made available to shelters contracted through item 7004-0101; provided further, that not less than $5,000,000 be made available to shelters contracted through item 7004-0102; and provided further, that the secretary of housing and livable communities shall submit a report to the joint committee on housing and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than March 3, 2026, detailing the expenditures and hiring outcomes of the program".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-222
ECO 222
Housing Services for Unaccompanied Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Gómez, Moore, Payano, Mark, O'Connor and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0007, by striking out the figure:- “$10,545,850” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$12,000,000."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-226
ECO 226
Small Business Support and Fee Reform
Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following new section:—
SECTION __. SECTION 1. For the purposes of this act, “Small business” shall mean a business entity, including its affiliates, that (a) is independently owned and operated; (b) has a principal place of business in the commonwealth; and (c) would be defined as a ''small business'' under applicable federal law, as established in the United States Code and promulgated from time to time by the United States Small Business Administration.
SECTION 2. Chapter 30A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:
Section 26. Small Business Administrative Rights.
(a) All state agencies shall respond to inquiries, requests for information, or other correspondence from small businesses within 24 hours of receipt, excluding weekends and state holidays.
(b) State agencies shall notify small businesses by email of any pending rule changes, compliance requirements, or other regulatory updates no later than 7 days after such changes are published.
(c) Small businesses shall have the right to a hearing within 30 days of a request to contest violations, penalties, or other adverse actions. Agencies shall provide clear written explanations of any alleged violations, including citations to applicable laws or regulations.
(d) State agencies shall provide accessible and plain-language instructions to assist small businesses, in achieving compliance with state regulations. No penalties shall be issued for noncompliance unless the small business is given a reasonable time to rectify the issue, as determined by the agency's rules.
SECTION 3. Chapter 62C of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 official edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:
Section 19A. One-Year Waiting Period for New Taxes on Small Businesses.
(a) Any new tax, fee, or financial charge on small businesses shall not take effect until one year after it is enacted.
(b) The Department of Revenue must notify all affected small businesses in writing at least six months before the new tax or fee takes effect. The notice must include: (1) The law or regulation creating the tax or fee; (2) A plain-language summary of its purpose and requirements; And (3) Instructions for how to appeal.
(c) Small businesses may appeal the new tax or fee within 30 days of receiving the notice. The Department of Revenue must hold a hearing within 60 days and provide a written decision within 30 days after the hearing.
(d) This waiting period may be waived only during a declared state of emergency if the Governor and two-thirds of both legislative chambers approve.
SECTION 4. Chapter 93 of the General law, as appearing in the 2022 official edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
Section 115. Centralized Permitting and Licensing Portal for Small Businesses.
(a) The Secretary of the Commonwealth, in coordination with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and other relevant state agencies, shall establish and maintain a centralized online portal to streamline licensing, permitting, and registration processes for small businesses, within the Commonwealth.
(b) The portal shall: (1) Provide a unified platform for applying, renewing, and tracking compliance for licenses and permits; (2) Include licensing and permitting requirements from all relevant state agencies, boards, and commissions; (3) Offer comprehensive guidance and resources to help small businesses meet compliance requirements; (4) Facilitate secure online payments for applicable fees;(5) include the capability for real-time tracking of permit and license applications, allowing users to monitor the status, progress, and any outstanding requirements in real time; and (6) Include a feedback mechanism for users to report issues or suggest improvements.
(c) Each agency, board, and commission overseeing licensing or permitting processes for small businesses shall collaborate with the Secretary of the Commonwealth to integrate their processes into the portal within 12 months of the effective date of this section.
(d) The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall adopt regulations to implement this section, including timelines for agency integration and performance benchmarks for the portal.
(e) The Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, the Minority Leaders of both chambers, and the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. This report shall detail the portal's operations, usage statistics, and provide any recommendations for improvement.
SECTION 5. Section 9-525 of Chapter 106 of the General Law, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-
(e) Small business fee reduction. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the fees specified in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section shall be reduced by 50 percent for entities classified as small businesses. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall promulgate regulations to implement this fee reduction.
SECTION 6. Section 45 of Chapter 108A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after paragraph (1) the following paragraph:-
Notwithstanding any general or special law or rule or regulation to the contrary, the registration fee for entities classified as small businesses, shall be 250 dollars.
SECTION 7. Said section of chapter 108A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after paragraph (3) the following paragraph:-
Notwithstanding any general or special law or rule or regulation to the contrary, the annual report fee for entities classified as small businesses, shall be 250 dollars.
SECTION 8. Section 13 of chapter 109 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-
(c) Notwithstanding any general or special law or rule or regulation to the contrary, the filing fees for certificates of limited partnership, certificates of amendment, certificates of cancellation, and judicial decrees of amendment or cancellation shall be reduced by 50 percent for entities classified as small businesses. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall promulgate regulations to implement this fee reduction.
SECTION 9. Said section of chapter 109 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-
(d) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the annual report fee for limited partnerships shall be reduced by 50 percent for entities classified as small businesses.
SECTION 10. Chapter 112 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding after section 289, the following section:-
Section 290. Reduction of Professional Licensing Fees for Small Businesses.
Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all fees required under this chapter for obtaining, renewing, or reinstating professional licenses shall be reduced by 50 percent for individuals classified as small business owners. Each licensing board shall promulgate regulations to implement this reduction and ensure consistency across professions.
SECTION 11. Section 114 of chapter 156B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph at the end:-
Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all fees required under this section shall be reduced by 50 percent for entities classified as small businesses. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall promulgate regulations to implement this fee reduction.
SECTION 12. Section 2B of Chapter 141 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the first paragraph the following paragraph:- Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the fees required under this section for licenses, examinations, and renewals shall be reduced by 50 percent for individuals classified as small business owners. The Board of State Examiners of Electricians shall promulgate regulations to implement this reduction.
SECTION 13. Section 5 of chapter 142 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the first paragraph the following paragraph:-
Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the fees required under this section for licenses, examinations, and renewals shall be reduced by 50 percent for individuals classified as small business owners. The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters shall promulgate regulations to implement this reduction.
