Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-250

GOV 250

First Time Homebuyers Savings Account

Messrs. Tarr, Fattman, Durant and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following sections:-

"SECTION _. Chapter 62 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 5C the following new section:-

Section 5D.  Definitions applicable to this section and section 5E.

The following words and phrases for the purposes of this sections and the following section shall have the following meanings:

“Account holder” means an individual who establishes, individually or jointly with one or more other individuals, a first-time homebuyer savings account.

“Allowable closing costs” means a disbursement listed on a settlement statement for the purchase of a single-family residence in Massachusetts by a qualified beneficiary.

“Eligible costs” means the down payment and allowable closing costs for the purchase of a single-family residence in Massachusetts by a qualified beneficiary.

“Financial institution” means any bank, trust company, savings institution, industrial loan association, consumer finance company, credit union, or any benefit association, insurance company, safe deposit company, money market mutual fund, or similar entity authorized to do business in Massachusetts.

“First-Time Homebuyer” means an individual who resides in Massachusetts and has not owned or purchased, either individually or jointly, a single-family residence during a period of three (3) years prior to the date of the purchase of a single-family residence.

“First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account” or “account” means an account with a financial institution that an account holder designates as a first-time home buyer savings account on the account holder’s Massachusetts income tax return for tax year 2024 or any tax year thereafter, pursuant to this Chapter for the purpose of paying or reimbursing eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence in Massachusetts by a qualified beneficiary.

“Qualified Beneficiary” means a first-time home buyer who is designated as the qualified beneficiary of an account designated by the account holder as a first-time home buyer savings account.

“Settlement Statement” means the statement of receipts and disbursements for a transaction related to real estate, including a statement prescribed under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974, 12 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., as amended, and regulations thereunder.

“Single-Family Residence” means a single-family residence owned and occupied by a qualified beneficiary as the qualified beneficiary’s principal residence, which may include a manufactured home, trailer, mobile home, condominium unit, or cooperative.

SECTION _.  Chapter 62 is hereby amended by inserting after section 5D the following new section:-

Section 5E.  Designation and Use of First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account.

(a) Beginning January 1, 2024, any individual may open an account with a financial institution and designate the account, in its entirety, as a first-time home buyer savings account to be used to pay or reimburse a qualified beneficiary’s eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence in Massachusetts.

(b) An account holder must designate no later than April 15 of the year following the tax year during which the account is established, a first-time home buyer as the qualified beneficiary of the first-time home buyer savings account.  The account holder may designate himself or herself as the qualified beneficiary and may change the designated qualified beneficiary at any time, but there may not be more than one qualified beneficiary at any one time.

(c) An individual may jointly own a first-time home buyer savings account with another person if the joint account holders file a joint income tax return.

(d) An individual may be the account holder of more than one first-time home buyer savings account.  However, an account holder cannot have multiple accounts that designate the same qualified beneficiary.

(e) An individual may be designated as the qualified beneficiary on more than one first-time home buyer savings account.

(f) Only cash and marketable securities may be contributed to a first-time home buyer savings account.  Subject to the limitations of this section, persons other than the account holder may contribute funds to a first-time home buyer savings account.  There is no limitation on the amount of contributions that may be made to or retained in a first-time home buyer savings account.

(g) The funds held in a first-time home buyer savings account shall not be used to pay expenses of administering the account, except that a service fee may be deducted from the account by a financial institution in which the account is held;

(h) The account holder shall submit the following to the department of revenue:

(1) detailed information regarding the first-time home buyer savings account, including a list of transactions for the account during the tax year and the Form 1099 issued by the financial institution for such account with the account holder’s Massachusetts income tax return on forms prepared by the department of revenue; and

(2) a detailed account of the eligible costs toward which the account funds were applied, if there was a withdrawal from the account, and a statement of the amount of funds remaining in the account, if any.

(i) Under this section and section 5D of this chapter, a financial institution shall not be required to:

(1) Designate an account as a first-time home buyer savings account, or designate the qualified beneficiaries of an account, in the financial institution’s account contracts or systems or in any other way;

(2) Track the use of funds withdrawn from a first-time home buyer savings account;

(3) Allocate funds in a first-time home buyer savings account among joint account holders or multiple qualified beneficiaries; or

(4) Report any information to the Department of Revenue or any other governmental agency that is not otherwise required by law.

(j) A financial institution is not responsible or liable for:

(1) Determining or ensuring that an account satisfies the requirements to be a first-time home buyer savings account;

(2) Determining or ensuring that funds in a first-time home buyer savings account are used for eligible costs; or

(3) Reporting or remitting taxes or penalties related to the use of a first-time home buyer savings account.

(k) Except as otherwise provided in this section and subject to the limitations under this subsection, there shall be deducted from taxable income of an account holder, for Massachusetts income tax purposes:

(1) the amount contributed to a first-time home buyer savings account during each tax year, not to exceed $5,000 for an account holder who files an individual tax return or $10,000 for joint account holders who file a joint tax return.

(2) the amount of earnings, including interest and other income on the principal, from the first-time home buyer savings account during the tax year.

(l) An account holder may claim the deduction and exclusion under subsection (k):

(1) For a period not to exceed 15 years;

(2) For an aggregate total amount of principal and earnings, not to exceed $50,000 during that 15-year period; and

(3) Only if the principal and earnings of the account remain in the account until a withdrawal is made for eligible costs related to the purchase of a single-family residence by a qualified beneficiary, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(m) Any funds in a first-time home buyer savings account not expended on eligible costs by December 31 of the last year of the 15-year period under Subsection 7(2)(a) of this Chapter shall thereafter be included in the account holder’s taxable income.

(n) A person other than the account holder who deposits funds in a first-time home buyer savings account shall not be entitled to the deduction and exclusion provided for under this Chapter.

(o) The deduction and exclusion from taxable income provided for by this Section shall apply to any alternative bases for calculating taxable income for Massachusetts income tax purposes.

