Government Amendments

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-241

GOV 241

Public Retirees Earning Adjustment

Messrs. Moore and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following sections:-

“SECTION __. Section 91 of chapter 32 of the general laws, as appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the figure “$15,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $25,000.

SECTION __. Section 91A of said chapter is hereby amended by striking out the figure “$15,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $25,000.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-241-R1

Redraft GOV 241

Public Retirees Earning Adjustment

Messrs. Moore and O'Connor, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 17 the following sections:-

“SECTION 17A. Section 91 of said chapter 32, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 101, the figure “$15,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $25,000.

SECTION 17B. Section 91A of said chapter 32, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 27, the figure “$15,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $25,000.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-243

GOV 243

Early Voting Reimbursement

Messrs. Tarr, Eldridge, Durant and 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: FY2027-S4-244

GOV 244

Transparency for the Cost of Consultants

Messrs. Tarr and Montigny 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, 2027, and shall be updated to the maximum feasible extent, which shall be in increments of not less than 60 days."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-245

GOV 245

Population Change Study

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, O'Connor and Fattman 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, 2027."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-245-R1

Redraft GOV 245

Population Change Study

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, O'Connor and Fattman 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 including but not limited to positive and negative factors influencing such changes 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. 

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, 2027."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-246

GOV 246

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

Mr. Tarr 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: FY2027-S4-247

GOV 247

Promoting Public Payroll Transparency

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, Montigny 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: FY2027-S4-248

GOV 248

Candidate safety

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Oliveira, Payano and Tarr and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following sections:-

"SECTION X. Clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended in subclause (o) by striking out, in lines 232-233, the words “the home address, personal email address and home telephone number of” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “the residential or home-based office address, personal email address and home, home-based office or personal mobile telephone number of a candidate for public office, an elected official,”.

SECTION X. Said clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of said chapter 4, as so appearing, is hereby further amended in subclause (p) by striking out, in lines 243-244, the words “home address, personal email address and home telephone number of” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “the residential or home-based office address, personal email address and home, home-based office or personal mobile telephone number of a candidate for public office, an elected official or”.

SECTION X. Section 5 of chapter 53 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 4, the word “residences” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipalities of residence”.

SECTION X. Section 6 of said chapter 53, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 17, the word “addresses” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipalities of residence”.

SECTION X. Section 8 of said chapter 53, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 3, the words “his residence, with street and number, if any” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “their municipality of residence; provided, however, that the secretary shall through alternate means collect each candidate’s residential address, with street and number, if any, which shall be maintained by the secretary in accordance with clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4”.

SECTION X. Section 34 of said chapter 53, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 30-31, the words “the street and number, if any, of his residence” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “their municipality of residence; provided, however, that the secretary shall through alternate means collect each candidate’s residential address, with street and number, if any, which shall be maintained by the secretary in accordance with clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4”.

SECTION X. Section 45 of said chapter 53, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 2 and 3, the words “his residence, with street and number thereof, if any” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “their municipality of residence”.

SECTION X. Section 106 of said chapter 53, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 12, the words “street and number, if any, of his residence” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipality, precinct or ward, or both, as applicable, of the residence of a candidate”.

SECTION X. Section 41 of chapter 54 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 6 and 7, the words “he resides, with the name of the street and the number, if any, of his residence” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “the candidate resides”.

SECTION X. Said section 41 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 8-11, the third sentence and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “To the name of each candidate for a county office shall be added the name of the city or town where the candidate resides. To the name of each candidate for city or town office shall be added the ward or precinct where the candidate resides, or both ward and precinct, as applicable.”.

SECTION X. Said section 41 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 28-29, the words “the name of the street on which they reside, with their street number, if any, and”.

SECTION X. Section 41A of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 5, the words “christian names and addresses” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “first names”.

SECTION X. Section 42 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 34, the word “address” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipality of residence”.

SECTION X. Said section 42 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 41 and 44, the word “addresses” each time it appears and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- “municipalities of residence”.

SECTION X. Section 49 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 3, the word “residences” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipalities of residence”.

SECTION X. Section 50 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 2, the word “residences” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “wards or precincts of residence, or both, as applicable”.

SECTION X. Section 51 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 3, the word “residences” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “wards or precincts of residence, or both, as applicable”.

SECTION X. Section 77 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding, in line 7, after the word “and” the following words:- “municipality of”.

SECTION X. Section 78 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding, in line 19, after the word “and” the following words:- “municipality and state of”.