SECTION 14. Section 12 of chapter 156C of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting in place thereof the following:-
(d) The fee for the filing of the certificate of organization required by subsection (a) shall be 250 dollars. The fee for the filing of the annual report required by subsection (c) shall be 250 dollars. Such fees shall be paid to the state secretary at the time the certificate of organization or the annual report is filed.
SECTION 15. Section 1.22 of chapter 156D of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting the following paragraph:-
Notwithstanding any general or special law or rule or regulation to the contrary, fees under this section shall be reduced by 50 percent for small businesses. The commissioner shall issue regulations to implement this provision.
SECTION 16. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, to the extent feasible any boards or commission created regarding excise policy shall have at least one member that represents small business in the commonwealth.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-227-R1
Redraft ECO 227
Taunton Redevelopment Demolition Project
Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0010, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $170,000 shall be expended to the city of Taunton for the demolition of outdated structures at a remediated site in the city to support new housing and commercial redevelopment opportunities”; and by striking out the figure “$6,358,084” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$6,528,084”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-227
ECO 227
Taunton Redevelopment Demolition Project
Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0010, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $169,880 shall be expended for the demolition of outdated structures at a remediated site in the city of Taunton to support new housing and commercial redevelopment opportunities”; and by striking out the figure “$6,358,084” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$6,527,964”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-228
ECO 228
Massachusetts Service Alliance
Messrs. Driscoll, Collins and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7003-1206, by striking out the figure "$1,386,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure:-"$2,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-229
ECO 229
Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund
Messrs. Oliveira, Brady and Gómez, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Lewis, O'Connor, Collins and Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2E, in item 1595-1075, by inserting the following item:
“1595-1075 For an operating transfer to the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund established in section 2WWW of chapter 29 of the General Laws..................................................$10,000,000
Gaming Economic Development Fund .....................100%”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-231
ECO 231
Team Haverhill
Messrs. Payano and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Team Haverhill, Inc. to support climate resilience programs and for overall community improvement in the city of Haverhill;” and by striking out the figure "$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-232
ECO 232
MakeIT Haverhill Workforce Development Initiative
Messrs. Payano and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7003-0100, by adding the following words:-“; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Community Action Inc.’s MakeIT Haverhill program"; and by striking out the figure "$$2,334,936 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure "$2,384,936".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-235
ECO 235
Massachusetts Downtown Initiative
Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item XXXX-XXXX the following item:
“XXXX-XXXX For technical assistance to municipalities to promote compact, walkable downtowns that have a vibrant mix of commercial and residential uses, cultural and recreational amenities, and access to public transportation…..$600,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-235-R1
Redraft ECO 235
Massachusetts Downtown Initiative
Messrs. Payano and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7002-1510 the following item:-
“7002-1517 For technical assistance to municipalities to promote compact, walkable downtowns that have a vibrant mix of commercial and residential uses, cultural and recreational amenities and access to public transportation…..$600,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-236
ECO 236
Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc
Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:-“; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc. to increase and enhance entrepreneurial opportunities, neighborhood investment, revitalization activities, and the self-sufficiency of low-income and moderate-income residents of the Methuen Arlington section of the city of Methuen"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure "$200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-237
ECO 237
Salem Common Entrance and Lighting Improvements
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the city of Salem, in consultation with the Friends of Salem Common, Inc., for improvements to the main entrance and replacement of historic lighting on the Salem Common, and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-237-R1
Redraft ECO 237
Salem Common Entrance and Lighting Improvements
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the city of Salem, in consultation with the Friends of Salem Common, Inc., for improvements to the main entrance, perimeter safety enhancements and the replacement of historic lighting on the Salem Common”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-239
ECO 239
Peabody Adventures for Angels Playground Improvements at Lt. Ross Park
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the city of Peabody for fully accessible play equipment at the Adventures for Angels Playground at Lt. Ross Park”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-239-R1
Redraft ECO 239
Peabody Adventures for Angels Playground Improvements at Lt. Ross Park
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the city of Peabody for fully accessible play equipment at the Adventures for Angels Playground at Lt. Ross Park; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the city of Salem for Salem 400+ to support quadricentennial planning and programming for the 400th anniversary of the city of Salem”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$250,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-240
ECO 240
Peabody Corbeil Park Improvements
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the city of Peabody for a new surface at the Corbeil Park Pickleball courts”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-241
ECO 241
Beverly Signalization Project
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the City of Beverly, for the purposes of supporting improvements to vehicular, pedestrian and bike safety navigation through the busy and highly trafficked corridor at the Essex Street/Spring Street/Corning Street intersection”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-242
ECO 242
Danvers Square Streetscape Enhancements, Green Spaces and Pocket Parks
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Town of Danvers for Streetscape enhancements, Green Spaces and Pocket Parks in Danvers Square.”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-244
ECO 244
Urban League of Eastern MA
Ms. Edwards and Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7003-0101, by adding the following“; provided further that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the Urban League of Eastern MA."
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2519
Senate, May 20, 2025 -- Text of amendment (245) (offered by Senator Fattman) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements. |
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
_______________
by inserting after section __ the following section:-
"SECTION X. The General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, are hereby amended by inserting after chapter 112 the following new chapter:-
“CHAPTER 112A. Cosmetology Licensure Compact
Section 1. The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate the interstate practice and regulation of Cosmetology with the goal of improving public access to, and the safety of, Cosmetology Services and reducing unnecessary burdens related to Cosmetology licensure. Through this Compact, the Member States seek to establish a regulatory framework which provides for a new multistate licensing program. Through this new licensing program, the Member States seek to provide increased value and mobility to licensed Cosmetologists in the Member States, while ensuring the provision of safe, effective, and reliable services to the public. This Compact is designed to achieve the following objectives, and the Member States hereby ratify the same intentions by subscribing hereto:
A. Provide opportunities for interstate practice by Cosmetologists who meet uniform requirements for multistate licensure
B. Enhance the abilities of Member States to protect public health and safety, and prevent fraud and unlicensed activity within the profession
C. Ensure and encourage cooperation between Member States in the licensure and regulation of the Practice of Cosmetology
D. Support relocating military members and their spouses
E. Facilitate the exchange of information between Member States related to the licensure, investigation, and discipline of the Practice of Cosmetology
F. Provide for the licensure and mobility of the workforce in the profession, while addressing the shortage of workers and lessening the associated burdens on the Member States.