(p) Except as otherwise authorized in this of this section, if the account holder withdraws any funds from a first-time home buyer savings account for a purpose other than eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence:

(1) Those funds shall be included in the account holder’s taxable income; and

(2) The account holder shall pay a penalty to the Department of Revenue equal to the tax that would have been collected had the withdrawn funds been subject to income tax.  Such penalty shall not apply to funds withdrawn from an account that were:

(i) Withdrawn by reason of the account holder’s death or disability;

(ii) A disbursement of assets of the account pursuant to a filing for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.; or

(iii) A transfer of the funds from a first-time home buyer savings account to a new first-time home buyer savings account held by a different financial institution or the same financial institution.

(q) The Department of Revenue shall prepare forms for:

(1) The designation of an account with a financial institution to serve as a first-time home buyer savings account;

(2) The designation of a qualified beneficiary of a first-time home buyer savings account; and

(3) For an account holder to annually submit to the Department of Revenue detailed information regarding the first-time home buyer savings account, including but not limited to a list of transactions for the account during the tax year, and identifying any supporting documentation that is required to be maintained by the account holder."

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2523

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

_______________

by inserting after section _ the following sections:-

“SECTION _. Chapter 62 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 5D the following 2 sections:-

Section 5E. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:-

“Account holder”, an individual who establishes, individually or jointly with one or more other individuals, a rental savings account.

“Allowable costs”, a fee paid for renting a unit as a permanent residence in the commonwealth limited to the amount of: (i) first and last month's rent; (ii) a security deposit equal to one month's rent; and (iii) the purchase and installation costs of a lock and key.

“Eligible costs”, fees paid for renting a unit as a permanent residence in the commonwealth limited to the amount of: (i) first and last month's rent; (ii) a security deposit equal to one month's rent; and (iii) the purchase and installation costs of a lock and key.

“Financial institution”, any bank, trust company, savings institution, industrial loan association, consumer finance company, credit union, benefit association, insurance company, safe deposit company, money market mutual fund or similar entity authorized to do business in the commonwealth.

“Qualified beneficiary”, an individual seeking to rent a unit as a permanent residence.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2025, an individual may open an account with a financial institution and designate the account as a rental savings account to pay or reimburse a qualified beneficiary’s eligible costs.

(c) An account holder must designate, not later than April 15 of the year following the tax year during which the account is established, a resident as the qualified beneficiary of the rental savings account. The account holder may designate themselves as the qualified beneficiary and may change the designated qualified beneficiary at any time; provided, however, there shall not be more than 1 qualified beneficiary at any time.

(d) An individual may jointly own a rental savings account with another person if the joint account holders file a joint income tax return; provided, however, this requirement shall not apply if at least 1 person would not otherwise be required to make a return because their Massachusetts gross income did not exceed $8,000.

(e) An individual may be the account holder of more than 1 rental savings account; provided, however, that the account holder shall not have multiple accounts that designate the same qualified beneficiary.

(f) An individual may be designated as the qualified beneficiary on more than 1 rental savings account.

(g) Only cash and marketable securities shall comprise a rental savings account. Subject to the limitations of this section, persons other than the account holder may contribute funds to a rental savings account. There shall be no limitation on the amount of contributions that may be made to or retained in a rental savings account.

(h) The funds held in a rental savings account shall not be used to pay expenses of administering the account; provided, however, that a service fee may be deducted from the account by the financial institution.

(i) The account holder shall submit to the department of revenue: (1) detailed information regarding the rental savings account, including a list of transactions for the account during the tax year and the Form 1099 under the Internal Revenue Service requirements issued by the financial institution for such account with the account holder’s Massachusetts income tax return on forms prepared by the department of revenue; and (2) a detailed accounting of the eligible costs toward which the account funds were applied, if there was a withdrawal from the account, and a statement of the amount of funds remaining in the account.

(j) A financial institution shall not be required to: (1) designate an account as a rental savings account, or designate the qualified beneficiaries of an account, in the financial institution’s account contracts or systems; (2) track the use of funds withdrawn from a rental savings account; (3) allocate funds in a rental savings account among joint account holders or multiple qualified beneficiaries; or (4) report any information to the department of revenue or other government agency that is not otherwise required by law.

(k) A financial institution shall not be liable for: (1) determining or ensuring that an account satisfies the requirements to be a rental savings account; (2) determining or ensuring that funds in a rental savings account are used for eligible costs; or (3) reporting or remitting taxes or penalties related to the use of a rental savings account.

(l) Except as otherwise provided in this section and subject to the limitations under this subsection, there shall be deducted from taxable income of an account holder, for Massachusetts income tax purposes: (1) the amount contributed to a rental savings account during each tax year, not to exceed $15,000 for an account holder who files an individual tax return or $30,000 for joint account holders; (2) the amount of earnings, including interest and other income on the principal, from the rental savings account during the tax year.

(m) An account holder may claim the deduction and exclusion under subsection (k): (1) for a period not to exceed 15 years; (2) for an aggregate total amount of principal and earnings not to exceed $50,000 during said 15-year period; and (3) only if the principal and earnings of the account remain in the account until a withdrawal is made for eligible costs related to the securing a rental intended as a permanent residence.

(n) Any funds in a rental savings account not expended on eligible costs by December 31 of the last year of the 15-year period under shall thereafter be included in the account holder’s taxable income.

(o) A person other than the account holder who deposits funds in a rental savings account shall not be entitled to the deduction and exclusion provided for under this section.

(p) The deduction and exclusion from taxable income provided for by this section shall apply to any alternative bases for calculating taxable income for Massachusetts income tax purposes.

(q) Except as otherwise authorized in this section, if the account holder withdraws any funds from a rental savings account for a purpose other than eligible costs for the securing a rental property to be used as a permanent residence: (1) such funds shall be included in the account holder’s taxable income; and (2) the account holder shall pay a penalty to the department of revenue equal to the tax that would have been collected had the withdrawn funds been subject to income tax. Such penalty shall not apply to funds withdrawn from an account that were: (i) withdrawn by reason of the account holder’s death or disability; (ii) a disbursement of assets of the account pursuant to a filing for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.; or (iii) a transfer of the funds from a rental savings account to a new rental savings account held by a different financial institution or the same financial institution.

(r) The department of revenue shall prepare forms for: (1) the designation of an account with a financial institution to serve as a first-time home buyer savings account; (2) the designation of a qualified beneficiary of a rental savings account; and (3) an account holder to annually submit to the department of revenue detailed information regarding the rental savings account, including but not limited to a list of transactions for the account during the tax year, and identifying any supporting documentation that is required to be maintained by the account holder.

