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October 05, 2024 Clouds | 67°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

FY 2021 Budget FY 2021 Final Budget

About this step

The Governor has 10 days to review the budget and take action to either approve or veto the budget. The Governor may approve or veto the entire budget, veto or reduce specific line items, veto outside sections or submit changes as an amendment to the budget for further consideration by the Legislature.

Following any legislative overrides to the Governor's actions, the budget is finalized and is commonly referred to as the "General Appropriations Act" for the upcoming fiscal year.

Final Budget

AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMONWEALTH, FOR INTEREST, SINKING FUND AND SERIAL BOND REQUIREMENTS AND FOR CERTAIN PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS

 

Whereas, The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to forthwith make appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, and to make certain changes in law, each of which is immediately necessary or appropriate to effectuate said appropriations or for other important public purposes, therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  To provide for the operations of the several departments, boards, commissions and institutions of the commonwealth and other services of the commonwealth and for certain permanent improvements and to meet certain requirements of law, the sums set forth in this act, for the several purposes and subject to the conditions specified, are hereby appropriated from the General Fund unless specifically designated otherwise, subject to the laws regulating the disbursement of public funds and the approval thereof for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. All sums appropriated under this act, including supplemental and deficiency budgets, shall be expended in a manner reflecting and encouraging a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for members of minority groups, women and persons with a disability. All officials and employees of an agency, board, department, commission or division receiving funds under this act shall take affirmative steps to ensure equality of opportunity in the internal affairs of state government and in their relations with the public, including those persons and organizations doing business with the commonwealth. Each agency, board, department, commission and division of the commonwealth, in spending appropriated sums and discharging its statutory responsibilities, shall adopt measures to ensure equal opportunity in the areas of hiring, promotion, demotion or transfer, recruitment, layoff or termination, rates of compensation, in-service or apprenticeship training programs and all other terms and conditions of employment.

SECTION 1A.  In accordance with Articles LXIII and CVII of the Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth and section 6D of chapter 29 of the General Laws, it is hereby declared that the amounts of revenue set forth in this section, by source, for the respective funds of the commonwealth for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 are necessary and sufficient to provide the means to defray the appropriations and expenditures from such funds for fiscal year 2021 as set forth and authorized in this act. The comptroller shall keep a distinct account of actual receipts from each such source by each such fund to furnish the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means with quarterly statements comparing those receipts with the projected receipts set forth in this section and shall include a full statement comparing the actual and projected receipts in the annual report for fiscal year 2021 pursuant to section 12 of chapter 7A of the General Laws. The quarterly and annual reports shall also include detailed statements of any other sources of revenue for the budgeted funds in addition to those specified in this section.

 

SECTION 2.

 

JUDICIARY.

 

Supreme Judicial Court.

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0320-0003   For the operation of the supreme judicial court, including the salaries of the chief justice and the 6 associate justices $10,138,042

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0320-0010   For the operation of the clerk’s office of the supreme judicial court for Suffolk county............................... $1,975,405

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0321-0001   For the operation of the commission on judicial conduct.. $999,196

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0321-0100   For the services of the board of bar examiners......... $1,853,730

Committee for Public Counsel Services.

0321-1500   For the operation of the committee for public counsel services under chapter 211D of the General Laws including, but not limited to, payroll costs of the committee’s public defenders, attorneys in charge and appeals attorneys, including fringe benefit costs; provided, that the committee shall maintain a system in which not less than 20 per cent of indigent clients shall be represented by public defenders; provided further, that to the extent feasible, the committee shall assign public defenders to district and superior courts; provided further, that the committee shall approve by majority vote any increase in the base salary or rate of compensation for employees holding management positions, including, but not limited to, chiefs, deputy chiefs, directors, assistant directors and managers; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, the committee shall submit a report to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means including, but not limited to, the expected surplus or deficiency of items 0321-1500, 0321-1510 and 0321-1520 for fiscal year 2021; provided further, that not later than December 30, 2020 and March 1, 2021, the committee shall submit reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means in a cumulative manner and compared with data from the current period to the previous 3 fiscal years; and provided further, that said reports shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the caseload of attorneys in charge compared to the caseload of public defenders; (ii) the number of cases handled by the committee in each month, delineated by public defender and private bar advocate; (iii) the average number of hours spent per case by public defenders; (iv) the number of public defenders currently employed by the committee and the total number employed by the committee at the end of each fiscal year, delineated by division; (v) the number of public defender vacancies to be filled; (vi) the average cost for public defender services rendered per case in the prior fiscal year; (vii) the number of cases assigned to private bar advocates; (viii) the average number of hours billed by private bar advocates; (ix) the average cost for private bar advocate services rendered per case in the prior fiscal year; (x) the billable hours of private counsel, delineated by travel time and time spent in court, including wait time and trial preparation time, including interview time, investigating time and research time; (xi) any changes to the private bar billing system and any billing improvements that have been made; (xii) the total number of support staff, investigators, attorneys in charge and management personnel currently employed by the committee and the total number employed by the committee at the end of each fiscal year for the previous 3 fiscal years; (xiii) a summary of all spending for psychologists, psychiatrists and investigators including the total number of hours billed, the number of unique vendors and the average number of hours billed; (xiv) the staffing efficiencies that have been achieved; and (xv) the total savings associated with the 20 per cent public defender representation mandate compared to the previous 25 per cent public defender representation mandate................................ $70,647,321

 

0321-1510   For compensation paid to private counsel assigned to criminal and civil cases under subsection (b) of section 6 of chapter 211D of the General Laws, under section 11 of said chapter 211D; provided, that not more than $2,000,000 from this item shall be expended for services rendered prior to fiscal year 2021...... $161,369,013

 

0321-1520   For fees and costs as defined under section 27A of chapter 261 of the General Laws, as ordered by a justice of the appeals court or a justice of a department of the trial court on behalf of persons who are indigent, as defined under said section 27A of said chapter 261; provided, that not more than $1,000,000 from this item shall be expended for services rendered prior to fiscal year 2021 $24,162,707

 

Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation.