Section 2. The following words, as used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Active Military Member” means any person with full-time duty status in the armed forces of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve.
“Adverse Action” means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a Member State’s laws which is imposed by a State Licensing Authority or other regulatory body against a Cosmetologist, including actions against an individual’s license or Authorization to Practice such as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the Licensee, limitation of the Licensee’s practice, or any other Encumbrance on a license affecting an individual’s ability to participate in the Cosmetology industry, including the issuance of a cease and desist order.
“Authorization to Practice” means a legal authorization associated with a Multistate License permitting the Practice of Cosmetology in that Remote State, which shall be subject to the enforcement jurisdiction of the State Licensing Authority in that Remote State.
“Alternative Program” means a non-disciplinary monitoring or prosecutorial diversion program approved by a Member State’s State Licensing Authority.
“Background Check” means the submission of information for an applicant for the purpose of obtaining that applicant’s criminal history record information, as further defined in 28 C.F.R. § 20.3(d), from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining State criminal or disciplinary history in the applicant’s Home State.
“Charter Member State” means Member States who have enacted legislation to adopt this Compact where such legislation predates the effective date of this Compact as defined in section 13.
“Commission” means the government agency whose membership consists of all States that have enacted this Compact, which is known as the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission, as defined in section 9, and which shall operate as an instrumentality of the Member States.
“Cosmetologist” means an individual licensed in their Home State to practice Cosmetology.
“Cosmetology”, “Cosmetology Services”, and the “Practice of Cosmetology” mean the care and services provided by a Cosmetologist as set forth in the Member State’s statutes and regulations in the State where the services are being provided.
“Current Significant Investigative Information” means (i) Investigative Information that a State Licensing Authority, after an inquiry or investigation that complies with a Member State’s due process requirements, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate a violation of that State’s laws regarding fraud or the Practice of Cosmetology; or (ii) Investigative Information that indicates that a Licensee has engaged in fraud or represents an immediate threat to public health and safety, regardless of whether the Licensee has been notified and had an opportunity to respond.
“Data System” means a repository of information about Licensees, including, but not limited to, license status, Investigative Information, and Adverse Actions.
“Disqualifying Event” means any event which shall disqualify an individual from holding a Multistate License under this Compact, which the Commission may by Rule or order specify.
“Encumbered License” means a license in which an Adverse Action restricts the Practice of Cosmetology by a Licensee, or where said Adverse Action has been reported to the Commission.
“Encumbrance” means a revocation or suspension of, or any limitation on, the full and unrestricted Practice of Cosmetology by a State Licensing Authority.
“Executive Committee” means a group of delegates elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission.
“Home State” means the Member State which is a Licensee’s primary State of residence, and where that Licensee holds an active and unencumbered license to practice Cosmetology.
“Investigative Information” means information, records, or documents received or generated by a State Licensing Authority pursuant to an investigation or other inquiry.
“Jurisprudence Requirement” means the assessment of an individual’s knowledge of the laws and rules governing the Practice of Cosmetology in a State.
“Licensee” means an individual who currently holds a license from a Member State to practice as a Cosmetologist.
“Member State” means any State that has adopted this Compact.
“Multistate License” means a license issued by and subject to the enforcement jurisdiction of the State Licensing Authority in a Licensee’s Home State, which authorizes the Practice of Cosmetology in Member States and includes Authorizations to Practice Cosmetology in all Remote States pursuant to this Compact.
“Remote State” means any Member State, other than the Licensee’s Home State.
“Rule” means any rule or regulation promulgated by the Commission under this Compact which has the force of law.
“Single-State License” means a Cosmetology license issued by a Member State that authorizes practice of Cosmetology only within the issuing State and does not include any authorization outside of the issuing State.
“State” means a State, territory, or possession of the United States and the District of Columbia.
“State Licensing Authority” means a Member State’s regulatory body responsible for issuing Cosmetology licenses or otherwise overseeing the Practice of Cosmetology in that State.
Section 3. To be eligible to join this Compact, and to maintain eligibility as a Member State, a State must:
(a) License and regulate Cosmetology, (b) have a mechanism or entity in place to receive and investigate complaints about Licensees practicing in that State, (c) require that Licensees within the State pass a Cosmetology competency examination prior to being licensed to provide Cosmetology Services to the public in that State, (d) require that Licensees satisfy educational or training requirements in Cosmetology prior to being licensed to provide Cosmetology Services to the public in that State; (e) implement procedures for considering one or more of the following categories of information from applicants for licensure: criminal history; disciplinary history; or Background Check; such procedures may include the submission of information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s Background Check as defined herein, (f) participate in the Data System, including through the use of unique identifying numbers, (g) share information related to Adverse Actions with the Commission and other Member States, both through the Data System and otherwise, (h) notify the Commission and other Member States, in compliance with the terms of the Compact and Rules of the Commission, of the existence of Investigative Information or Current Significant Investigative Information in the State’s possession regarding a Licensee practicing in that State, (i) comply with such Rules as may be enacted by the Commission to administer the Compact; and (j) accept Licensees from other Member States as established herein.
Member States may charge a fee for granting a license to practice Cosmetology. Individuals not residing in a Member State shall continue to be able to apply for a Member State’s Single-State License as provided under the laws of each Member State. However, the Single-State License granted to these individuals shall not be recognized as granting a Multistate License to provide services in any other Member State. Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a Member State for the issuance of a Single-State License. A Multistate License issued to a Licensee by a Home State to a resident of that State shall be recognized by each Member State as authorizing a Licensee to practice Cosmetology in each Member State. At no point shall the Commission have the power to define the educational or professional requirements for a license to practice Cosmetology. The Member States shall retain sole jurisdiction over the provision of these requirements.