SECTION X. Section 78A of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 4, the word “addresses” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipalities of residence”.

SECTION X. Said section 78A of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 5, the word “addresses” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipalities and states of residence”."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-248-R1

Redraft GOV 248

Candidate safety

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Oliveira and Payano and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding after section 26 the following 12 sections:-

SECTION 26A. Section 5 of chapter 53 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 4, the word “residences” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipalities of residence”.

SECTION 26B. Section 16 of said chapter 53, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “year”, in line 5, the following words:- “; provided, however, that the street address, street number, and other information identifying the personal residence of a candidate that appears on a certificate of nomination or nomination paper shall not be a public record and shall be redacted from any copy of the candidate’s nomination papers made available for public inspection, except upon a written certification by the requestor, in a form prescribed by the state secretary and signed under the penalties of perjury, that the information is sought solely for the purpose of verifying or challenging the candidate’s legal qualifications for nomination or election to the office sought.

SECTION 26C. Section 34 of said chapter 53, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the fifth paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

Against the name of a candidate for an elective office or for state committee shall be printed the candidate’s municipality of residence. Against the name of a candidate for a ward or town committee shall be printed the ward or precinct where the candidate resides, or both ward and precinct, as applicable.

SECTION 26D. Section 106 of said chapter 53, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “elective,” in line 11, the following words:- office shall be printed the candidate’s precinct or ward of residence, or both. Against the name of a candidate for”.

SECTION 26E. Section 41 of chapter 54 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 6 and 7, the words “he resides, with the name of the street and the number, if any, of his residence” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “the candidate resides”.

SECTION 26F. Said section 41 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 8-11, the third sentence and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “To the name of each candidate for a county office shall be added the name of the city or town where the candidate resides. To the name of each candidate for city or town office shall be added the ward or precinct where the candidate resides, or both ward and precinct, as applicable.”.

SECTION 26G. Said section 41 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 28-29, the words “the name of the street on which they reside, with their street number, if any, and”.

SECTION 26H. Section 41A of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 5, the words “christian names and addresses” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “first names”.

SECTION 26I. Section 42 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 41 and 44, the word “addresses” each time it appears and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- “municipalities of residence”.

SECTION 26J. Section 49 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 3, the word “residences” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “municipalities of residence”.

SECTION 26K. Section 50 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 2, the word “residences” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “wards or precincts of residence, or both, as applicable”.

SECTION 26L. Section 51 of said chapter 54, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 3, the word “residences” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “wards or precincts of residence, or both, as applicable”; and

by inserting after section 58 the following new section:-

SECTION 58A. Sections 26A through 26L, inclusive, shall take effect January 1, 2027.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-249-R1

Redraft GOV 249

Extension of Polling Hours

Messrs. Brownsberger and Keenan, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Payano, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section XX the following section:-

"SECTION YY. Chapter 54 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 62 the following section:-

"62A. Extension of Polling Hours

Section 62A. The state secretary shall have the authority to extend polling hours in emergency situations, including, but not limited to, documented disruptions affecting access to a polling place on election day or delays in transmitting the delivery of vote by mail ballots. If the state secretary determines a disruption at a polling place or delay in transmitting ballots to local election officials exist, the secretary may order a polling place extend its hours to accommodate voters who may be otherwise disenfranchised. Any extension of the hours of voting shall be determined based on the severity of the disruption necessitating the extension, but not to exceed 4 hours. Any actions taken by the state secretary under this section shall be reviewable in accordance with the provisions of section 59 of chapter 56 of the general laws.""

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-249

GOV 249

Extension of Polling Hours

Messrs. Brownsberger and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section XX the following section:-

SECTION YY. Chapter 54 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 62 the following section:

62A. Extension of Polling Hours

Section 62A. The state secretary shall have the authority to extend polling hours in emergency situations, including, but not limited to, documented disruptions affecting access to a polling place on election day or delays in transmitting the delivery of vote by mail ballots. If the state secretary determines a disruption at a polling place or delay in transmitting ballots to local election officials exist, the secretary may order a polling place extend their hours to accommodate voters who may be otherwise disfranchised. Any extension of the hours of voting shall be determined based on the severity of the disruption necessitating the extension, but not to exceed 4 hours. Any actions taken by the state secretary under this section shall be reviewable in accordance with the provisions of section 59 of chapter 56 of the general laws.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-250

GOV 250

Microfilm

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

"SECTION __. Section 15 of Chapter 36 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking the words 'micrographic process'; and by inserting after the word 'entered' the words:- 'in a format approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth'."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-251