 

0321-1600   For the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation to provide legal representation for indigent or otherwise disadvantaged residents of the commonwealth; provided, that not later than February 1, 2021, the corporation shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means using the most recent Census Bureau population data available that shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the number of persons assisted by the programs funded by the corporation in the prior fiscal year; (ii) any proposed expansion of legal services, delineated by type of service, target population and cost; and (iii) the total number of indigent or otherwise disadvantaged residents who received services from the corporation, delineated by type of case and geographic location; provided further, that the corporation may contract with any organization to provide representation; and provided further, that notwithstanding the first paragraph of section 9 of chapter 221A of the General Laws, funds shall be expended for the Disability Benefits Project, the Medicare Advocacy Project and the Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project............................................... $29,000,000

 

Mental Health Legal Advisors.

 

0321-2000   For the operation of the mental health legal advisors committee and for certain programs for the indigent mentally ill established under section 34E of chapter 221 of the General Laws... $2,085,321

 

Prisoners’ Legal Services.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0321-2100   For the expenses of Prisoners’ Legal Services.......... $2,208,332

 

Social Law Library.

 

0321-2205   For the expenses of the social law library located in Suffolk county................................................. $2,344,147

 

Appeals Court.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0322-0100   For the appeals court, including the salaries, traveling allowances and expenses of the chief justice, recall justices and associate justices.................................... $13,881,671

 

Trial Court.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0330-0101   For the salaries of the justices of the 7 departments of the trial court................................................. $76,194,054

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0330-0300   For the central administration of the trial court, including costs associated with trial court non-employee services, dental and vision health plan agreements for employees who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, jury expenses, law libraries, statewide telecommunications, private and municipal court rentals and leases, operation of courthouse facilities, rental of county court facilities, witness fees, printing expenses, equipment maintenance and repairs, the court interpreter program, insurance and chargeback costs, the Massachusetts sentencing commission, court security and judicial training; provided, that 50 per cent of all fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure shall be paid from this item; provided further, that funds may be expended for training on domestic violence issues, the establishment of a domestic violence registry, evaluations of batterers’ intervention programs and the risk assessment tool for domestic violence offenders under chapter 260 of the acts of 2014; provided further, that not less than $378,000 shall be expended for the Race and Bias Initiative to expand the trial court’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Experience and provide additional diversity training for all court employees; provided further, that in planning and implementing the policies of the Race and Bias Initiative, the trial court’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Experience shall solicit feedback from community stakeholders in order to identify any structural, organizational or cultural barriers to ensure equity in the justice system for people of racial, linguistic, cultural or sexual minorities, and recommend methods to remove those barriers to guarantee provision of competent representation and inclusive practices in every courtroom in the commonwealth; provided further, that not less than $1,500,000 shall be expended to maintain the fiscal year 2020 rate increases for juvenile court investigators; provided further, that funds may be expended to provide information and assistance to self-represented litigants; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for programs providing direct legal assistance in the area of tenants' rights sponsored by the University of Massachusetts school of law; provided further, that the trial court shall submit quarterly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means on revenues collected in the trial court; provided further, that each report shall provide for the previous quarter for each court division and courthouse: (i) the total amount ordered in fees and fines; (ii) the total amount dismissed in fees and fines; (iii) the total amount paid in fees and fines; and (iv) the total amount outstanding in fees and fines; provided further, that the court administrator shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than February 3, 2021 detailing the number of court officers, per diem court officers and security personnel located in each trial court of the commonwealth; provided further, that notwithstanding section 9A of chapter 30 of the General Laws, or any other general or special law to the contrary, the rights afforded to a veteran, under said section 9A of said chapter 30, shall also be afforded to any such veteran who holds a trial court office or position in the service of the commonwealth not classified under chapter 31 of the General Laws, other than an elective office, an appointive office for a fixed term, or an office or position under section 7 of said chapter 30 and who has: (a) held the office or position for not less than 1 year; and (b) 30 years of total creditable service to the commonwealth, as defined under chapter 32 of the General Laws; provided further, that the trial court shall submit a report to the victim and witness assistance board detailing the amount of assessments imposed within each court by a justice or clerk-magistrate during the previous calendar year under section 8 of chapter 258B of the General Laws; provided further, that the report shall include, but not be limited to, the number of cases in which the assessment was reduced or waived by a judge or clerk-magistrate within the courts; provided further, that the report shall be submitted to the victim and witness assistance board not later than January 8, 2021; and provided further, that not less than 15 days prior to the transfer of funds between items within the trial court, the court administrator shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) the amount of money transferred from any item of appropriation; (2) the line item number of the appropriation making the transfer; (3) the line item number of the appropriation receiving the transfer; and (4) the reason for the necessity of the transfer........................ $269,120,148

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0330-0344   For the continued administration and transportation costs associated with a veterans court program and study first established under section 33 of chapter 62 of the acts of 2014 $220,115

 

0330-0410   For the implementation of alternative dispute resolution programming............................................ $1,082,273

0330-0441   For permanency mediation services in the probate and juvenile courts................................................... $500,000

 

0330-0500   For the use of video teleconferencing for court appearances by persons in the custody of the houses of correction....... $247,500

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0330-0599   For a probation program that administers high-intensity supervision to promote successful probation outcomes and reduce recidivism; provided, that the office of the commissioner of probation may partner with the same external research organization in fiscal year 2021 as selected in fiscal year 2020 to monitor program fidelity and design, to implement the model and to collect and analyze the outcome evaluation; provided further, that said program shall be conducted at both a district and a superior court; provided further, that the trial court shall maintain this probation program in the 10 court locations currently in operation; and provided further, that not later than March 15, 2021, the office of the commissioner of probation shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to, any relevant data on participants and outcomes.............................. $1,474,160

 

0330-0601   For the operation of the specialty courts; provided, that no funds shall be transferred from this item to any other item in the trial court; and provided further, that not later than April 9, 2021, the trial court shall, in coordination with partner departments and agencies, submit reports on interdepartmental service agreements made with said partner departments and agencies to the court administrator and the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the amount of funding transferred to each specific agency or department for use in specialty courts; (ii) the specific intent of that transfer in relation to specialty court operations; (iii) any additional services implemented by way of the transfer; and (iv) the amount of unspent funds from the transfer at the time of reporting.............................................. $6,485,245

 