Section 4. To be eligible to apply to their Home State’s State Licensing Authority for an initial Multistate License under this Compact, a Licensee must hold an active and unencumbered Single-State License to practice Cosmetology in their Home State. Upon the receipt of an application for a Multistate License, according to the Rules of the Commission, a Member State’s State Licensing Authority shall ascertain whether the applicant meets the requirements for a Multistate License under this Compact. If an applicant meets the requirements for a Multistate License under this Compact and any applicable Rules of the Commission, the State Licensing Authority in receipt of the application shall, within a reasonable time, grant a Multistate License to that applicant, and inform all Member States of the grant of said Multistate License. A Multistate License to practice Cosmetology issued by a Member State’s State Licensing Authority shall be recognized by each Member State as authorizing the practice thereof as though that Licensee held a Single-State License to do so in each Member State, subject to the restrictions herein. A Multistate License granted pursuant to this Compact may be effective for a definite period of time, concurrent with the licensure renewal period in the Home State. To maintain a Multistate License under this Compact, a Licensee must (a) agree to abide by the rules of the State Licensing Authority, and the State scope of practice laws governing the Practice of Cosmetology, of any Member State in which the Licensee provides services, (b) pay all required fees related to the application and process, and any other fees which the Commission may by Rule require, and (c) comply with any and all other requirements regarding Multistate Licenses which the Commission may by Rule provide.
A Licensee practicing in a Member State is subject to all scope of practice laws governing Cosmetology Services in that State. The Practice of Cosmetology under a Multistate License granted pursuant to this Compact will subject the Licensee to the jurisdiction of the State Licensing Authority, the courts, and the laws of the Member State in which the Cosmetology Services are provided.
Section 5. A Licensee may hold a Multistate License, issued by their Home State, in only one Member State at any given time. If a Licensee changes their Home State by moving between two Member States:
1. The Licensee shall immediately apply for the reissuance of their Multistate License in their new Home State. The Licensee shall pay all applicable fees and notify the prior Home State in accordance with the Rules of the Commission.
2. Upon receipt of an application to reissue a Multistate License, the new Home State shall verify that the Multistate License is active, unencumbered and eligible for reissuance under the terms of the Compact and the Rules of the Commission. The Multistate License issued by the prior Home State will be deactivated and all Member States notified in accordance with the applicable Rules adopted by the Commission.
3. If required for initial licensure, the new Home State may require a Background Check as specified in the laws of that State, or the compliance with any Jurisprudence Requirements of the new Home State.
4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Compact, if a Licensee does not meet the requirements set forth in this Compact for the reissuance of a Multistate License by the new Home State, then the Licensee shall be subject to the new Home State requirements for the issuance of a Single-State License in that State.
If a Licensee changes their primary state of residence by moving from a Member State to a non-Member State, or from a non-Member State to a Member State, then the Licensee shall be subject to the State requirements for the issuance of a Single-State License in the new Home State. Nothing in this Compact shall interfere with a Licensee’s ability to hold a Single-State License in multiple States; however, for the purposes of this Compact, a Licensee shall have only one Home State, and only one Multistate License. Nothing in this Compact shall interfere with the requirements established by a Member State for the issuance of a Single-State License.
Section 6. A. Nothing in this Compact, nor any Rule or regulation of the Commission, shall be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way reduce the ability of a Member State to enact and enforce laws, regulations, or other rules related to the Practice of Cosmetology in that State, where those laws, regulations, or other rules are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Compact.
B. Insofar as practical, a Member State’s State Licensing Authority shall cooperate with the Commission and with each entity exercising independent regulatory authority over the Practice of Cosmetology according to the provisions of this Compact.
C. Discipline shall be the sole responsibility of the State in which Cosmetology Services are provided. Accordingly, each Member State’s State Licensing Authority shall be responsible for receiving complaints about individuals practicing Cosmetology in that State, and for communicating all relevant Investigative Information about any such Adverse Action to the other Member States through the Data System in addition to any other methods the Commission may by Rule require.
Section 7. A. A Licensee’s Home State shall have exclusive power to impose an Adverse Action against a Licensee’s Multistate License issued by the Home State.
B. A Home State may take Adverse Action on a Multistate License based on the Investigative Information, Current Significant Investigative Information, or Adverse Action of a Remote State.
C. In addition to the powers conferred by State law, each Remote State’s State Licensing Authority shall have the power to:
1. Take Adverse Action against a Licensee’s Authorization to Practice Cosmetology through the Multistate License in that Member State, provided that:
a. Only the Licensee’s Home State shall have the power to take Adverse Action against the Multistate License issued by the Home State; and
b. For the purposes of taking Adverse Action, the Home State’s State Licensing Authority shall give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a Remote State as it would if such conduct had occurred within the Home State. In so doing, the Home State shall apply its own State laws to determine the appropriate action.
2. Issue cease and desist orders or impose an Encumbrance on a Licensee’s Authorization to Practice within that Member State.
3. Complete any pending investigations of a Licensee who changes their primary state of residence during the course of such an investigation. The State Licensing Authority shall also be empowered to report the results of such an investigation to the Commission through the Data System as described herein.
4. Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the attendance and testimony of witnesses, as well as the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a State Licensing Authority in a Member State for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another Member State shall be enforced in the latter State by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings before it. The issuing State Licensing Authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the State in which the witnesses or evidence are located.
5. If otherwise permitted by State law, recover from the affected Licensee the costs of investigations and disposition of cases resulting from any Adverse Action taken against that Licensee.
6. Take Adverse Action against the Licensee’s Authorization to Practice in that State based on the factual findings of another Remote State.
D. A Licensee’s Home State shall complete any pending investigation(s) of a Cosmetologist who changes their primary state of residence during the course of the investigation(s). The Home State shall also have the authority to take appropriate action(s) and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the Data System.
E. If an Adverse Action is taken by the Home State against a Licensee’s Multistate License, the Licensee’s Authorization to Practice in all other Member States shall be deactivated until all Encumbrances have been removed from the Home State license. All Home State disciplinary orders that impose an Adverse Action against a Licensee’s Multistate License shall include a statement that the Cosmetologist’s Authorization to Practice is deactivated in all Member States during the pendency of the order.