Section 5F. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

“Account holder”, an individual who establishes, individually or jointly with 1 or more other individuals, a first-time homebuyer savings account.

“Allowable closing costs”, a disbursement listed on a settlement statement for the purchase of a single-family residence in the commonwealth by a qualified beneficiary.

“Eligible costs”, the down payment and allowable closing costs for the purchase of a single-family residence in Massachusetts by a qualified beneficiary.

“Financial institution”, any bank, trust company, savings institution, industrial loan association, consumer finance company, credit union, or any benefit association, insurance company, safe deposit company, money market mutual fund, or similar entity authorized to do business in the commonwealth.

“First-time homebuyer”, an individual who resides in the commonwealth and has not owned or purchased, either individually or jointly, a single-family residence.

“First-time home buyer savings account”, an account with a financial institution that an account holder designates as a first-time home buyer savings account on the account holder’s Massachusetts income tax return for tax year 2025 or any tax year thereafter, pursuant to this section for the purpose of paying or reimbursing eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence in the commonwealth by a qualified beneficiary.

“Qualified beneficiary”, a first-time home buyer who is designated as the qualified beneficiary of an account designated by the account holder as a first-time home buyer savings account.

“Settlement statement”, the statement of receipts and disbursements for a transaction related to real estate, including a statement prescribed under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974, 12 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., as amended, and regulations thereunder.

“Single-family residence”, a single-family residence owned and occupied by a qualified beneficiary as the qualified beneficiary’s principal residence, which may include a manufactured home, trailer, mobile home, condominium unit, or cooperative.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2025, any individual may open an account with a financial institution and designate the account, in its entirety, as a first-time home buyer savings account to be used to pay or reimburse a qualified beneficiary’s eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence in the commonwealth.

(c) An account holder must designate, no later than April 15 of the year following the tax year during which the account is established, a first-time home buyer as the qualified beneficiary of the first-time home buyer savings account. The account holder may designate themselves as the qualified beneficiary and may change the designated qualified beneficiary at any time provided, however, there shall not be more than 1 qualified beneficiary at any time.

(d) An individual may jointly own a first-time home buyer savings account with another person if the joint account holders file a joint income tax return; provided, however, this requirement shall not apply if at least 1 person would not otherwise be required to make a return because their Massachusetts gross income did not exceed $8,000.

(e) An individual may be the account holder of more than one first-time home buyer savings account; provided, however, the account holder shall not have multiple accounts that designate the same qualified beneficiary.

(f) An individual may be designated as the qualified beneficiary on more than 1 first-time home buyer savings account.

(g) Only cash and marketable securities shall comprise a first-time home buyer savings account.  Subject to the limitations of this section, persons other than the account holder may contribute funds to a first-time home buyer savings account. There shall be no limitation on the amount of contributions that may be made to or retained in a first-time home buyer savings account.

(h) The funds held in a first-time home buyer savings account shall not be used to pay expenses of administering the account; provided, however, that a service fee may be deducted from the account by the financial institution in which the account is held.

(i) The account holder shall submit the following to the department of revenue: (1) detailed information regarding the first-time home buyer savings account, including a list of transactions for the account during the tax year and the Form 1099 under the Internal Revenue Service requirements issued by the financial institution for such account with the account holder’s Massachusetts income tax return on forms prepared by the department of revenue; and (2) a detailed account of the eligible costs toward which the account funds were applied, if there was a withdrawal from the account, and a statement of the amount of funds remaining in the account, if any.

(j) A financial institution shall not be required to: (1) designate an account as a first-time home buyer savings account, or designate the qualified beneficiaries of an account, in the financial institution’s account contracts or systems; (2) track the use of funds withdrawn from a first-time home buyer savings account; (3) allocate funds in a first-time home buyer savings account among joint account holders or multiple qualified beneficiaries; or (4) report any information to the department of revenue or any other governmental agency that is not otherwise required by law.

(k) A financial institution is not responsible or liable for: (1) determining or ensuring that an account satisfies the requirements to be a first-time home buyer savings account; (2) determining or ensuring that funds in a first-time home buyer savings account are used for eligible costs; or (3) reporting or remitting taxes or penalties related to the use of a first-time home buyer savings account.

(l) Except as otherwise provided in this section and subject to the limitations under this subsection, there shall be deducted from taxable income of an account holder, for Massachusetts income tax purposes: (1) the amount contributed to a first-time home buyer savings account during each tax year, not to exceed $25,000 for an account holder who files an individual tax return or $50,000 for joint account holders; and (2) the amount of earnings, including interest and other income on the principal, from the first-time home buyer savings account during the tax year.

(m) An account holder may claim the deduction and exclusion under subsection (k): (1) for a period not to exceed 15 years; (2) for an aggregate total amount of principal and earnings, not to exceed $250,000 during said 15-year period; and (3) only if the principal and earnings of the account remain in the account until a withdrawal is made for eligible costs related to the purchase of a single-family residence by a qualified beneficiary, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(n) Any funds in a first-time home buyer savings account not expended on eligible costs by December 31 of the last year of the 15-year period shall thereafter be included in the account holder’s taxable income.

(o) A person other than the account holder who deposits funds in a first-time home buyer savings account shall not be entitled to the deduction and exclusion provided for under this section.

(p) The deduction and exclusion from taxable income provided for by this section shall apply to any alternative bases for calculating taxable income for Massachusetts income tax purposes.

(q) Except as otherwise authorized in this of this section, if the account holder withdraws any funds from a first-time home buyer savings account for a purpose other than eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence: (1) said shall be included in the account holder’s taxable income; and (2) the account holder shall pay a penalty to the department of revenue equal to the tax that would have been collected had the withdrawn funds been subject to income tax.  Such penalty shall not apply to funds withdrawn from an account that were: (i) withdrawn by reason of the account holder’s death or disability; (ii) a disbursement of assets of the account pursuant to a filing for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.; or (iii) a transfer of the funds from a first-time home buyer savings account to a new first-time home buyer savings account held by a different financial institution or the same financial institution.