0330-0612   For the administration of the sequential intercept model to serve individuals with mental health and substance use disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system; provided, that the trial court shall continue to fund a project coordinator to oversee coordination and administration and to provide financial oversight of the sequential intercept model; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the project coordinator shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to, the: (i) design of the sequential intercept model mappings; (ii) locations of workshops held to advocate for the model; (iii) number of cases in which the model has been utilized; (iv) impact of the model on rehabilitation and recidivism; and (v) cost savings associated with the model........................................... $182,649

 

0330-0613   For the implementation of the recommendations set forth by the Council of State Governments Justice Center-Massachusetts Criminal Justice Review including, but not limited to, the establishment of new programs and expansion of existing programs targeted at recidivism reduction; provided, that the trial court shall transfer funds to other agencies and departments of the commonwealth as outlined in this item; provided further, that not less than 15 days before any such transfer is made from this item to other state agencies and departments, the trial court administrator shall notify the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that if no agency or department is specifically designated to receive this funding, the trial court administrator shall distribute funding based on the recommendations of the Council of State Governments Justice Center-Massachusetts Criminal Justice Review; provided further, that not later than June 1, 2021, each agency receiving funding from this item shall submit a report to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing, as applicable, participation, completion and recidivism rates delineated by gender; provided further, that the department of correction shall expend not less than $637,500 to expand recidivism reduction programming; provided further, that not less than $345,000 shall be expended to establish program expansion grants administered by the executive office of public safety and security to support the expansion of evidence-based cognitive behavioral programs in county houses of correction and jails; provided further, that the secretary of public safety and security shall award grants on a competitive basis and applicants shall provide a plan for ensuring that proposed programs shall be implemented with fidelity to a research-based or evidence-based program design or, if there is no existing research supporting the proposed program, applicants shall describe in detail how the program will be evaluated with sufficient rigor to add to existing research; provided further, that not less than $130,000 shall be expended to develop and implement a program to improve collaboration between the department of correction and the parole board to reduce delays in the release of paroled inmates; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department of correction and the parole board shall submit a joint report to the executive office for administration and finance, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on the judiciary detailing the: (i) implementation process; (ii) number of inmates who experienced delayed release in fiscal year 2021 compared to prior fiscal years; and (iii) average length of delays in fiscal year 2021 compared to prior fiscal years; provided further, that not less than $130,000 shall be expended to evaluate the caseload of parole and probation officers, hire new officers accordingly and expand programs and services at community corrections centers; provided further, that not less than $1,200,000 shall be expended for a transitional youth early intervention probation pilot program to be administered by the commissioner of probation; provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended to improve case management and data tracking capacity in the office of the commissioner of probation; and provided further, that not less than $4,075,000 shall be expended in conjunction with the executive office of health and human services to develop and implement a behavioral health strategy, including statewide capacity to track the utilization of behavioral health care services and behavioral health outcomes for persons in the criminal justice system within the Medicaid management information system.......................... $6,562,500

 

Superior Court Department.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0331-0100   For the operation of the superior court department; provided, that funds shall be expended for medical malpractice tribunals under section 60B of chapter 231 of the General Laws; and provided further, that the clerk of the court shall be responsible for the internal administration of the clerk’s office, including personnel, staff services and record keeping.......... $35,317,910

 

District Court Department.

 

0332-0100   For the operation of the district court department, including a civil conciliation program; provided, that notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the district court of Chelsea shall be the permanent location for the northern trial session to handle 6-person jury cases; and provided further, that all personnel within said district court whose duties related to said northern trial session shall report to the clerk-magistrate of said district court............... $77,540,004

 

Probate and Family Court Department.

 

0333-0002   For the operation of the probate and family court department; provided, that not less than $848,014 shall be expended to continue the case management triage plan....................... $35,466,829

 

Land Court Department.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0334-0001   For the operation of the land court department......... $4,496,087

 

Boston Municipal Court Department.

 

0335-0001   For the operation of the Boston municipal court department $14,687,359

 

Housing Court Department.

 

0336-0002   For the operation of the housing court department; provided, that funds shall be expended on court interpreter services. $11,846,938

 

Juvenile Court Department.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0337-0002   For the operation of the juvenile court department; provided, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended on the Worcester county court-appointed special advocates program; provided further, that not less than $112,000 shall be expended on the Franklin and Hampshire county court-appointed special advocates program; provided further, that not less than $175,989 shall be expended on the Hampden county court-appointed special advocates program; provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended on the Essex county court-appointed special advocates program; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended on the Boston court-appointed special advocates program; and provided further, that not less than $53,995 shall be expended on the Berkshire county court-appointed special advocates program $20,915,217

 

Office of the Commissioner of Probation.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0339-1001   For the office of the commissioner of probation; provided, that the office shall enter into an interagency service agreement with the department of revenue to verify income data and to use the department’s wage reporting and bank match system for weekly tape-matching to determine an individual’s eligibility for appointment of indigent counsel, under chapter 211D of the General Laws; provided further, that not less than $479,167 shall be expended for DNA testing; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended for expanded drug testing capacity; provided further, that not less than $222,000 shall be expended for increased sealing and expungement capacity; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for a caseload management software system for the juvenile and probate and family courts; provided further, that not less than $641,000 shall be expended for a pre-trial services unit; provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended for increased electronic monitoring capacity; provided further, that not less than $374,667 shall be expended for a probate and family court workload reduction project; provided further, that not less than $160,000 shall be expended for the purchase of bulletproof vests for probation officers; provided further, that funds may be expended for increased lab-based testing, oral toxicology tests and new urine tests to detect additional substances; provided further, that funds shall be used for the ongoing development and implementation of the validated risk assessment tool to inform pre-adjudication decision-making with regard to detention, release on personal recognizance or release under conditions of criminal defendants before the adult trial court; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, the office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the status of the validated risk assessment tool; (ii) efforts to implement the risk assessment tool; (iii) further goals to expand the use of the risk assessment tool; and (iv) the outcomes associated with utilization of the risk assessment tool; and provided further, that funds from this item shall be expended for the costs associated with the full implementation of chapter 303 of the acts of 2006 and chapter 418 of the acts of 2006 to ensure effective supervision of probationers who are monitored through global positioning system bracelets $164,521,637