GOV 251

Automated employment and income information

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

“SECTION _. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or regulation to the contrary, in order to improve the timeliness of benefit deliveries, operational efficiencies, and cost savings and to minimize fraud, the Department of Unemployment Assistance and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development shall obtain automated employment and income information (up-to-date, non-modeled employment and income data provided by employers) from a third-party commercial consumer reporting agency, in accordance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. s.1681 et seq., for the purpose of assisting with the determination of an individual's eligibility to receive unemployment benefits."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-252

GOV 252

Preventing UGGA Attrition

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

"SECTION _____. The secretary of administration on finance shall annually develop a report detailing the relative value of Unrestricted General Government aid, so-called, provided further that such report shall detail factors including but not limited to, the reduction in value caused by the rate of inflation in the preceding year, the percentage of total state spending represented by the appropriation for Unrestricted General Government Aid in the current fiscal year as compared to the percentage in the prior fiscal year, and any other factors relevant to such relative value, provided further , that the secretary shall determine the amount of appropriation necessary in the next fiscal year to maintain the relative strength of Unrestricted General Government Aid at its current strength in the next fiscal year , taking into account the impacts of inflation and its percentage of total state spending, which amount shall be included in said report, which shall be filed with the clerks of the House and Senate and the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means not later than March 1."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-253

GOV 253

Controlling the Costs of Student Transportation

Messrs. Tarr, Durant and O'Connor 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, the operational services division shall, on an annual basis, determine rates for contracted school transportation provided to public K-12 school districts in the commonwealth, taking into account all relevant factors, including but not limited to the costs of fuel, labor, adjusted by region, vehicle and equipment acquisition, repair, and maintenance, licensing and permitting, and garaging or storage. In determining said rates, the division shall conduct not less than 3 public hearings in geographically diverse regions of the commonwealth, with at least one such hearing allowing for remote participation, and shall publish a report containing such rates and the method by which they were established, which shall be filed annually with the clerks of the House and Senate not later than July 1."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-254

GOV 254

Massachusetts Innovation Fund and State Agency Technology Upgrades Account

Messrs. Moore and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item xxxx-xxxx the following item:-

"xxxx-xxxx For the Massachusetts Innovation Fund and State Agency Technology Upgrades Account established under section 48 of chapter 23G of the general laws...............................................................$25,000,000."; and

by inserting after section __ the following section:-

"SECTION __. Chapter 23G of the general laws is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new section:-

Section 48. Massachusetts Innovation Fund and State Agency Technology Upgrades Account

(a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:-

"Account", the state agency technology upgrades account.

"Board", the Massachusetts innovation fund board.

"Cloud computing service", has the meaning given the term by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in NIST Special Publication 800-145 and any amendatory or superseding document thereto.

"Device-as-a-service", a managed service in which hardware that belongs to a managed service provider is installed at a state agency and a service level agreement defines the responsibilities of each party to the agreement.

"Fund", means the Massachusetts Innovation Fund.

"Information technology system", any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment used by a state agency, or a person under a contract with a state agency if the contract requires use of the equipment, to acquire, store, analyze, evaluate, manipulate, manage, move, control, display, switch, interchange, transmit, print, copy, scan, or receive data or other information. “Information technology system” shall include, but not be limited to, operational technology, including industrial control systems, a computer, a device-as-a-service solution, ancillary computer equipment such as imaging, printing, scanning, and copying peripherals and input, output, and storage devices necessary for security and surveillance, peripheral equipment designed to be controlled by the central processing unit of a computer, software and firmware and similar procedures, and services, including support services, and related resources. “Information technology system” shall not include equipment acquired by a contractor incidental to a state contract.

"Legacy information technology system", is an information technology system that is operated with outdated or obsolete, or inefficient hardware or software system of information technology.

"Qualifying information technology modernization project", a project by a state agency to (i) replace the agency's information technology systems; (ii) transition the agency's legacy information technology systems to a cloud computing service or other innovative commercial platform or technology; (iii) develop and implement a method to provide adequate, risk-based, and cost-effective information technology responses to threats to the agency's information security; (iv) reducing data, hardware, and software redundancy; (v) improving system and data interoperability; or (vi) implementing cybersecurity solutions consistent with principles of Zero Trust architecture as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

(b) The Massachusetts innovation fund board is established to administer the Massachusetts innovation fund and the state agency technology upgrades account and to make awards of financial assistance to state agencies from the fund or account for qualifying information technology modernization projects. The board shall consist of: (i) the executive director of Massachusetts Development Finance Agency or a designee; (ii) the secretary of the executive office of technology services and security or a designee; (iii) the governor or a designee; (iv) two members of the senate appointed by the president of the senate; (v) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; (vi) one member of the public with relevant subject matter expertise appointed by the governor; and (vii) three state employees primarily having technical expertise in information technology development, financial management, cybersecurity and privacy, and acquisition, appointed by the secretary of the executive office of technology services and security.