F. Nothing in this Compact shall override a Member State’s authority to accept a Licensee’s participation in an Alternative Program in lieu of Adverse Action. A Licensee’s Multistate License shall be suspended for the duration of the Licensee’s participation in any Alternative Program.
G. Joint Investigations
1. In addition to the authority granted to a Member State by its respective scope of practice laws or other applicable State law, a Member State may participate with other Member States in joint investigations of Licensees.
2. Member States shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the Compact.
Section 8. Active Military Members, or their spouses, shall designate a Home State where the individual has a current license to practice Cosmetology in good standing. The individual may retain their Home State designation during any period of service when that individual or their spouse is on active duty assignment.
Section 9. A. The Compact Member States hereby create and establish a joint government agency whose membership consists of all Member States that have enacted the Compact known as the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission. The Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact Member States acting jointly and not an instrumentality of any one State. The Commission shall come into existence on or after the effective date of the Compact as set forth in section 13.
B. Membership, Voting, and Meetings
1. Each Member State shall have and be limited to one (1) delegate selected by that Member State’s State Licensing Authority.
2. The delegate shall be an administrator of the State Licensing Authority of the Member State or their designee.
3. The Commission shall by Rule or bylaw establish a term of office for delegates and may by Rule or bylaw establish term limits.
4. The Commission may recommend removal or suspension of any delegate from office.
5. A Member State’s State Licensing Authority shall fill any vacancy of its delegate occurring on the Commission within 60 days of the vacancy.
6. Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote on all matters that are voted on by the Commission.
7. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings may be held as set forth in the bylaws. The Commission may meet by telecommunication, video conference or other similar electronic means.
C. The Commission shall have the following powers:
1. Establish the fiscal year of the Commission;
2. Establish code of conduct and conflict of interest policies;
3. Adopt Rules and bylaws;
4. Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;
5. Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact, the Commission’s Rules, and the bylaws;
6. Initiate and conclude legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any State Licensing Authority to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;
7. Maintain and certify records and information provided to a Member State as the authenticated business records of the Commission, and designate an agent to do so on the Commission's behalf;
8. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;
9. Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a Member State;
10. Conduct an annual financial review;
11. Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and establish the Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;
12. As set forth in the Commission Rules, charge a fee to a Licensee for the grant of a Multistate License and thereafter, as may be established by Commission Rule, charge the Licensee a Multistate License renewal fee for each renewal period. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent a Home State from charging a Licensee a fee for a Multistate License or renewals of a Multistate License, or a fee for the jurisprudence requirement if the Member State imposes such a requirement for the grant of a Multistate License;
13. Assess and collect fees;
14. Accept any and all appropriate gifts, donations, grants of money, other sources of revenue, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and receive, utilize, and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest;
15. Lease, purchase, retain, own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed, or any undivided interest therein;
16. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed;
17. Establish a budget and make expenditures;
18. Borrow money;
19. Appoint committees, including standing committees, composed of members, State regulators, State legislators or their representatives, and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this Compact and the bylaws;
20. Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;
21. Elect a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and such other officers of the Commission as provided in the Commission’s bylaws;
22. Establish and elect an Executive Committee, including a chair and a vice chair;
23. Adopt and provide to the Member States an annual report.
24. Determine whether a State’s adopted language is materially different from the model Compact language such that the State would not qualify for participation in the Compact; and
25. Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact.
D. The Executive Committee
1. The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission according to the terms of this Compact. The powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Executive Committee shall include:
a. Overseeing the day-to-day activities of the administration of the Compact including compliance with the provisions of the Compact, the Commission’s Rules and bylaws, and other such duties as deemed necessary;
b. Recommending to the Commission changes to the Rules or bylaws, changes to this Compact legislation, fees charged to Compact Member States, fees charged to Licensees, and other fees;
c. Ensuring Compact administration services are appropriately provided, including by contract;
d. Preparing and recommending the budget;
e. Maintaining financial records on behalf of the Commission;
f. Monitoring Compact compliance of Member States and providing compliance reports to the Commission;
g. Establishing additional committees as necessary;
h. Exercising the powers and duties of the Commission during the interim between Commission meetings, except for adopting or amending Rules, adopting or amending bylaws, and exercising any other powers and duties expressly reserved to the Commission by Rule or bylaw; and
i. Other duties as provided in the Rules or bylaws of the Commission.
2. The Executive Committee shall be composed of up to seven voting members:
a. The chair and vice chair of the Commission and any other members of the Commission who serve on the Executive Committee shall be voting members of the Executive Committee; and
b. Other than the chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer, the Commission shall elect three voting members from the current membership of the Commission.
c. The Commission may elect ex-officio, nonvoting members from a recognized national Cosmetology professional association as approved by the Commission. The Commission’s bylaws shall identify qualifying organizations and the manner of appointment if the number of organizations seeking to appoint an ex officio member exceeds the number of members specified in this section.
3. The Commission may remove any member of the Executive Committee as provided in the Commission’s bylaws.
4. The Executive Committee shall meet at least annually.
a. Annual Executive Committee meetings, as well as any Executive Committee meeting at which it does not take or intend to take formal action on a matter for which a Commission vote would otherwise be required, shall be open to the public, except that the Executive Committee may meet in a closed, non-public session of a public meeting when dealing with any of the matters covered under section 9.F.4.
b. The Executive Committee shall give five business days advance notice of its public meetings, posted on its website and as determined to provide notice to persons with an interest in the public matters the Executive Committee intends to address at those meetings.
5. The Executive Committee may hold an emergency meeting when acting for the Commission to:
a. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;
b. Prevent a loss of Commission or Member State funds; or
c. Protect public health and safety.
E. The Commission shall adopt and provide to the Member States an annual report.
F. Meetings of the Commission
1. All meetings of the Commission that are not closed pursuant to section 9.F.4 shall be open to the public. Notice of public meetings shall be posted on the Commission’s website at least thirty (30) days prior to the public meeting.