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0339-1003   For the office of community corrections and performance-based contracts for the operation of community corrections centers; provided, that not later than March 1, 2021, the office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the performance standards used to evaluate community corrections centers; (ii) a description of how each community corrections center compares based on performance and utilization data; (iii) the amount of each contract awarded to community corrections centers on a per client-day basis; (iv) the standards for terminating contracts with underperforming community corrections centers; and (v) plans for increasing the use of community corrections centers by the courts, the department of correction and the county sheriffs’ offices; provided further, that the executive director may make funds from this item available for rehabilitative pilot programs that incorporate evidence-based corrections practices; and provided further, that the office may provide re-entry services programs, which shall not operate as intermediate sanctions programs as defined under section 1 of chapter 211F of the General Laws, to any person released from incarceration including, but not limited to, any probationer or parolee............................................... $25,889,514

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0339-1005   For a competitive grant program to be administered by the office of the commissioner of probation for cities and towns, acting either individually or in concert, to pilot or expand multidisciplinary approaches to divert juveniles and young adults from the juvenile and criminal justice systems prior to arrest or arraignment through coordinated programs for prevention and intervention serving youths and their families, including, but not limited to: (i) connecting youths to mental health services; (ii) providing youth development activities and mentoring; (iii) promoting school safety, family home visits, juvenile diversion programs and restorative justice and mediation programs; and (iv) providing assistance for families and schools to navigate the legal system; provided, that eligible applicants may partner with nonprofit organizations to provide programs and services; provided further, that the office shall give preference to applications that: (a) clearly outline a comprehensive plan for municipalities to collaborate with law enforcement, schools, community-based organizations and government agencies to address juvenile delinquency and young adult crime; (b) include written commitments of municipalities, law enforcement agencies, schools, community-based organizations and government agencies to collaborate; (c) make a written commitment to match grant funds with a 25 per cent matching grant provided by either municipal or private contributions; and (d) identify a local governmental unit to serve as the fiscal agent for the proposed programs and services; provided further, that administrative costs for approved grant applications shall not exceed 5 per cent of the value of the grant; and provided further, that not later than March 15, 2021, the office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the number of grant applications received; (2) the number of grants approved; (3) the amount of funds issued to each grantee; and (4) details regarding each grantee, including geographic location, services offered, organizations with which the grantee collaborated, matching funds provided and the number of juveniles and young adults served.................................. $500,000

 

0339-1011   For a grant program to be administered by the office of the commissioner of probation for community based residential re-entry programs to reduce recidivism by providing transitional housing, workforce development and case management to individuals returning to the community from county correctional facilities and state prisons, including inmates of state prisons and county correctional facilities approved under sections 49 and 86F of chapter 127 of the General Laws and individuals on parole or on probation; provided, that no funds shall be transferred from this item to any other item in the trial court; provided further, that said programs shall provide supervision and accountability as needed; provided further, that the funds shall be awarded through a competitive process to qualified nonprofit organizations with a documented history of providing comprehensive, evidence-based community residential re-entry services; provided further, that applicants shall provide a plan for ensuring that proposed programs shall be implemented with fidelity to a research-based or evidence-based program design; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be spent on women and elderly citizens returning from incarceration; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department of probation shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the outcomes and recidivism rates of the participants, prior appropriation continued................................ $6,520,000

 

General Fund....................... 69.02%

Marijuana Regulation Fund.......... 30.98%

 

Office of the Jury Commissioner.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0339-2100   For the office of the jury commissioner under chapter 234A of the General Laws........................................... $3,138,517

 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.

 

Suffolk District Attorney.

 

0340-0100   For the Suffolk district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program, the domestic violence unit and the children’s advocacy center; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500... $24,030,109

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0198   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Suffolk district attorney’s office....................... $390,923

 

Middlesex District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0200   For the Middlesex district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program and the domestic violence unit; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500.................................. $20,357,990

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0298   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Middlesex district attorney’s office..................... $579,256

 

Eastern District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0300   For the Eastern district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program and the domestic violence unit; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500.................................. $12,182,058

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0398   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Eastern district attorney’s office....................... $556,480

 

Worcester District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0400   For the Worcester district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program and the domestic violence unit; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500.................................. $13,295,586

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0498   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Worcester district attorney’s office..................... $463,754

 

Hampden District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0500   For the Hampden district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program and the domestic violence unit; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500.................................. $13,570,326

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0598   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Hampden district attorney’s office....................... $381,209

 

Northwestern District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0600   For the Northwestern district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program, the domestic violence unit and the anti-crime task force; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500; and provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the office of the Northwestern district attorney for partnerships with local community, substance use prevention and child advocacy organizations with increased needs caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus................................. $8,477,424

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0698   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Northwestern district attorney’s office.................. $330,008

 

Norfolk District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0700   For the Norfolk district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program and the domestic violence unit; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500.................................. $12,139,064

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0798   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Norfolk district attorney’s office....................... $479,239

 

Plymouth District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0800   For the Plymouth district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program and the domestic violence unit; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500.................................. $10,767,518

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0898   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Plymouth district attorney’s office...................... $481,860

 

Bristol District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0900   For the Bristol district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program and the domestic violence unit; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500.................................. $11,759,094

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-0998   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Bristol district attorney’s office....................... $564,958

 

Cape and Islands District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
340-1000   For the Cape and Islands district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program and the domestic violence unit; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500............. $5,374,615

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-1098   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Cape and Islands district attorney’s office.............. $312,609

 

Berkshire District Attorney.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-1100   For the Berkshire district attorney’s office, including the victim and witness assistance program, the child abuse and sexual assault prosecution program, the drug task force, the domestic violence unit and the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force; provided, that 50 per cent of fees payable under rules 15(d) and 30(c)(8) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure for appeals taken by the office shall be paid from this item; and provided further, that no assistant district attorney shall be paid an annual salary of less than $62,500............. $5,043,524

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-1198   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the Berkshire district attorney’s office..................... $254,837

 

MASSACHUSETTS DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION.