(c) Members of the board shall serve up to six two-year terms. A board member is not entitled to compensation for service on the board but is entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred while performing duties as a board member.

(d) The Massachusetts innovation fund and the state agency technology upgrades account are each established and set up on the books of the commonwealth as a separate fund, and may be expended from without further legislative appropriation, as provided by this section. MassDevelopment shall hold the Massachusetts innovation fund and the state agency technology upgrades account in separate accounts and apart from all other accounts.

(e) The fund consists of:

(1) money appropriated, credited, or transferred to the fund by the legislature;

(2) gifts, donations, grants, including federal grants, and any other third-party funds;

(3) money received by the board for the repayment of a loan made from the fund; and

(4) interest and other earnings earned on deposits and investments of money in the fund.

(f) The account consists of:

(1) money deposited to the account by the comptroller in the manner prescribed by subsection (h); and

(2) interest and other earnings earned on deposits and investments of money in the account.

(g) The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, in consultation with the executive office of technology services and security, shall establish a loan program to authorize the board to use money from the fund to provide loans to state agencies for qualifying information technology modernization projects. A state agency may apply to the board for a loan from the fund. The application shall include a description of the qualifying information technology modernization project for which the state agency is requesting a loan. The board may grant a loan based upon a finding that the project is a qualifying information technology modernization project. A loan agreement entered into under this subsection shall require the state agency to:

(1) repay the loan to the board within seven years of the date the loan is made to the agency; and

(2) make annual reports to the board identifying cost savings realized by the agency as a result of the project for which the agency received the loan.

(h) At the end of each state fiscal year, on the written request of a state agency, MassDevelopment shall, in conjunction with the comptroller, deposit to the account the unexpended balance of any money appropriated to the agency for that state fiscal year that is budgeted by the agency for information technology services or cybersecurity purposes. A state agency may request money from the account from the board at any time for a qualifying information technology modernization project.

(i) The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency shall separately account for the amount of money deposited to the account at the request of each state agency under subsection (h). Money deposited to the account under subsection (h) and any interest and other earnings on that money may be provided only to the state agency for which the comptroller deposited the money to the account and may be used by the agency only for a qualifying information technology modernization project.

(j) Any money deposited to the account at the request of a state agency under subsection (h) that is not requested by the agency within three years from the date the money is deposited shall be transferred by the MassDevelopment, in conjunction with the comptroller, to the general revenue fund to be used in accordance with legislative appropriation.

(k) A state agency that receives money from the fund or the account may collaborate with one or more other state agencies that also receive money from the fund or the account to purchase information technology systems that may be shared between the agencies.

(l) Funds provided to an agency under this section, for any fiscal year, shall be used to supplement any appropriations made to the agency and shall not supplant any appropriations made to the agency.

(m) MassDevelopment, in consultation with comptroller, may adopt rules and regulations to implement and administer this section."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-255

GOV 255

District Local Technical Assistance

Messrs. Eldridge, Mark, Keenan and Gómez, Ms. Howard, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-0026, by striking out the figure "$3,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure "$4,000,000"; and by striking out the figure "$10,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$11,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-256

GOV 256

Science and technology fellowship program

Messrs. Brownsberger, Mark, Moore, Payano, Driscoll, Eldridge and Fernandes, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Cyr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9500-0000, by adding the following words:- “; and provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the support of a science and technology fellowship program, which shall strengthen decision-making in legislative offices through rigorous research and technical analysis.”; and by striking out the figure “$33,034,830” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$33,284,830”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-258

GOV 258

Ensuring the Cost-Effectiveness of Energy Programs

Messrs. Tarr, Montigny and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0910-0200, by inserting the following words:- "; provided, that the inspector general shall expend not less than $300,000 to conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the Mass Save program, provided that such analysis shall take into account factors including but not limited to, the costs of projects funded by the program, and any benefits resulting from those projects, including but not limited to energy conservation and savings, and reduced carbon emissions and other environmental benefits, provided, that such analysis shall include a consideration of whether the methodologies of the present program are the most cost-effective approach to achieving its goals, provided further that a report containing the findings of the analysis, together with any legislative, programmatic, and regulatory recommendations shall be filed with the clerks of the House and Senate, the Joint Committee on telecommunications and Energy, the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and the house and Senate Committees on Ways and Means"; and by striking the figure "$6,476,307" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,776,307".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-259