2. Notwithstanding section 9.F.1, the Commission may convene an emergency public meeting by providing at least twenty-four (24) hours prior notice on the Commission’s website, and any other means as provided in the Commission’s Rules, for any of the reasons it may dispense with notice of proposed rulemaking under section 11.L. The Commission’s legal counsel shall certify that one of the reasons justifying an emergency public meeting has been met.
3. Notice of all Commission meetings shall provide the time, date, and location of the meeting, and if the meeting is to be held or accessible via telecommunication, video conference, or other electronic means, the notice shall include the mechanism for access to the meeting.
4. The Commission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting for the Commission to discuss:
a. Non-compliance of a Member State with its obligations under the Compact;
b. The employment, compensation, discipline or other matters, practices or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;
c. Current or threatened discipline of a Licensee by the Commission or by a Member State’s Licensing Authority;
d. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;
e. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;
f. Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;
g. Trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;
h. Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
i. Investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;
j. Information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the Compact;
k. Legal advice;
l. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure to the public by federal or Member State law; or
m. Other matters as promulgated by the Commission by Rule.
5. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed, the presiding officer shall state that the meeting will be closed and reference each relevant exempting provision, and such reference shall be recorded in the minutes.
6. The Commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release only by a majority vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
G. Financing of the Commission
1. The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
2. The Commission may accept any and all appropriate sources of revenue, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.
3. The Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each Member State and impose fees on Licensees of Member States to whom it grants a Multistate License to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount for Member States shall be allocated based upon a formula that the Commission shall promulgate by Rule.
4. The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any Member States, except by and with the authority of the Member State.
5. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the financial review and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. All receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be subject to an annual financial review by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the financial review shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.
H. Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification
1. The members, officers, executive director, employees and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, both personally and in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person. The procurement of insurance of any type by the Commission shall not in any way compromise or limit the immunity granted hereunder.
2. The Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee, and representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or as determined by the Commission that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining their own counsel at their own expense; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.
3. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, and representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.
4. Nothing herein shall be construed as a limitation on the liability of any Licensee for professional malpractice or misconduct, which shall be governed solely by any other applicable State laws.
5. Nothing in this Compact shall be interpreted to waive or otherwise abrogate a Member State’s State action immunity or State action affirmative defense with respect to antitrust claims under the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, or any other State or federal antitrust or anticompetitive law or regulation.
6. Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity by the Member States or by the Commission.
Section 10. A. The Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, operation, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system.
B. The Commission shall assign each applicant for a Multistate License a unique identifier, as determined by the Rules of the Commission.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, a Member State shall submit a uniform data set to the Data System on all individuals to whom this Compact is applicable as required by the Rules of the Commission, including:
1. Identifying information;
2. Licensure data;
3. Adverse Actions against a license and information related thereto;
4. Non-confidential information related to Alternative Program participation, the beginning and ending dates of such participation, and other information related to such participation;
5. Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason(s) for such denial (excluding the reporting of any criminal history record information where prohibited by law);
6. The existence of Investigative Information;
7. The existence of Current Significant Investigative Information; and
8. Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact or the protection of the public, as determined by the Rules of the Commission.
D. The records and information provided to a Member State pursuant to this Compact or through the Data System, when certified by the Commission or an agent thereof, shall constitute the authenticated business records of the Commission, and shall be entitled to any associated hearsay exception in any relevant judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative proceedings in a Member State.
E. The existence of Current Significant Investigative Information and the existence of Investigative Information pertaining to a Licensee in any Member State will only be available to other Member States.
F. It is the responsibility of the Member States to monitor the database to determine whether Adverse Action has been taken against such a Licensee or License applicant. Adverse Action information pertaining to a Licensee or License applicant in any Member State will be available to any other Member State.
G. Member States contributing information to the Data System may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing State.
H. Any information submitted to the Data System that is subsequently expunged pursuant to federal law or the laws of the Member State contributing the information shall be removed from the Data System.
Section 11. A. The Commission shall promulgate reasonable Rules in order to effectively and efficiently implement and administer the purposes and provisions of the Compact. A Rule shall be invalid and have no force or effect only if a court of competent jurisdiction holds that the Rule is invalid because the Commission exercised its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope and purposes of the Compact, or the powers granted hereunder, or based upon another applicable standard of review.
B. The Rules of the Commission shall have the force of law in each Member State, provided however that where the Rules of the Commission conflict with the laws of the Member State that establish the Member State’s scope of practice laws governing the Practice of Cosmetology as held by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Rules of the Commission shall be ineffective in that State to the extent of the conflict.
C. The Commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this section and the Rules adopted thereunder. Rules shall become binding as of the date specified by the Commission for each Rule.
D. If a majority of the legislatures of the Member States rejects a Rule or portion of a Rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact within four (4) years of the date of adoption of the Rule, then such Rule shall have no further force and effect in any Member State or to any State applying to participate in the Compact.
E. Rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the Commission.
F. Prior to adoption of a proposed Rule, the Commission shall hold a public hearing and allow persons to provide oral and written comments, data, facts, opinions, and arguments.
G. Prior to adoption of a proposed Rule by the Commission, and at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting at which the Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed Rule, the Commission shall provide a notice of proposed rulemaking:
1. On the website of the Commission or other publicly accessible platform;
2. To persons who have requested notice of the Commission’s notices of proposed rulemaking; and
3. In such other way(s) as the Commission may by Rule specify.
H. The notice of proposed rulemaking shall include:
1. The time, date, and location of the public hearing at which the Commission will hear public comments on the proposed Rule and, if different, the time, date, and location of the meeting where the Commission will consider and vote on the proposed Rule;
2. If the hearing is held via telecommunication, video conference, or other electronic means,
the Commission shall include the mechanism for access to the hearing in the notice of proposed rulemaking;
3. The text of the proposed Rule and the reason therefor;
4. A request for comments on the proposed Rule from any interested person; and
5. The manner in which interested persons may submit written comments.
I. All hearings will be recorded. A copy of the recording and all written comments and documents received by the Commission in response to the proposed Rule shall be available to the public.
J. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each Rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings required by this section.
K. The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed Rule based on the rulemaking record and the full text of the Rule:
1. The Commission may adopt changes to the proposed Rule provided the changes do not enlarge the original purpose of the proposed Rule.