 

0340-0203   For the implementation and administration of drug diversion programs for nonviolent young adult drug offenders; provided, that individuals using heroin or other opiate derivatives who are arrested for nonviolent crimes shall be eligible for said programs; provided further, that individuals charged with violent crimes shall not be eligible for participation in a drug diversion program; provided further, that a district attorney’s office may contract with any organization for the purpose of administering a drug diversion program or an education program; provided further, that such programs shall be designed in consultation with the department of public health; provided further, that eligible drug diversion programs shall offer pre- or post-arraignment programs for non-violent drug offenders to provide candidates the opportunity to receive comprehensive substance use treatment services in lieu of prosecution through the traditional court process; provided further, that treatment plans may include, but shall not be limited to, inpatient, outpatient and step-down recovery services; provided further, that diversion program candidates without insurance coverage for such services shall not be denied access to the program based on the inability to pay; provided further, that not less than 60 days prior to the distribution of funds, the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) the amount to be given to each district attorney’s office; (ii) the reasoning behind the distribution; and (iii) the administration and cost of the program; and provided further, that no funds from this item shall be expended on the administrative costs of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association........................... $499,950

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0340-2100   For the operation of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association, including the implementation and related expenses of the district attorneys’ offices automation, case management and tracking system; provided, that expenses associated with the system may be charged directly to this item; provided further, that the association shall work in conjunction with the disabled persons protection commission and the 11 district attorneys' offices to prepare a report that shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the number of abuse cases that are referred to each district attorney’s office for further investigation; (ii) the number of those referrals resulting in the filing of criminal charges, delineated by type of charge; (iii) the number of cases referred to each district attorney's office that remain open as of the date for submission of the report; and (iv) the number of cases that resulted in a criminal prosecution and the disposition of each such prosecution; provided further, that not later than March 15, 2021, said report shall be submitted to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the association shall work in conjunction with the 11 district attorneys’ offices to prepare and submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate; provided further, that the association shall provide said offices with an agreed-upon template for the report to be filled out; provided further, that said offices shall submit said report in a standard electronic format; provided further, that said template shall include, delineated by charge type: (a) the number of criminal cases initiated by arraignment in each department of the trial court; (b) the number of criminal cases disposed of in each department of the trial court; (c) the number of cases appealed to the appeals courts, the supreme judicial court, a single justice of the appeals court or supreme judicial court or any other appeals; (d) the number of cases reviewed but not charged; and (e) the number of cases under active management where the case includes charges for drug offenses under chapter 94C of the General Laws, motor vehicle charges under chapter 90 of the General Laws or firearm offenses under chapter 140 of the General Laws; and provided further, that each district attorney shall notify the house and senate committees on ways and means at least 30 days before transferring any funds from the AA object class of each district attorney’s administrative line item and means of its intention to make that transfer........................ $2,288,168

 

0340-2117   For the retention of assistant district attorneys with not less than 3 years of experience; provided, that the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association shall transfer funds to the AA object class in each of the 11 district attorneys’ offices; provided further, that the association shall develop a formula for the distribution of said funds; provided further, that funds distributed from this item to the district attorneys’ offices shall be used for retention purposes and shall not be transferred out of the AA object class; provided further, that not more than $100,000 shall be distributed to any 1 district attorney’s office for such purpose; provided further, that not less than 60 days prior to the distribution of funds, the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) the methodology used to determine the amount to be disbursed; (ii) the amount to be given to each district attorney’s office; (iii) the reason behind the distribution; and (iv) the number of assistant district attorneys from each office who would receive funds from this item; and provided further, that no funds from this item shall be expended for the administrative costs of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association........................... $750,000

 

0340-8908   For the costs associated with maintaining the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association’s wide area network..... $1,795,282

 

EXECUTIVE.

 

0411-1000.. For the offices of the governor, the lieutenant governor and the governor’s council; provided, that the amount appropriated in this item may be used at the discretion of the governor for the payment of extraordinary expenses not otherwise provided for and for transfers to appropriation accounts where the amounts otherwise available may be insufficient; provided further, that funds may be expended for the governor’s commission on intellectual disability; provided further, that funds may be expended for the governor’s development coordinating council; and provided further, that the advisory council on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, under section 379 of chapter 194 of the acts of 1998, shall continue during fiscal year 2021................. $5,751,345

 

SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH.

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0511-0000..
For the operation of the office of the secretary of the commonwealth; provided, that the secretary may transfer funds between items 0540-0900, 0540-1000, 0540-1100, 0540-1200, 0540-1300, 0540-1400, 0540-1500, 0540-1600, 0540-1700, 0540-1800, 0540-1900, 0540-2000 and 0540-2100 under an allocation schedule which shall be filed with the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days before the transfer; and provided further, that each register of deeds using electronic record books shall ensure that all methods of electronically recording instruments conform to the regulations or standards established by the secretary of the commonwealth and the records conservation board.................................................. $6,739,289

 

0511-0001.. For the secretary of the commonwealth, who may expend retained revenues not to exceed $15,000 from the sale of merchandise at the state house gift shop to restock gift shop inventory.. $15,000

 

0511-0002.. For the operation of the corporations division; provided, that the division shall implement a corporate dissolution program; and provided further, that not later than August 15, 2021, the secretary shall file biannual reports with the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the total number of reports filed as a result of this program and the amount of revenue generated for the commonwealth........................... $352,868

 

0511-0200.. For the operation of the archives division; provided, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for preservation matching grants for municipalities and nonprofit organizations to preserve veterans monuments, memorials and other significant sites and historic documents; and provided further, that the program shall be administered by the state historic records advisory board $670,213

 

0511-0230.. For the operation of the records center................... $35,469

 

0511-0250.. For the operation of the archives facility............... $298,581

 

0511-0260.. For the operation of the commonwealth museum............. $233,350

 

0511-0270.. For the secretary of the commonwealth, who shall contract with the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute to provide the commonwealth with technical assistance on United States census data and to prepare annual population estimates; provided, that the contract shall be for not less than $325,000; and provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the local election districts review commission to assist local officials in the reprecincting process................. $1,250,000

 

0511-0420.. For the operation of the address confidentiality program. $136,971

 

0517-0000.. For the printing of public documents..................... $510,639

 

0521-0000.. For the operation of the elections division, including preparation, printing and distribution of ballots and for other miscellaneous expenses for primary and other elections; provided, that the secretary of the commonwealth may award grants for voter registration and education; and provided further, that the registration and education activities may be conducted by community-based voter registration and education organizations $13,416,208

 

0521-0001.. For the operation of the central voter registration computer system; provided, that not later than February 26, 2021, the secretary of the commonwealth shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing voter registration activity and a breakdown, by region, of active voters in the commonwealth.................................... $6,407,994

 