GOV 259

GIC Oversight

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0910-0200, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the office of the inspector general, in consultation with the center for health information and analysis, shall conduct an investigation and submit a report to the house and senate clerks, the joint committee on health care financing and the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but shall not be limited to: (i) a detailed accounting of expenditures made by the group insurance commission in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, including expenditures supported by supplemental appropriations; (ii) an analysis of the commission’s compliance with chapter 32A of the General Laws and applicable procurement and fiscal management requirements; (iii) a review of spending on activities not specifically required by statute, regulation, or contractual obligation and how such spending has changed over time; (iv) an analysis of cost drivers including pharmacy benefit spending, high cost claimants, administrative expenses, and reserve utilization; (v) an assessment of premium and plan cost trends over the preceding 3 fiscal years, including comparisons to statewide health care cost growth benchmarks published by the center for health information and analysis; and (vi) recommendations to ensure fiscal stability, reserve adequacy, and compliance with said chapter 32A; provided further, that the group insurance commission shall comply with all requests from the office of the inspector general or the center for health information and analysis for any information deemed necessary to conducting said investigation and submitting said report, including, but not limited to, requests for the production of records; and provided further, that a preliminary report shall be filed not later than September 30, 2027 and a final report shall be filed not later than March 1 2028"; and by striking the figure "$6,476,307" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,776,307".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-259-R1

Redraft GOV 259

GIC Oversight

Mr. Tarr, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. Durant and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0910-0200, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the office of the inspector general, in consultation with the center for health information and analysis, shall conduct an investigation and submit a report to the house and senate clerks, the joint committee on health care financing and the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but shall not be limited to: (i) a detailed accounting of expenditures made by the group insurance commission in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, including expenditures supported by supplemental appropriations; (ii) an analysis of the commission’s compliance with chapter 32A of the General Laws and applicable procurement and fiscal management requirements; (iii) a review of spending on activities not specifically required by statute, regulation, or contractual obligation and how such spending has changed over time; (iv) an analysis of cost drivers including pharmacy benefit spending, high cost claimants, administrative expenses, and reserve utilization; (v) an assessment of premium and plan cost trends over the preceding 3 fiscal years, including comparisons to statewide health care cost growth benchmarks published by the center for health information and analysis; and (vi) recommendations to ensure fiscal stability, reserve adequacy, and compliance with said chapter 32A; provided further, that the group insurance commission shall comply with all requests from the office of the inspector general or the center for health information and analysis for any information deemed necessary to conducting said investigation and submitting said report, including, but not limited to, requests for the production of records; and provided further, that a preliminary report shall be filed not later than September 30, 2027 and a final report shall be filed not later than March 1 2028"; and by striking the figure "$6,476,307" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,776,307".

Moves to further amend by inserting after section _ the following new section:-

“SECTION _. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of transitional assistance shall submit a request to USDA-FNS under Section 17(b) to exclude SNAP benefit use for candy and soft drinks. The department shall develop an implementation plan to determine ineligible products."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-260

GOV 260

Public Records Portal Information

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following new section:--- "SECTION ____. Consistent with the provisions of Chapter 66 of the general laws, any information obtained through the operation of a public-facing portal for the purposes of soliciting information from the public by any state agency shall be considered public information, subject to the conditions contained in said chapter, and shall be subject to disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act as defined in 5 U.S.C. § 552."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-261

GOV 261

Matched Savings

Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0610-0010, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the MIDAS Collaborative, Inc. as a fiscal intermediary for matched-savings programs, and the development of the Midas Economic Mobility Incubator which help 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 "$1,476,699" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,726,699".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-262

GOV 262

Transparency in Private Utility Construction Contracts

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

SECTION __. Chapter 164 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after Section 76D the following section:-

Section 76E.  (a) As used in this section, the following words shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings:-

“Company”, a gas or distribution company.

“Contract”, any agreement for the procurement of services specified under subsection (b), regardless of what the parties call the agreement.

“Responsible bidder”, a person who has the capability to perform fully the contract requirements, and the integrity and reliability which assures good faith performance.

“Score”, the quantitative or qualitative rating or method utilized by the company to award a contract

(b) When entering into a contract in the amount of $100,000 or more for services related to the excavation or construction upon, along, under, or across any public way, each company shall be subject to this section.