2. The Commission shall provide an explanation of the reasons for substantive changes made to the proposed Rule as well as reasons for substantive changes not made that were recommended by commenters.
3. The Commission shall determine a reasonable effective date for the Rule. Except for an emergency as provided in section 11.L, the effective date of the Rule shall be no sooner than forty-five (45) days after the Commission issuing the notice that it adopted or amended the Rule.
L. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency Rule with five (5) days’ notice, with opportunity to comment, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact and in this section shall be retroactively applied to the Rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the Rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency Rule is one that must be adopted immediately to:
1. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;
2. Prevent a loss of Commission or Member State funds;
3. Meet a deadline for the promulgation of a Rule that is established by federal law or rule; or
4. Protect public health and safety.
M. The Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted Rule for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a Rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the Commission.
N. No Member State’s rulemaking requirements shall apply under this Compact.
Section 12. A. Oversight
1. The executive and judicial branches of State government in each Member State shall enforce this Compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to implement the Compact.
2. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Nothing herein shall affect or limit the selection or propriety of venue in any action against a Licensee for professional malpractice, misconduct or any such similar matter.
3. The Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any proceeding regarding the enforcement or interpretation of the Compact and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide the Commission service of process shall render a judgment or order void as to the Commission, this Compact, or promulgated Rules.
B. Default, Technical Assistance, and Termination
1. If the Commission determines that a Member State has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact or the promulgated Rules, the Commission shall provide written notice to the defaulting State. The notice of default shall describe the default, the proposed means of curing the default, and any other action that the Commission may take, and shall offer training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.
2. The Commission shall provide a copy of the notice of default to the other Member States.
3. If a State in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting State may be terminated from
the Compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the delegates of the Member States, and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred on that State by this Compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending State of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default.
4. Termination of membership in the Compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the Commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting State’s legislature, the defaulting State’s State Licensing Authority and each of the Member States’ State Licensing Authority.
5. A State that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination.
6. Upon the termination of a State’s membership from this Compact, that State shall immediately provide notice to all Licensees who hold a Multistate License within that State of such termination. The terminated State shall continue to recognize all licenses granted pursuant to this Compact for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of said notice of termination.
7. The Commission shall not bear any costs related to a State that is found to be in default or that has been terminated from the Compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the Commission and the defaulting State.
8. The defaulting State may appeal the action of the Commission by petitioning the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
C. Dispute Resolution
1. Upon request by a Member State, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes 51 related to the Compact that arise among Member States and between Member and non-Member States.
2. The Commission shall promulgate a Rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
D. Enforcement
1. The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions of this Compact and the Commission’s Rules.
2. By majority vote as provided by Commission Rule, the Commission may initiate legal action against a Member State in default in the United States District Court for the
District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated Rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or the defaulting Member State’s law.
3. A Member State may initiate legal action against the Commission in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated Rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
4. No individual or entity other than a Member State may enforce this Compact against the Commission.
Section 13. A. The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact statute is enacted into law in the seventh Member State.
1. On or after the effective date of the Compact, the Commission shall convene and review the enactment of each of the Charter Member States to determine if the statute enacted by each such Charter Member State is materially different than the model Compact statute.
a. A Charter Member State whose enactment is found to be materially different from the model Compact statute shall be entitled to the default process set forth in section 12.
b. If any Member State is later found to be in default, or is terminated or withdraws from the Compact, the Commission shall remain in existence and the Compact shall remain in effect even if the number of Member States should be less than seven (7).
2. Member States enacting the Compact subsequent to the Charter Member States shall be subject to the process set forth in section 9.C.24 to determine if their enactments are materially different from the model Compact statute and whether they qualify for participation in the Compact.
3. All actions taken for the benefit of the Commission or in furtherance of the purposes of the administration of the Compact prior to the effective date of the Compact or the Commission coming into existence shall be considered to be actions of the Commission unless specifically repudiated by the Commission.
4. Any State that joins the Compact shall be subject to the Commission’s Rules and bylaws as they exist on the date on which the Compact becomes law in that State. Any Rule that has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that State.
B. Any Member State may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing that State’s enactment of the Compact.
1. A Member State’s withdrawal shall not take effect until one hundred eighty (180) days after enactment of the repealing statute.
2. Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing State’s State Licensing Authority to comply with the investigative and Adverse Action reporting requirements of this Compact prior to the effective date of withdrawal.
3. Upon the enactment of a statute withdrawing from this Compact, a State shall immediately provide notice of such withdrawal to all Licensees within that State. Notwithstanding any subsequent statutory enactment to the contrary, such withdrawing State shall continue to recognize all licenses granted pursuant to this Compact for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of such notice of withdrawal.
C. Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a Member State and a non-Member State that does not conflict with the provisions of this Compact.
D. This Compact may be amended by the Member States. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon any Member State until it is enacted into the laws of all Member States.
Section 14. A. This Compact and the Commission’s rulemaking authority shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes, and the implementation and administration of the Compact. Provisions of the Compact expressly authorizing or requiring the promulgation of Rules shall not be construed to limit the Commission’s rulemaking authority solely for those purposes.
B. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this Compact is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to the constitution of any Member State, a State seeking participation in the Compact, or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any other government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.
C. Notwithstanding section 14.B, the Commission may deny a State’s participation in the Compact or, in accordance with the requirements of section 12, terminate a Member State’s participation in the Compact, if it determines that a constitutional requirement of a Member State is a material departure from the Compact. Otherwise, if this Compact shall be held to be contrary to the constitution of any Member State, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining Member States and in full force and effect as to the Member State affected as to all severable matters.
Section 15. A. Nothing herein shall prevent or inhibit the enforcement of any other law of a Member State that is not inconsistent with the Compact.
B. Any laws, statutes, regulations, or other legal requirements in a Member State in conflict with the Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.