(r) The department of revenue shall prepare forms for: (1) the designation of an account with a financial institution to serve as a first-time home buyer savings account; (2) the designation of a qualified beneficiary of a first-time home buyer savings account; and (3) an account holder to annually submit to the department of revenue detailed information regarding the first-time home buyer savings account, including but not limited to a list of transactions for the account during the tax year, and identifying any supporting documentation that is required to be maintained by the account holder.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-251

GOV 251

State Ethics Commission

Mr. Moore, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Keenan, O'Connor, Montigny and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0900-0100, by striking out the figure “$3,788,198” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,988,198”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-252

GOV 252

Early Voting Reimbursement

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 25B of chapter 54 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-

r) The commonwealth shall reimburse each city and town an amount sufficient to defray the mandated costs imposed on the city or town under this section; provided, however, that annually not later than September 15, the state auditor shall determine and deliver to the state secretary a statement of the incremental costs attributed to this section and costs incurred by each city and town in the previous fiscal year; and provided further, that this amount shall be limited to statutorily obligated expenses and shall not include incidental and subordinate local administration expenses as determined by the state auditor."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-253

GOV 253

Credit Card Audit

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 _. The first paragraph of section 12 of chapter 11 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the first sentence the following sentence:- The state auditor shall have access to employee credit card records for such accounts and shall ensure integrity and accountability of employee credit card usage.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-254

GOV 254

Sick Time Payout

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-

“SECTION 1. Section 31A of chapter 29 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:- (e) No employee of the commonwealth shall be paid for more than 1,000 hours of unused sick leave credits.”; and

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, section _shall take effect for any employee of the commonwealth who has accrued not more than 1,000 hours of unused sick leave credits.

SECTION 3. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the personnel administrator of the human resources division shall promulgate revised rules under the second paragraph of section 28 of chapter 7 of the General Laws to incorporate the changes enacted in section 1.

SECTION 4. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, in the event of a conflict between section 1 and the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, the terms of the collective bargaining agreement shall prevail."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-255

GOV 255

Transparency for the Cost of Consultants

Messrs. Tarr and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. O'Connor and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

"SECTION_. The comptroller shall develop, deploy, administer and maintain a public, searchable database containing information relative to contracts for consulting to which any agency of the commonwealth is a party, for which the total annual cost exceeds $50,000, provided that such database shall include but not be limited to : the agency procuring the contract and any agencies participating in its execution, the contract provider or vendor, the terms or language of the contract , the dates of award, beginning, and end of the contract, and, to the extent a contract is for the provision of personal services, the compensation for any person providing such services, which shall be detailed in like manner as the compensation information for state employees contained in the comptroller's 'open checkbook' system, so called, provided that such database shall be accessible to the public on a convenient electronic platform not later than May 1, 2026, and shall be updated to the maximum feasible extent, which shall be in increments of not less than 60 days."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-256

GOV 256

Matched Savings

Mr. Eldridge and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0610-0010, by adding the following words:- "; and provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the MIDAS Collaborative, Inc. as a fiscal intermediary for matched-savings programs, which help to close critical racial and other wealth gaps of low-to-moderate-income households, in partnership with financial institutions, community development corporations, community foundations and other community-based organizations"; and by striking out the figure "$1,726,700" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "1,976,700".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-256-R1

Redraft GOV 256

Matched Savings

Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0610-0010, by adding the following words:- "; and provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the MIDAS Collaborative, Inc. as a fiscal intermediary for matched-savings programs, which help to close critical racial and other wealth gaps of low-to-moderate-income households, in partnership with financial institutions, community development corporations, community foundations and other community-based organizations".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-257

GOV 257

Population Change Study

Messrs. Tarr, Durant and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section_ the following section:- 

"SECTION_. The University of Massachusetts shall conduct a study of changes in the population in the commonwealth in the last 10 years, projected changes in the next 10 years, the causes therefore and the impacts thereof, so as to inform the decisions of state government. In conducting said study, the university shall create and advisory panel for the purposes of consultation and  guidance, which shall include the Chancellor or a designee, representatives selected by the governor from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the Executive Office of Education,  the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the department of revenue,  members of the university faculty with expertise in demographics, economics, health care, education and planning, two representatives of organized labor in the commonwealth, two representatives of employers in the commonwealth, and 3 members representing communities of different sizes in the commonwealth. 

 Said study shall examine population history and trends, factors impacting population changes such as levels of taxation, the costs of housing, energy, transportation and education,  climate change and adaptation, and any other relevant factors identified by the advisory panel. The study shall also examine the impacts of foreseeable population changes on the state's economy, housing, environmental protection, energy consumption, environmental protection, municipal and state tax revenue, state and local government spending, and municipalities and school districts. In conducting such study the university shall conduct no less than 3 public hearings in geographically diverse regions of the commonwealth, and shall consult with persons and organizations with relevant expertise. 

The university shall submit the report detailing the findings of said study with the clerks of the House and  Senate, not later than June 30, 2026."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-258

GOV 258

Study for the Competitiveness of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, O'Connor and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7002-0010, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the office shall conduct a review of the commonwealth's competitiveness with regard to the costs of taxation, labor, physical space, and  health insurance, compared to  other states, provided that the findings of said review and comparison shall be filed in a report to the clerks of the House and Senate no later than June 1, 2026." 

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-259

GOV 259

Divesting from Foreign Companies on U.S. Exchanges in violation of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act

Messrs. Tarr and Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

"SECTION _.  (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

'Board', the pension reserves investment management board established in section 23 of chapter 32 of the General Laws.

'Company', any sole proprietorship, organization, association, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company or other entity or business association, including all wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned subsidiaries, parent companies or affiliates of such entities or business associations that exist for profit-making purposes.

'Direct holdings', all securities of a company held directly by the public fund or in an account or fund in which the public fund owns all shares or interests.

'Indirect holdings', all securities of a company held in an account or fund including, but not limited to, a mutual fund, managed by persons not employed by the public fund, in which the public fund owns shares or interests together with other investors not subject to this section.

'Public fund', the Pension Reserves Investment Trust Fund or the pension reserves investment management board responsible for managing the pooled investment fund consisting of the assets of the state employees’ retirement system and the teachers’ retirement system and the assets of local retirement systems under the control of the board.