0521-0002.. For implementing early voting in the commonwealth for the September 1, 2020 state primary and the November 3, 2020 state election under sections 6 and 7 of chapter 115 of the acts of 2020 and section 25B of chapter 54 of the General Laws, as well as for the March 3, 2020 presidential primary election as required by section 89 of chapter 142 of the acts of 2019, as determined through the collection and certification of accurate accounting by the state auditor and division of local mandates for distribution by the secretary of the commonwealth...... $3,016,019

 

0524-0000.. For providing information to voters.................... $1,442,738

 

0526-0100.. For the operation of the Massachusetts historical commission $942,051

 

0527-0100.. For the operation of the ballot law commission............ $10,384

 

0528-0100.. For the operation of the records conservation board....... $36,396

 

0540-0900.. For the registry of deeds located in the city of Lawrence $1,289,551

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1000.. For the registry of deeds located in the city of Salem. $
2,927,833

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1100.. For the registry of deeds located in the county of Franklin $
641,798

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1200.. For the registry of deeds located in the county of Hampden $
1,927,509

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1300.. For the registry of deeds located in the county of Hampshire $
817,094

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1400.. For the registry of deeds located in the city of Lowell $
1,218,625

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1500.. For the registry of deeds located in the city of Cambridge $
3,700,303

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1600.. For the registry of deeds located in the town of Adams... $
276,721

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1700.. For the registry of deeds located in the city of Pittsfield $
476,652

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1800.. For the registry of deeds located in the town of Great Barrington......................................................... $
235,102

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-1900.. For the registry of deeds located in the county of Suffolk $
2,201,802

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-2000.. For the registry of deeds located in the city of Fitchburg $
706,436

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]

The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0540-2100.. For the registry of deeds located in the city of Worcester $
2,300,531

 

TREASURER AND RECEIVER GENERAL.

 

Office of the Treasurer and Receiver General.


The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0610-0000   For the office of the treasurer and receiver general; provided, that the treasurer shall provide computer services required by the teachers’ retirement board; provided further, that funds may be expended for the payment of bank fees; and provided further, that financial assistance shall be made available to injured firefighters.......................................... $11,197,324

 

0610-0010   For the office of economic empowerment; provided, that $60,000 shall be expended for Budget Buddies, Inc. in the town of Chelmsford to operate a program that mentors and teaches financial literacy to low-income women............................. $670,396

 

0610-0050   For the administration of the alcoholic beverages control commission in its efforts to regulate and control the conduct and condition of traffic in alcoholic beverages; provided, that the commission shall maintain at least 1 chief investigator and other investigators as may be necessary for the regulation and control of trafficking of alcoholic beverages; provided further, that the commission shall work and cooperate with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the United States Department of Justice and other relevant federal agencies to assist in its efforts to regulate and control trafficking of alcoholic beverages; and provided further, that the commission shall seek out matching federal dollars and apply for federal grants that may be available to assist in the enforcement of laws pertaining to the trafficking of alcoholic beverages... $4,980,041

 

0610-0051   For the operation of the alcoholic beverages control commission relative to the prevention of underage drinking and related programs including, but not limited to, applying for and obtaining federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the United States Department of Justice funds, grants and other federal appropriations; provided, that the commission may expend revenues up to $248,000 collected from fees generated by the commission; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the commission may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............... $248,000

 

0610-0060   For the costs associated with the investigation and enforcement division of the alcoholic beverages control commission’s implementation of the enhanced liquor enforcement programs known as the safe campus, safe holidays, safe prom and safe summer programs; provided, that funds from this item shall not support other operating costs of item 0610-0050.................. $147,307

 

0610-2000   For payments made to veterans under section 1 of chapter 646 of the acts of 1968, section 16 of chapter 130 of the acts of 2005 and section 11 of chapter 132 of the acts of 2009; provided, that the office of the state treasurer may expend not more than $300,000 for costs incurred in the administration of these payments $2,803,626

 

0611-1000   For bonus payments to war veterans........................ $44,500

 

0612-0105   For payment of the public safety employee killed in the line of duty benefit under section 100A of chapter 32 of the General Laws; provided, that the office of the state treasurer shall provide immediate written notification to the secretary of administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means upon the expenditure of the funds appropriated in this item; and provided further, that at the written request of the office of the state treasurer, the comptroller shall transfer uncommitted and unobligated funds from item 1599-3384 to this item... $600,000

 

Lottery Commission.

 

0640-0000   For the operation of the state lottery commission and arts lottery; provided, that no funds shall be expended from this item for costs associated with the promotion or advertising of lottery games; provided further, that positions funded from this item shall not be subject to chapters 30 and 31 of the General Laws; 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, under section 35 of chapter 10 of the General Laws, to the General Fund.......................................... $86,495,868

 

0640-0005   For the costs associated with monitor games; provided, that 25 per cent of the amount appropriated in this item shall be transferred quarterly from the State Lottery and Gaming Fund, under section 35 of chapter 10 of the General Laws, to the General Fund................................................... $3,032,859

 

0640-0010   For the promotional activities associated with the state lottery program; provided, that not later than June 30, 2021, the state lottery commission shall issue a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing additional revenues generated as a result of promotional activities funded from this item; provided further, that 25 per cent of the amount appropriated in this item shall be transferred quarterly from the State Lottery and Gaming Fund, under section 35 of chapter 10 of the General Laws, to the General Fund.............................. $4,500,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0640-0096   For the commonwealth’s fiscal year 2021 contributions to the health and welfare fund established under the collective bargaining agreement between the state lottery commission and the Service Employees International Union, Local 888, AFL-CIO; provided, that the contributions shall be paid to the fund on such basis as the collective bargaining agreement provides; provided further, that 25 per cent of the amount appropriated in this item shall be transferred quarterly from the State Lottery and Gaming Fund, under section 35 of chapter 10 of the General Laws, to the General Fund............................................. $497,310

 

Massachusetts Cultural Council.