C. All permissible agreements between the Commission and the Member States are binding in accordance with their terms.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-247
ECO 247
Compassionate Care Fund
Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended to the Animal Rescue League of New Bedford, in collaboration with Lighthouse Animal Shelter, Inc., CARE Southcoast, Inc., and Hearts 4 Paws, Inc., to provide veterinary services for low-income residents in the Greater New Bedford area; provided further, that the grant program shall be designated as the Eleanor Kruczek Compassionate Care Fund"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$160,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-247-R1
Redraft ECO 247
Compassionate Care Fund
Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Animal Rescue League of New Bedford, in collaboration with Lighthouse Animal Shelter, Inc., CARE Southcoast, Inc., and Hearts 4 Paws, Inc., to establish the Eleanor Mackler-Kruczek Compassionate Care Fund for discounted and no-cost veterinary services for low-income residents in the Greater New Bedford area; provided further, that no funds for said program shall be used for salary or administrative costs”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-248
ECO 248
Community Mentoring Team (CMT)
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following “; provided further that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Community Mentoring Team.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-249
ECO 249
Unlocking Housing Production
Messrs. Cyr, Tarr, Keenan, Payano and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0142, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $330,000 shall be expended to support increased state building inspection capacity and a manufactured housing unit”; and by striking out the figure “$19,916,561” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$20,546,243”; and, in section 2, in item 7004-0099, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the establishment of an office of state planning to support housing development, align statewide land use and planning, facilitate interagency collaboration and compile and share data to better inform statewide and municipal development”; and by striking out the figure “$15,573,388” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$16,073,388”; by inserting after section 85 the following sections: -
Section X. (a) The executive office of housing and livable communities, in consultation with the department of revenue, shall study and report on the feasibility and efficacy of a housing construction sales tax exemption program, or other state support, targeted at multifamily housing projects that are stalled or at risk of being halted because of increased material costs associated with federal tariffs or economic volatility and for which there are no other state or federal subsidies available to ensure the project’s completion. The report shall include design and implementation recommendations to provide certainty to state liability and to ensure the program is best targeted at projects with financial need that will support statewide housing affordability goals. The report shall also consider variation of cost of construction across regions of the Commonwealth, including in geographical isolated communities. The report and recommendations shall be filed with the clerks of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the chairs of the joint committee on housing, the chairs of the joint committee on revenue, and the chairs of the joint committee on ways and means not later than January 1, 2026.
(b) The executive office of housing and livable communities, in consultation with the office of public safety and inspections and the board of building regulations and standards, shall study and report on the feasibility and efficacy of enabling licensed third-party inspectors for inspection of manufactured housing, off-site construction and multifamily housing projects. The report shall include training recommendations and licensure guidelines and processes. The report and recommendations shall be filed with the clerks of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the chairs of the joint committee on housing, the chairs of the joint committee on revenue, and the chairs of the joint committee on ways and means not later than January 1, 2026.
SECTION X. (a) The executive office of housing and livable communities, in
consultation with the executive office of administration and finance and the department of
revenue, shall conduct a study on the feasibility and impact of allowing cities and towns, by local option, to exempt new affordable housing developments from the limitations in paragraphs (b)and (f) of section 21C of chapter 59 of the General Laws. The study shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the potential revenue benefits of such exemption; (ii) the potential number of affordable housing units constructed as a result of such exemption; (iii) the impact of allowing cities or towns, by local option, to exempt the value of new affordable housing developments at a multiplier of 5 and 10 times the amount of said value from said limitations; (iv) the impact of applying such exemption to entire housing developments with different percentages of affordable units; (v) the impact of requiring certain thresholds of affordability for new affordable housing developments in order to qualify for such exemption; and (vi) a comparison of potential impacts of such exemption to different cities and towns across the state.
(b) The executive office of housing and livable communities shall submit a report of its findings to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on housing, the joint committee on revenue and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than March 1, 2026.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-249-R1
Redraft ECO 249
Unlocking Housing Production
Messrs. Cyr, Tarr, Keenan, Payano and Finegold, Ms. Creem, Ms. Edwards and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0142, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $330,000 shall be expended to modernize and increase state building inspection capacity at the board of building regulations and standards”; and by striking out the figure “$19,916,561” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$20,546,243”; and
by inserting after section 85 the following 3 sections:-
“SECTION 85A. The executive office of housing and livable communities, in consultation with the department of revenue, shall study the feasibility and efficacy of a housing construction sales tax exemption program or other form of state support for multifamily housing projects that are stalled or at risk of being stalled due to increased cost of materials associated with federal tariffs or other economic volatility for which there are no state or federal subsidies available. The executive office shall submit a report on its findings which shall include recommendations regarding potential cost and how such a program would best achieve statewide housing affordability goals. The report shall consider construction cost variation across regions of the commonwealth, including geographically isolated communities. The report shall be filed with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the joint committee on housing, the joint committee on revenue and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than January 1, 2026.
SECTION 85B. The executive office of housing and livable communities, in consultation with the office of public safety and inspections and the board of building regulations and standards, shall study the feasibility and efficacy of allowing licensed third-party inspectors to conduct inspections of manufactured housing, off-site construction and multifamily housing projects. The executive office shall submit a report on its findings which shall include training recommendations and licensure guidelines and processes. The report shall be filed with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the joint committee on housing, the joint committee on revenue and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than January 1, 2026.
SECTION 85C. The executive office of housing and livable communities, in consultation with the executive office for administration and finance, the division of local services and the department of revenue, shall study the feasibility and impact of allowing municipalities, by local option, to exempt new affordable housing developments from the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (f) of section 21C of chapter 59 of the General Laws. The study shall include, but not be limited to: (i) potential revenue benefits; (ii) potential new affordable housing units created; (iii) the impact of allowing municipalities, by local option, to exempt new affordable housing developments at a multiplier of 5 and 10 times the value prescribed in said paragraphs (b) and (f) of said section 21C of said chapter 59; (iv) the impact on housing developments with different percentages of affordable units; (v) the impact of requiring affordability thresholds to qualify for such exemptions; and (vi) a comparison of potential impacts across different municipalities in the commonwealth. The executive office of housing and livable communities shall submit a report of its findings to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on housing, the joint committee on revenue and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than March 1, 2026.”.