'Scrutinized company', a company that has: (i) is incorporated in another country; and (iii) not in compliance with the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act.

(b)  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, within 90 days after the effective date of this section, the public fund shall make its best efforts to facilitate the identification of all scrutinized companies in which the public fund has direct or indirect holdings. The identification of scrutinized companies shall be performed by an independent, third-party research firm selected by the public fund and based on the criteria set forth in this section. By the first meeting of the public fund following the 90-day period, the public fund shall assemble all scrutinized companies in which it has direct or indirect holdings into a scrutinized companies list. The public fund shall update the scrutinized companies list on a quarterly basis based on evolving information from the independent, third-party research firm.

(c)(1) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the public fund shall adhere to the procedure in paragraphs (2) to (4), inclusive, for companies on the scrutinized companies list.

(2)  The public fund shall determine the companies on the scrutinized companies list prepared pursuant to subsection (b) in which the public fund owns direct or indirect holdings.

(3)  The public fund shall sell, redeem, divest or withdraw all publicly-traded securities of a company identified in paragraph (2), except as provided in paragraph (6) and in subsection (e), according to the following schedule: (i) at least 50 per cent of such assets shall be removed from the public fund’s assets under management within 6 months after the company’s most recent appearance on the scrutinized companies list, subject to market availability; and (ii) 100 per cent of such assets shall be removed from the public fund’s assets under management within 12 months after the company’s most recent appearance on the scrutinized companies list, subject to market availability; provided, however, that this paragraph shall only apply until such company is removed from the scrutinized companies list.

(4)  During the time period outlined in paragraph (3), the public fund may sign onto engagement letters or participate in shareholder resolutions regarding the scrutinized business operations of companies identified in paragraph (2) in which the public fund still owns direct or indirect holdings.

(5)  At no time shall the public fund acquire securities of companies on the scrutinized companies list, except as provided in paragraphs (6) and (7).

(6)  No company that the United States government affirmatively declares to be excluded from its present or future sanctions regime relating to the government of the incorporated company shall be subject to divestment or an investment prohibition under paragraphs (2) to (5), inclusive.

(7)  Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, paragraphs (2) to (5), inclusive, shall not apply to indirect holdings in actively-managed investment funds; provided, however, that the public fund shall submit letters to the managers of such investment funds containing scrutinized companies requesting that they consider removing such companies from the investment fund or create a similar actively-managed fund with indirect holdings devoid of such companies. If the manager creates a similar fund, the public fund shall replace all applicable investments with investments in the similar fund in an expedited timeframe consistent with prudent investment standards. For the purposes of this section, private equity funds shall be deemed to be actively-managed investment funds.

(d)  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, with respect to actions taken in compliance with this section, the public fund shall be exempt from any conflicting statutory or common law obligations, including any such obligation with respect to the choice of asset managers, investment funds or investments for the public fund’s securities portfolios and all good faith determinations regarding companies as required by this section.

(e)  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the public fund may cease divesting from certain scrutinized companies under paragraphs (2) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (c), reinvest in certain scrutinized companies from which it divested under said paragraphs (2) to (4), inclusive, of said subsection (c) or continue to invest in certain scrutinized companies from which it has not yet divested upon clear and convincing evidence showing that the total and aggregate value of all assets under management by, or on behalf of, the public fund becomes: (i) equal to or less than 99.5 per cent; or (ii) 100 per cent less 50 basis points of the hypothetical value of all assets under management by, or on behalf of, the public fund assuming no divestment for any company had occurred under said paragraphs (2) to (4), inclusive, of said subsection (c). Cessation of divestment, reinvestment or any subsequent ongoing investment authorized by this subsection shall be strictly limited to the minimum steps necessary to avoid the contingency set forth in the preceding sentence.

For any cessation of divestment, and in advance of any such cessation, authorized by this subsection, the public fund shall provide a written report to the attorney general, the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on public service, which shall be updated semi-annually thereafter, as applicable, setting forth the reasons and justification, supported by clear and convincing evidence, for its decisions to cease divestment of holdings in companies on the scrutinized companies list or to reinvest or remain invested in companies on the scrutinized companies list.

(f)  The public fund shall file a copy of the scrutinized companies list with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives and the attorney general within 30 days after the list is prepared. Annually thereafter, the public fund shall file a report with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives and the attorney general that shall include: (i) the most recent scrutinized companies list; (ii) all investments sold, redeemed, divested or withdrawn in compliance with paragraphs (2) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (c); (iii) all prohibited investments from which the public fund has not yet divested under paragraph (5) of said subsection (c); and (iv) any progress made under paragraph (7) of said subsection (c)."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-260

GOV 260

Post retiree task force extension

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

"SECTION_. Section 198 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024 is hereby amended by striking out the words “June 30, 2025” and inserting in place thereof the following: June 30, 2026".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-261

GOV 261

Promoting Public Payroll Transparency

Messrs. Tarr and Durant, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. Montigny, Collins and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-

“SECTION ___. Section 14C of chapter 7 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Funding source” the following definition:- “Quasi-public independent entity”, a corporation that: (i) is supported by the government to provide services to citizens, including, but not limited to, operating public buses and rail systems, developing drinking water and managing public pension information; and (ii) has certain budgetary, governing and policy-making independence from the executive and legislative branches.