 

0640-0300   For the services and operations of the Massachusetts cultural council, including grants to or contracts with public and non-public entities; provided, that the council may expend the amounts appropriated in this item for the council as provided under sections 52 to 58, inclusive, of chapter 10 of the General Laws; provided further, that 25 per cent of the amount appropriated in this item shall be transferred quarterly from the State Lottery and Gaming Fund, under section 35 of chapter 10 of the General Laws, to the General Fund; provided further, that a person employed under this item shall be considered an employee within the meaning of section 1 of chapter 150E of the General Laws and shall be placed in the appropriate bargaining unit; provided further, that the council shall expend from any source an amount not less than 75 per cent of the amount of this item on grants and subsidies to further the achievement of the goals of the council’s 5 year strategic plan, including, but not limited to: (i) amplifying cultural vitality in cities and towns through integrated community-focused grants and initiatives; (ii) enhancing the commonwealth’s economic vitality by helping nonprofit cultural organizations, artists and other participants in the cultural tourism sector to thrive; (iii) enhancing creative learning experiences in schools and communities that instill agency in, and support the growth of, creative, productive and independent-minded young people; (iv) strengthening the council’s capacity to fulfill its mission and deliver the highest quality services to constituents; and (v) promoting more diverse and inclusive participation in the cultural sector by ensuring equity in policies, practices and opportunities; and provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the council shall submit its board-approved fiscal year 2021 spending plan to the state treasurer, the secretary of administration and finance, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on tourism, arts and cultural development, including, but not limited to, the amounts to be expended on: (a) grants and subsidies; (b) personnel; (c) leases and utilities; and (d) travel, delineated by in-state and board-approved out-of-state travel................................................ $18,180,000

 

Debt Service.

 

0699-0005   For the state treasurer, who may retain and expend not more than $50,000,000 in fiscal year 2021 from premiums paid on the sales of revenue anticipation notes and expend those premium payments to pay the principal and interest on account of the revenue anticipation notes.................................... $50,000,000

 

0699-0014   For the payment of interest, discount and principal on certain indebtedness incurred under chapter 233 of the acts of 2008 for financing the accelerated bridge program............. $215,888,267

 

Commonwealth Transportation Fund..... 100%

 

0699-0015   For the payment of interest, discount and principal on certain bonded debt and the sale of bonds of the commonwealth; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the state treasurer may make payments under section 38C of chapter 29 of the General Laws from this item and items 0699-9100, 0699-2005 and 0699-0014; provided further, that the payments shall pertain to the bonds, notes or other obligations authorized to be paid from each item; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the comptroller may transfer the amounts that would otherwise be unexpended on June 30, 2021 from this item to items 0699-9100, 0699-2005 and 0699-0014 or from items 0699-9100, 0699-2005 and 0699-0014 to this item which would otherwise have insufficient amounts to meet debt service obligations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021; provided further, that each amount transferred shall be charged to the funds as specified in the item to which the amount is transferred; provided further, that payments on bonds issued under section 2O of said chapter 29 of the General Laws shall be paid from this item and shall be charged to the Infrastructure subfund of the Commonwealth Transportation Fund; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary or other provisions of this item, the comptroller may charge the payments authorized in the item to the appropriate budgetary or other fund subject to a plan which the comptroller shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 10 days in advance of charging such payments....... $2,043,185,688

 

General Fund....................... 55.00%

Commonwealth Transportation Fund... 45.00%

 

0699-2005   For the payment of interest, discount and principal on certain indebtedness that may be incurred for financing the central artery/third harbor tunnel funding shortfall......... $143,336,389

 

Commonwealth Transportation Fund..... 100%

 

0699-9100   For the payment of costs associated with any bonds, notes or other obligations of the commonwealth, including issuance costs, interest on bonds, bond and revenue anticipation notes, commercial paper and other notes under sections 47 and 49B of chapter 29 of the General Laws and for the payment to the United States under section 148 of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 148, of any rebate amount or yield reduction payment owed with respect to any bonds or notes or other obligations of the commonwealth; provided, that the treasurer shall certify to the comptroller a schedule of the distribution of costs among the various funds of the commonwealth; provided further, that not more than $400,000 shall be expended from this item for the costs of personnel at the debt department of the office of the state treasurer; provided further, that the comptroller shall charge costs to the funds in accordance with the schedule; and provided further, that any deficit in this item at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 shall be charged to the various funds or to the General Fund or the Commonwealth Transportation Fund debt service reserves $28,681,484

 

OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR.

 

0710-0000   For the office of the state auditor, including the review and monitoring of privatization contracts under sections 52 to 55, inclusive, of chapter 7 of the General Laws........... $16,437,986

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0710-0100   For the operation of the division of local mandates...... $381,474

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0710-0200   For the operation of the bureau of special investigations; provided, that the office of the state auditor shall file quarterly reports with the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the total amount of fraudulently obtained benefits identified by the bureau, the total value of settlement restitution payments, actual monthly collections and any circumstances that produce shortfalls in collections... $1,890,812

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0710-0225   For the operation of the Medicaid audit unit within the division of audit operations to prevent and identify fraud and abuse in the MassHealth system; provided, that the federal reimbursement for any expenditure from this item shall not be less than 50 per cent; provided further, that not later than March 12, 2021, the division shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing all findings on activities and payments made through the MassHealth system; provided further, that the report shall include, to the extent available, a review of all post-audit efforts undertaken by MassHealth to recoup payments owed to the commonwealth due to identified fraud and abuse; provided further, that the report shall include the responses of MassHealth to the most recent post-audit review survey, including the status of recoupment efforts; and provided further, that the report shall include the unit’s recommendations to enhance recoupment efforts..................................... $1,274,449

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0710-0300   For costs related to the use of data analytic techniques to identify fraud by the bureau of special investigations... $483,320

 

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.