(c) A company shall (1) within two business days after the decision has been made, inform any responsible bidder which submitted a bid of its decision in relation to the award of a contract, and shall do so by notice in writing by the most rapid means of communication possible; and (2) post the winning bid on its website with (i) the name of the contractor, (ii) winning amount, (iii) location of project.

(d) The written notice to each responsible bidder shall include (1) the criteria for the award of the contract; and (2) the score obtained by the responsible bidder.

(e) Where there is only one response to a solicitation, a company need not comply with this section.

(f) A company may withhold any information to be provided in accordance with the section where the disclosure of such information (1) would impede law enforcement, (2) would otherwise be contrary to the public interest, (3) would prejudice the legitimate commercial interests of any responsible bidder; or (4) might interfere with competition between responsible bidders.

(g) The department shall be responsible for enforcing this section, and may promulgate regulations and issue orders it deems in the public interest regarding the procurement practices of companies.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-263

GOV 263

Facade Improvements for Old Town Hall in Andover

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-0026, by adding the following words:- “provided further that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for facade improvements in the town of Andover”; and by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,050,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-264

GOV 264

Amesbury Digital Community Sign

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-0026, by adding the following words:- “; provided, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the acquisition of a digital community sign in the town of Amesbury"; and by striking out the figure “$10,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,025,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-265

GOV 265

CCC Secret Shopper

Messrs. Gómez and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after line item 1070-0843 the following new item:-

"1070-0844 For the establishment of a secret shopper program, executing certain investigations and enforcement programs, and bringing the commission into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act ..........................$641,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-266

GOV 266

CCC Staffing

Messrs. Gómez and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after line item 1070-0843 the following item:-

"1070-0845 For the hiring of administrative and enforcement staff to regulate the licensed industry and implement Chapter 180 of the Acts of 2022 ..........................$700,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-267

GOV 267

CCC Social Consumption

Messrs. Gómez, Payano and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after line item 1070-0843 the following item:-

"1070-0846 For the initial implementation of social consumption licensing and regulatory oversight ..........................$1,000,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-270

GOV 270

Voter Booklets

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

SECTION __. Section 2 of chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025 is hereby amended in item 0521-0000 by adding at the end thereof the following words:- “; provided further, that not more than $2,000,000 in unexpended funds shall be made available until October 31, 2026 to cover the costs for materials, labor and postage relating to the information for voter booklets required by Article XLVIII of the Massachusetts Constitution and section 53 of chapter 54 of the General Laws".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-270-R1

Redraft GOV 270

Voter Booklets

Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0521-0000, by adding the following words:- “, prior appropriation continued”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-271-R1

Redraft GOV 271

Voting by Mail

Mr. Keenan and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0521-0002, by adding the following words:- “, prior appropriation continued”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-271

GOV 271

Voting by Mail

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

SECTION __. Section 2 of chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025 is hereby amended in item 0521-0002 by adding at the end thereof the following words:- “; provided further, that not more than $4,000,000 in unexpended funds shall be made available until October 31, 2026 to cover the costs for materials, labor and postage relating to the vote by mail applications required by section 25B of chapter 54 of the General Laws”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-272

GOV 272

MassCap Anti Poverty Amendment

Messrs. Mark and Keenan, Ms. Howard, Messrs. Cronin, Gómez, Lewis and Collins, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Moore, Payano, Fernandes, Montigny and O'Connor 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: FY2027-S4-273

GOV 273

Violent Act Injury

Messrs. Montigny and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting the following sections:-

"SECTION X. Section 1 of chapter 32 of the General Laws, as most recently amended by section 21 of chapter 73 of the acts of 2025, is hereby amended by striking out the definition of “Violent act injury” and inserting in place thereof the following definition:-

“Violent act injury”, a catastrophic or life-threatening bodily injury that results in permanent bodily or psychological injury sustained as a direct and proximate result of a violent attack upon a person by means of a dangerous weapon, which is used in a manner intended to cause serious injury or death, including, but not limited to, a firearm, knife, automobile or explosive device.