SECTION ____. Said section 14C of said chapter 7, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by adding the following subsection:- (i) A quasi-public independent entity shall submit compensation information to the comptroller who shall post such information on the searchable website. The state auditor shall publicly post audits conducted of quasi-public independent entities on its website.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-262

GOV 262

Census Operations Support

Mr. Brownsberger, Ms. Rausch and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0511-0270, by striking the figure “$1,030,663” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,530,663”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-263

GOV 263

Capital Gains Distribution

Messrs. Tarr and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking section 74 in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:-

"SECTION 74. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the comptroller shall transfer capital gains collected in excess of the threshold under section 5G of chapter 29 of the General Laws on a quarterly basis as follows: (i) 10 per cent to the Commonwealth’s Pension Liability Fund established in subsection (e) of subdivision (8) of section 22 of chapter 32 of the General Laws of said section 22C of said chapter 32 which shall go towards satisfying the fiscal year 2026 requirements set forth in subdivison (1) of said section 22C of said chapter 32; (ii) 80 per cent to the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund established in section 2H of chapter 29 of the General Laws; and (iii) 10 per cent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund established in section 24 of chapter 32A of the General Laws."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-264

GOV 264

Costs of State Lottery Promotional Activities

Messrs. Keenan and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0640-0010, by striking out said item and inserting in place thereof the following item:-

"0640-0010 For the promotional activities associated with the state lottery program; provided, that not later than June 30, 2026, the state lottery commission shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery detailing additional revenues generated as a result of promotional activities funded from this item and additional costs generated as a result of increased lottery game participation, including, but not limited to, financial problems, mental health problems, relationship problems, work/school problems, physical health problems and illegal behaviors; and provided further, that 25 per cent of the amount appropriated in this item shall be transferred quarterly from the State Lottery and Gaming Fund, established in section 35 of chapter 10 of the General Laws, to the General Fund .......................................................................$6,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-265

GOV 265

Human Resources Division Applicant Notification

Messrs. Rush, O'Connor and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting the following section:-

SECTION XX. Section 4A of Chapter 7 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting in subsection (b) in line 59 after the word “administration” the following:-

i.The Human Resources Division shall be required to respond via electronic mail or verified mail to any applicant who has applied for a position within any state agency, commission, department, or any other organization listed under MassCareers on the official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the status of their application within twenty business days of the closing date of the posting of the position.

ii.The Human Resources Division shall remove any job posting listed under MassCareers on the official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within three business days of the closing date of the posting of the position.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-266

GOV 266

Race Horse Development and Gaming Funds

Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Eldridge and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking out sections 11 and 72.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-267

GOV 267

Host Community Payments

Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 1233-2350 the following item:

“xxxx-xxxx For payments to cities and towns under chapter 23K of the General Laws.………………………………….$922,824”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-268

GOV 268

Parentage Act Conformance

Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Cyr, Eldridge and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 20 by striking out, in line 216, the word "both" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the parent or;

and further amended in said section 20 by striking out, in line 218, the words "second parent" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- other parent or parents;

and further amended in said section 20 by striking out, in line 224, the words "birth-given names" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- name at birth or adoption;

and further amended in said section 20 by striking out, in line 227, the words “name, birth surname” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- surname at birth or adoption;

and further amended in said section 20, in line 228, by adding after the word "deceased's" the following words:- parent or;

and further amended in section 22 by striking out, in line 433, the words "or change the gender identity" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the sex;

and further amended in said section 22 by striking out, in line 437, the words "change or";

and further amended in said section 22 by striking out, in line 438, the words "gender identity" and inserting in place thereof the following word:- sex;

and further amended by inserting, after section 38, the following new section:-

SECTION 38A. Section 11 of chapter 209C of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition and amended by chapter 166 of the Acts of 2024, is hereby amended by inserting, in line 32, after the word "file" the following words:- with the department of public health a notarized rescission or file.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-268-R1

Redraft GOV 268

Parentage Act Conformance

Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Cyr, Eldridge and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking out, in line 216, the words “birth surnames” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “name at birth or adoption”; and

in said section 20, by striking out, in said line 216, the word "both" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the parent or; and

in said section 20, by striking out, in line 218, the words "second parent" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “other parent or parents”; and

in said section 20, by striking out, in line 224, the words "birth-given names" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “name at birth or adoption”; and

in said section 20, by striking out, in line 225, the words “birth surname” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “surname at birth or adoption”; and

in said section 20 by striking out, in line 227, the words “name, birth surname” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “surname at birth or adoption”; and

in said section 20, by inserting after the word "deceased's", in line 228, the following words:- “parent or”; and

in section 22 by striking out, in line 433, the words "or change the gender identity" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “the sex”;

in said section 22, by striking out, in line 437, the words "change or"; and

in said section 22, by striking out, in line 438, the words "gender identity" and inserting in place thereof the following word:- “sex”; and

by inserting after section 38 the following section:-

“SECTION 38A. Section 11 of chapter 209C of the General Laws, as most recently amended by chapter 166 of the acts of 2024, is hereby amended by inserting after the word "file", in line 32, the following words:- with the department of public health a notarized rescission or file.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-269

GOV 269

Office of the Veteran Advocate

Messrs. Cronin, Fattman, Gómez and Collins, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Keenan, O'Connor, Brady, Tarr and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0960-1000, by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,500,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-270

GOV 270

Division of Occupational Licensure

Messrs. Cronin and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0040, by striking out the figures “12,286,344” and inserting in place thereof the figures “14,721,062”; and

In item 7006-0142, by striking out the figures “19,916,561” and inserting in place thereof the figures “20,216,243.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-274

GOV 274

Preserving Public Safety Grant Funding for Cities and Towns

Mr. Tarr, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. Durant and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following new section:-- "SECTION ____. Section 3A of chapter 40A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, in subsection (b), in line 18, after the words “chapter 23A” the following:-

'; provided, however, that under no circumstances shall any city or town’s eligibility for public safety related grant funding, including but not limited to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, be contingent upon that city or town’s compliance with this section'"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-275

GOV 275

Supporting Caregivers Running for Public Office

Mr. DiDomenico, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections: -

SECTION ___. Section 1 of chapter 55 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Candidate’s committee” the following definition:

“Adult-care services,” care services provided to a candidate’s parent or other adult dependent, including, but not limited to, caregiving services by an individual, non-profit or for-profit organization that provides such services, and any other costs directly related to such services that occur as a result of campaign activities; provided, however, that expenses related to adult-care services shall not include payments to a family member, as defined in section 1 of chapter 50, of the individual receiving care, unless the family member owns, operates, or is employed by a professional caregiving service, and the cost of the service is not greater than the family member would otherwise charge.

SECTION ___. Section 6 of said chapter 55, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting, after the word “office,” in line 66, the following:

or expenses relating to the provision of adult-care services that would not otherwise exist but for the existence of the campaign.