SECTION XX. Chapter 149 of the act of 2024, as most recently amended by sections 21 through 23 of chapter 73 of the acts of 2025, is hereby effective as of July 1, 2023.".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-274

GOV 274

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity

Mr. Mark 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 for the Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity in the City of Pittsfield for their Prosperity Way affordable housing development"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-275

GOV 275

Heart and Soil Collective

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 $25,000 shall be expended for the Heart and Soil Collective in the Town of Lanesborough for the purpose of providing free, fresh produce and soup to seniors and families in need"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-276

GOV 276

LGBTQIA+ Museum

Mr. 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 $100,000 shall be extended to Boston LGBTQIA+ Museum for an artist support program”; and by striking out the figure “$27,448,072” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$27,548,072”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-277

GOV 277

Fresh Paint

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 $25,000 shall be expended for the Common Wealth Mural Collaborative, Inc. to support the Fresh Paint Springfield mural festival in the city of Springfield" and by striking the figure "$27,448,072" and inserting in place thereof the following figure "$27,473,072".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-279

GOV 279

Triennial Pension Funding Schedule Correction

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking SECTION 17 in its entirety.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-280

GOV 280

Race Horse Development Fund Correction

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking SECTION 8 from the bill in its entirety.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-281

GOV 281

Excess Capital Gains Distribution

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking SECTION 53 in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:-

"SECTION 53. SECTION 53. (a) Notwithstanding section 5G of chapter 29 of the General Laws, the excess capital gains threshold for fiscal year 2027 shall be $2,250,000,000.

(b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for fiscal year 2027, 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) 5 per cent to the State

Retiree Benefits Trust Fund established in section 24 of chapter 32A of the General Laws; (ii) 85 per cent to the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund established in section 2H of chapter 29 of the General Laws; (iii) 5 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; and (iv) 5 per cent to the Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund established in section 2HHHHHH of said chapter 29"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-282

GOV 282

Office of the Veteran Advocate

Messrs. Fattman and Collins, Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. Brady, Montigny, O'Connor, Cronin and Driscoll 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:- “$2,040,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-283

GOV 283

Verification for Entitlement Programs

Messrs. Fattman and Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X 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: FY2027-S4-284

GOV 284

Workforce Investment Trust Fund and Economic Development Trust Fund Reforms Correction

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking SECTION 9 in its entirety.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-285

GOV 285

Massachusetts Office on Disability

Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Payano and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1107-2400, by striking out the figure “$1,465,805” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,495,719”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-288-R1

Redraft GOV 288

Community Mitigation Support

Messrs. DiDomenico, Keenan, Eldridge, Fernandes and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by striking the figure:- “35” in section 52, in line 869 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “33”; and by striking out the figure “3” in line 878 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “5”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-288

GOV 288

Community Mitigation Support

Messrs. DiDomenico, Keenan and Gómez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by striking the figure:- “35” in section 52, in line 869 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “34”; and by striking out the figure “3” in line 878 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “4”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-290

GOV 290

Report on Mail Voting Costs

Ms. Rausch and Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0521-0000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not later than December 31, 2026, the secretary of the commonwealth shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on election laws, the joint committee on state administration and regulatory oversight and the clerks of the house and senate detailing the total costs incurred during calendar years 2022, 2024 and 2026 to issue mail voting postcards, send mail ballots to local election officials for distribution and use a second envelope for mail ballots".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-293

GOV 293

Report on Early Voting

Ms. Rausch and Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0521-0002, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not later than December 31, 2026, the secretary of the commonwealth shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on election laws, the joint committee on state administration and regulatory oversight and the clerks of the house and senate detailing the early voting rates during calendar years 2022, 2024 and 2026".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-294

GOV 294

Scam Awareness Campaign

Ms. Rausch, Mr. Collins, Ms. Howard and Messrs. Fernandes, Driscoll and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0000, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that office shall, in consultation with the executive office of aging and independence, conduct a public awareness campaign regarding online and text-based scams".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-298

GOV 298

Mass Save Corrective Action Plan Requirement

Mrs. Dooner and Mr. Montigny 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, the department of energy resources, in coordination with the program administrators of the Mass Save energy efficiency program, shall develop and submit a comprehensive corrective action plan addressing the findings and recommendations issued by the office of the state auditor concerning the Mass Save program.

Said plan shall include, but not be limited to: (i) a detailed response to each finding and recommendation; (ii) a timeline for implementation of corrective actions; and (iii) any proposed administrative or legislative changes necessary to improve program transparency, cost-effectiveness, and oversight.