SECTION ___. The director of campaign and political finance shall promulgate regulations for the implementation of this section within 90 days of enactment.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-276

GOV 276

Hope for Youth Arts Center

Messrs. Gómez and Oliveira 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 $50,000 shall be expended for Hope for Youth and Families, Inc. to expand arts opportunities for youth and increase the capacity of existing arts organizations in the city of Springfield”; and by striking out the figure "$26,045,152" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$26,095,152”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-277

GOV 277

Capital Debt Affordability Committee

Mr. Tarr and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended By inserting after section ___ the following new section:--

“SECTION 112 sub section 60B of Chapter 165 of the Acts of 2012 is hereby amended by inserting at the end the following new section:--

“(i) the Committee shall hold at least one public hearing per year in a geographically equitable area so as to solicit testimony from the public with regards to the issues before the committee.”

Further moves to amend said subsection 60B(f) by adding the following:--

“(12) making recommendations to the Governor for the purposes of reducing bonded indebtedness and to further reduce the cost of debt services.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-278

GOV 278

Emergency Contract Reform II

Messrs. Tarr and Durant 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, after the first paragraph,  the following paragraph :

No emergency procurement contract entered into pursuant to this section shall endure for a period of more than 90 days, provided, however, that such a contract may be extended for subsequent periods of no more than 90 days upon written findings of the necessity of such extension, consistent with the provisions of this section, which shall be entered upon the record."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-278-R1

Redraft GOV 278

Emergency Contract Reform II

Messrs. Tarr, Durant and Fattman 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 at the end thereof the following:-“No emergency procurement contract entered into pursuant to this section where the commonwealth is a party and the total value of the contract exceeds $100,000 shall endure for a period of more than 90 days, provided, however that such a contract may be extended for subsequent periods of no more than 90 days upon written findings of the necessity of such extension, consistent with the provisions of this section, which shall be entered upon the record. The procurement officer shall make a record of each emergency as soon after the procurement as practicable, specifying each contractor's name, the amount and the type of each contract, a listing of the supply or service provided under each contract, and the basis for determining the need for an emergency procurement, 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. The procurement officer shall submit a copy of this record at the earliest possible time to the state secretary for placement in any publication established by the state secretary for the advertisement of procurements 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-S3-278-R2

2nd Redraft GOV 278

Emergency Contract Reform II

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, Fattman and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:--

"SECTION ___. Section 8 of chapter 30B of the general laws is hereby amended, by adding at the end thereof the following:-“No emergency procurement contract entered into pursuant to this section where the commonwealth is a party and the total value of the contract exceeds $100,000 shall endure for a period of more than 90 days, provided, however that such a contract may be extended for subsequent periods of no more than 90 days upon written findings of the necessity of such extension, consistent with the provisions of this section, which shall be entered upon the record. The procurement officer shall make a record of each emergency as soon after the procurement as practicable, specifying each contractor's name, the amount and the type of each contract, a listing of the supply or service provided under each contract, and the basis for determining the need for an emergency procurement, 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. The procurement officer shall submit a copy of this record at the earliest possible time to the state secretary for placement in any publication established by the state secretary for the advertisement of procurements 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-S3-279-R1

Redraft GOV 279

Vietnam Veterans of America

Messrs. Velis and O'Connor and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for Vietnam Veterans of America in Massachusetts to aid veterans filing claims for medical and financial benefits”; and by striking out the figure “$9,678,473” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,753,473”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-279

GOV 279

Vietnam Veterans of America

Messrs. Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Vietnam Veterans of America in Massachusetts to aid veterans filing claims for medical and financial benefits”; and by striking out the figure “$9,678,473” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,778,473”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-280

GOV 280

Veterans Recognition

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-1616, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for the Agawam Veterans Council in the city known as the town of Agawam for assistance with veterans memorials”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$115,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-281

GOV 281

MA Alliance of YMCAs - Veteran Memberships

Messrs. Velis, Mark, Cronin and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0010, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for a partnership with the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, Inc. to pilot statewide veteran's memberships”; and by striking out the figure “$12,435,036” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,450,036”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-282

GOV 282

Remote Online Notarization Oversight Requirements

Mrs. Dooner and Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0511-0280, by striking out, in line one, the following word:- “; may” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “shall”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-283

GOV 283

Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Spending Requirement

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0610-0051, by striking out, in line 6, the word “may” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- “shall”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-284

GOV 284

OIG Academy Revenue Retention Reform

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0910-0210, by striking out, in line 1, the words:– “may expend” and inserting in place thereof the following words:– “shall expend”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-285

GOV 285

Administrative Law Appeals Retained Revenue Mandate

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1110-1002, by striking out, in line 1, the words:– “may expend” and inserting in place thereof the following words:– “shall expend”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-286

GOV 286

Executive Technology Review Threshold Adjustment

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1790-0100, by striking out the figure “$200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-287

GOV 287

Veterans’ Homelessness Services Funding

Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0250, by striking out the figure ”$3,992,315” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- ”$4,100,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-288

GOV 288

Bureau of Computer Services Retained Revenue

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1790-0300, by striking out item 1790-0300 in its entirety.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-289

GOV 289

Public Oversight of DTA Fund Transfers

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4400-1000, by inserting after the words “15 days before any such transfer;” the following words:-“provided further, that all reports of funds transferred and deficiencies shall be made public record and shall require a two-thirds vote of approval by the Senate and House committees on ways and means;”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-290

GOV 290

EOHLC Transportation Contract Oversight

Mrs. Dooner 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, all transportation service contracts issued or administered by the executive office of housing and livable communities shall be made public record and shall require the approval of two-thirds of the members of the Senate and House committees on ways and means.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-291

GOV 291

Legal Settlement Oversight Threshold Reduction

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-3384, by striking out the figure “$250,000” each time it appears and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:– “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-292

GOV 292

Operational Services Division Reprographics Reform

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1775-0700, by striking out, in line 1, the word “may” and inserting in place thereof the following word:– “shall”; and by striking out the figure:- “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:– “$500,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-293

GOV 293

Operational Services Division Retained Revenue Requirement

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1775-0115, by striking out, in line 1, the word “may” and inserting in place thereof the following word:– “shall”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-294

GOV 294

Gift Card Distribution Reform

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following new section:—

SECTION __.