The department shall submit said plan to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy not later than 90 days after the effective date of this act."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-299-R1

Redraft GOV 299

Rehoboth – Public Records Preservation

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-0026, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended to the town of Rehoboth for the preservation and binding of historical municipal records, including the use of outside archival services”; and by striking out the figure “$10,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,015,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-299

GOV 299

Rehoboth – Public Records Preservation

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-0026, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to the town of Rehoboth for the preservation and binding of historical municipal records, including the use of outside archival services”; and by striking out the figure “$914,130” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$944,130”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-300

GOV 300

Office of Leave Planning Management

Mr. Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1750-0100, by inserting after the word "days" the following phrase:- “provided that the Office of Leave Planning Management shall employee not less than 35 employees, and further amend the bill in the same line item by striking the figure “$17,546,607” and inserting the figure “$17,904,701".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-301

GOV 301

Reallocation of Legal Services Funding

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0124, by striking out item 4003-0124 in its entirety.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-303

GOV 303

Carver – Veterans Shuttle Bus

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by inserting the following:-

“; provided further, that not less than $85,000 shall be expended to the town of Carver for a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus for veterans transportation”;

and by striking out the figure “$2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,085,000”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-303-R1

Redraft GOV 303

Carver – Veterans Shuttle Bus

Mrs. Dooner 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 $45,000 shall be expended to the town of Carver for a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus for veterans’ transportation”; and by striking out the figure “$9,482,339” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,527,339”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-304

GOV 304

Sports Wagering License Fee Adjustment

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

"SECTION __. Section 6(f) of chapter 23N of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the figure “$5,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,000,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-305

GOV 305

Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center

Mr. Velis and Ms. Lovely 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 Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center of Massachusetts, Inc. in Springfield for the administration of veteran services"; and in said item by striking out the figures "$9,482,239" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$9,582,239".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-306

GOV 306

COVID-19 Essential Employee Retirement Credit

Mrs. Dooner and Messrs. O'Connor and Fattman 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 unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

“COVID-19 essential employee retirement credit bonus” or “COVID-19 credit”, an amount of credit equivalent to the duration of the governor’s COVID-19 state of emergency from March 10, 2020 to June 15, 2021, inclusive, to be added to an employee’s age or years of service or a combination thereof, for the purpose of calculating a retirement benefit pursuant to chapter 32 of the General Laws.

“Essential employee”, all state, county and municipal public health and safety officials, including, but not limited to, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, emergency dispatchers, court officers, corrections officers and public health officials who provided direct patient care, emergency response, or supervision and were required to work in person during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

(b) The secretary of administration and finance shall identify all essential employees of the commonwealth who, during the period covered by the governor’s state of emergency declared on March 10, 2020 until June 15, 2021, inclusive, were: (i) required to work at their respective worksite or any other worksite outside of their personal residence; and (ii) public-facing.

(c) The secretary shall work with the appropriate heads of departments of the commonwealth to identify and provide a list of essential employees and their home mailing addresses to the state retirement board documenting the employees’ eligibility for the COVID-19 essential employee retirement credit bonus. Upon identification of eligible essential employees, such employees shall be credited with a COVID-19 credit as defined in subsection (a). The state retirement board shall notify each eligible essential employee in writing of their receipt of the credit.

(d) A municipality, district or authority may elect to adopt the COVID-19 essential employee retirement credit established in this section. This section shall take effect in a municipality upon its acceptance in the following manner: in a city, by vote of the city council in accordance with its charter; in a town, whether it maintains its own contributory retirement system or participates in a county or regional retirement system, by vote of town meeting; in a district, by vote of the district meeting; and, in the case of an authority, by vote of its governing body. For the purposes of this section, the state employees’ retirement system shall be deemed to have accepted the provisions of this section.

(e) Upon local acceptance of this section, the chief executive officer of a municipality shall identify all essential employees eligible for the COVID-19 credit pursuant to subsection (a). Upon identification of eligible essential employees, such employees shall be credited with a COVID-19 credit as defined in subsection (a). The retirement board of which the municipality’s employees are members shall notify each eligible employee in writing of their receipt of the credit.

(f) The chief executive officer for a quasi-public agency whose retirement board established under chapter 32 has accepted the COVID-19 credit pursuant to subsection (d) shall work with the agency’s director of human resources to identify employees eligible for the COVID-19 credit pursuant to subsection (a). Upon identification of eligible employees, such employees shall be credited with a COVID-19 credit as defined in subsection (a). The retirement board of which the agency’s employees are members shall notify each eligible employee in writing of their receipt of the credit."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-307

GOV 307

Vietnam Veterans of America

Mr. Velis 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 in said item by striking out the figures "$9,482,239" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$9,582,239".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-307-R1

Redraft GOV 307

Vietnam Veterans of America

Messrs. Velis and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely 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 "$9,482,239" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$9,557,239".