(a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, no agency, department, office, or public authority of the commonwealth shall purchase or distribute gift cards or other stored-value cards, including those issued by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, or any similar provider, except where expressly authorized by statute. This prohibition shall apply to the use of public funds for the purpose of incentivizing participation in programs, providing rewards, or issuing disbursements through such stored-value instruments.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-299

GOV 299

UGGA Commission Membership

Messrs. Tarr, Durant and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting in SECTION 71 in line 720 after the word, "ranking" the following:-"minority"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-303

GOV 303

Voter ID

Mr. Fattman and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-

"SECTION X. Section 76 of chapter 54 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking the section in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:-

(a) Each voter desiring to vote at a polling place shall give their name and, if requested, their residence to one of the officers at the entrance to the space within the guard rail, who shall thereupon distinctly announce the same. If such name is found on the voting list, the election officer shall check and repeat the name valid State or Federal photo identification prior to receiving a ballot.  The officer shall verify the voter’s identification matches the name and residence with the voting list. If verified, the officer shall admit the voter to the space enclosed by the guard rail and, in case official ballots, other than those marked ''Challenged Ballots'' as provided by section thirty-five A, are used, such voter shall be given one ballot. The use of electronic means such as tape recording equipment or radio broadcasting equipment for the recording or broadcasting of the names of voters not yet checked as having voted shall be prohibited.

(b) A valid government-issued photo identification shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) A Massachusetts driver’s license or state identification card issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles;

(ii) A United States passport;

(iii) A United States military identification card;

(iv) A Massachusetts-issued firearm identification card;

(v) Any other federal or state government-issued identification card that includes a photograph of the voter;

(vi) An affidavit signed under penalty of perjury.

(c) The secretary of the Commonwealth shall implement a program to provide, at no cost, a Massachusetts photo identification card for voting purposes to any registered voter who does not possess a valid form of photo identification and who signs an affidavit affirming such.

(d)  The secretary of the Commonwealth shall develop and distribute information to the public regarding the requirements of this section, and shall provide training and guidance to election officials to ensure uniform implementation of the law.

SECTION X. Section X shall take effect on January 1, 2026."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-304

GOV 304

Verification for Entitlement Programs

Messrs. Fattman and Tarr and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-

"SECTION X. Subsection B of section 2 of chapter 18 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following clause:-

(t) verify that an applicant for benefits through any transitional assistance financial assistance program administered by the department is a United States citizen or lawfully present alien prior to providing any benefits. The department shall register for the systematic alien verification for entitlements program established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and shall use said program to verify an applicant’s eligibility pursuant to this clause.

SECTION X. Section 3 of chapter 23B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-

(w) verify that an applicant for benefits through any housing program for low and moderate income families administered by the department is a United States citizen or lawfully present alien prior to providing any benefits. The department shall register for the systematic alien verification for entitlements program established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and shall use said program to verify an applicant’s eligibility pursuant to this paragraph.

SECTION X. Section 2 of chapter 111I of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-

The department of public health shall verify that an applicant for benefits through the WIC program is a United States citizen or lawfully present alien prior to providing any benefits. The department shall register for the systematic alien verification for entitlements program established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and shall use said program to verify a beneficiary’s eligibility pursuant to this paragraph.

SECTION X. Section 9A of chapter 118E of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-

(17) The division shall verify that a beneficiary is a United States citizen or lawfully present alien prior to providing any medical benefits through MassHealth. The division shall register for the systematic alien verification for entitlements program established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and shall use said program to verify a beneficiary’s eligibility pursuant to this paragraph."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-305

GOV 305

Department of Public Utilities Audit

Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. Tarr, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after item 2100-0012 the following item:

xxxx-xxxx For the purpose of conducting an independent performance and fiscal audit of the department of public utilities, including but not limited to an evaluation of administrative efficiency, transparency in rate-setting processes, responsiveness to public input, and alignment of expenditures with statutory mandates; provided, that the office of the state auditor may reallocate funds appropriated under item 2100-0012 for the purpose of supporting this audit if deemed necessary and appropriate …………………………………………………………………………………………….. $150,000

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-306

GOV 306

Supporting the Office of Health Resource Planning and the Office for Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis

Ms. Friedman and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1450-1200, by striking out the figure "$12,610,954" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$13,610,954"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-307

GOV 307

Mass Save Audit

Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 2250-2000 the following item:

xxxx-xxxx For the purpose of conducting an independent audit of the Mass Save energy efficiency program, including an assessment of program expenditures, contractor performance, energy savings outcomes, and cost-effectiveness; provided further, that the audit shall be conducted by the office of the state auditor or an independent third-party auditor contracted in consultation with the state auditor; and provided further, that the findings shall be submitted in a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than March 31, 2026 …………………………………………………………………………………………….. $500,000

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-308

GOV 308

EOHLC Forensic Financial Audit

Mrs. Dooner and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7004-9316 the following item:

xxxx-xxxx For the purpose of conducting an independent forensic financial audit of the executive office of housing and livable communities, including but not limited to an examination of spending practices, vendor payments, contracting procedures, and the distribution of shelter and housing-related funds, to be carried out by the office of the state auditor or a qualified third-party auditor contracted in consultation with the state auditor …………………………………………………………………………………………….. $1,000,000

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-309

GOV 309

MGC Sensitive information

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section_the following new section:-

"SECTION _. Section 6 of chapter 23N of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out subsection (i) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-

(i) Applications for operator licenses shall be public records under section 10 of chapter 66; provided, however, that trade secrets, competitively-sensitive information or other proprietary information provided by an applicant for an operator license or an operator licensee to the commission under this chapter, the disclosure of which would place the applicant or licensee at a competitive disadvantage or would be detrimental to the applicant or licensee if it were made public, may be withheld from disclosure under section 10 of chapter 66 at the commission’s discretion."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-310

GOV 310

Peace Officer History Month

Messrs. Fattman and Tarr, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-

"SECTION X. Chapter 6 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 15ZZZZZZ the following section:-

Section 15AAAAAAA. The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the month of January as Peace Officer History Month and recommend that the month be observed in an appropriate manner by the people."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-311

GOV 311

DPU Budget Reduction

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2100-0012, by striking out the figure ”$18,817,626” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: ”$9,408,813”.