 

0810-0000   For the office of the attorney general, including the administration of the local consumer aid fund, established under section 11G of chapter 12 of the General Laws, the operation of the anti-trust division, all regional offices, a high-tech crime unit, and the victim and witness assistance program; provided, that the victim and witness assistance program shall be administered under chapters 258B and 258C of the General Laws; and provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the attorney general shall submit to the general court and the secretary of administration and finance a report detailing the claims submitted to the state treasurer for payment under item 0810-0004, indicating both the number and costs for each category of claim.............................................. $26,586,322

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0810-0004   For compensation to victims of violent crimes; provided, that notwithstanding chapter 258C of the General Laws, if a claimant is 60 years of age or older at the time of the crime and is not employed or receiving unemployment compensation, such claimant shall be eligible for compensation under said chapter 258C even if the claimant has suffered no out-of-pocket loss; provided further, that compensation to such claimant shall be limited to a maximum of $50; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, victims of the crime of rape shall be notified of all available services designed to assist rape victims, including, but not limited to, the services provided under section 5 of chapter 258B of the General Laws.... $2,466,514

 

0810-0013   For the office of the attorney general, which may expend for a false claims program not more than $3,250,000 from retained revenues collected from enforcement of the false claims law; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the office may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system...................................... $3,250,000

 

0810-0014   For the operation of the department of public utilities proceedings unit within the office of the attorney general under section 11E of chapter 12 of the General Laws; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the amount assessed under said section 11E of said chapter 12 shall equal the amount expended from this item and the associated fringe benefits costs for personnel paid from this item; and provided further, that funds shall be expended for the expenses of legal and technical personnel and associated administrative and travel expenses relative to participation in regulatory proceedings at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on behalf of Massachusetts ratepayers............................... $2,519,632

 

0810-0016   For the office of the attorney general, which may expend for the development and prosecution of claims for enforcement by the commonwealth of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., and the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., including, but not limited to, the investigation of such claims, the costs of personnel and litigation, the engagement of experts, the administration of studies or related activities and the enforcement of settlements, not more than $250,000 from retained revenues collected from costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees, as awarded to the attorney general by the court or as agreed upon by the parties in settlement of any claims brought under said Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., and said Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.; provided, that penalties payable to the commonwealth under state law that are recovered by the commonwealth in the course of prosecuting claims for enforcement of federal law shall be deposited into the General Fund; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the office may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............... $250,000

 

0810-0021   For the operation of the Medicaid fraud control unit; provided, that the federal reimbursement for any expenditure from this item shall not be less than 75 per cent of the expenditure; provided further, that funds shall continue to be used specifically for the investigation and prosecution of abuse, neglect, mistreatment and misappropriation based on referrals from the department of public health under section 72H of chapter 111 of the General Laws; provided further, that the unit shall provide training for all investigators of the department of public health’s division of health care quality responsible for the investigations on a periodic basis pursuant to a comprehensive training program to be developed by the division and the unit; and provided further, that training shall include instruction on techniques for improving the efficiency and quality of investigations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment and misappropriation referred under said section 72H of said chapter 111.................................... $4,369,880

 

0810-0045   For the wage enforcement program; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a non-management position funded by this item shall be considered a job title in a collective bargaining unit as prescribed by the labor relations commission and shall be subject to chapter 150E of the General Laws; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the establishment and operationalization of a specialized prevailing wage and construction investigatory and enforcement unit within the wage enforcement program; provided further, that the unit shall consist of a minimum of 2 investigators assigned to eastern Massachusetts, 2 investigators assigned to central Massachusetts and 2 investigators assigned to western Massachusetts and the specialized unit shall be supervised by a minimum of 1 supervising investigator and 1 assistant attorney general in the wage enforcement program’s Boston office with significant experience investigating violations of the commonwealth’s prevailing wage and construction laws; and provided further, that not later than March 2, 2021, the specialized unit shall submit a report on its annual enforcement actions and violation trends within the construction industry to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate......... $5,236,334

 

0810-0061   For the purpose of funding existing and future litigation devoted to obtaining significant recoveries for the commonwealth $2,631,645

 

0810-0098   For the overtime costs of state police officers assigned to the office of the attorney general; provided, that other costs associated with said officers shall not be funded from this item; and provided further, that expenditures shall not be made on or after the effective date of this item which would cause the commonwealth’s obligation for the purpose of this item to exceed the amount appropriated in this item..................... $450,000

 

0810-0201   For the costs incurred in administrative or judicial proceedings on insurance under section 11F of chapter 12 of the General Laws; provided, that funds made available in this item may be used to supplement the automobile insurance fraud unit and the workers’ compensation fraud unit in the office of the attorney general; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the amount assessed for these costs shall be equal to the amount expended from this item and the associated fringe benefit costs for personnel paid from this item; and provided further, that funds may be expended for costs associated with health insurance rate hearings.................... $1,469,594

 

0810-0338   For the investigation and prosecution of automobile insurance fraud; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the amount assessed for these costs shall be equal to the amount appropriated in this item and the associated fringe benefit costs for personnel paid from this item... $447,210

 

0810-0399   For the investigation and prosecution of workers’ compensation fraud; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the amount assessed for these costs shall be equal to the amount appropriated in this item and the associated fringe benefit costs for personnel paid from this item; provided further, that the office of the attorney general shall investigate and prosecute, when appropriate, employers who fail to provide workers’ compensation insurance as required by law and those employers or employees who may seek to defraud the system; and provided further, that the unit shall investigate and report on all companies not in compliance with chapter 152 of the General Laws..................................................... $292,494

 

0810-1204   For the costs of the division of gaming enforcement under section 11M of chapter 12 of the General Laws; provided, that the gaming commission shall reimburse the General Fund for the total amount of this appropriation and associated fringe benefit costs under said section 11M of said chapter 12...................... $442,364

 

0810-1205   For programs devoted to combatting opioid addiction including, but not limited to: (i) the investigation and enforcement of opioid dispensing practices; and (ii) fraudulent prescribing practices; provided, that not later than February 3, 2021, the office of the attorney general shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the results of said program, including, but not limited to, the effectiveness of investigations, opioid and trafficking settlements pursued and long-term plans for the program........................ $1,836,180

 

0810-1206   For the office of the attorney general, which may expend for a civil penalties revolving fund an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 from revenues collected from enforcement of civil law; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenues and related expenditures, the office may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $1,500,000

 

Victim and Witness Assistance Board.

 

0840-0100   For the operation of the victim and witness assistance board; provided, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for training programs for victim witness advocates in district attorneys’ offices..................................... $1,357,790

 

0840-0101   For the salaries and administration of the SAFEPLAN advocacy program to be administered by the Massachusetts office of victim assistance; provided, that not later than February 5, 2021, the office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the effectiveness of contracting for the program including, but not limited to, the: (i) expansion of the program’s services to new courthouses throughout the commonwealth; (ii) number and types of incidents to which the advocates responded; (iii) types of services and service referrals provided by the domestic violence advocates; (iv) cost of providing such services; and (v) extent of coordination with other service providers and state agencies; and provided further, that SAFEPLAN services shall at least be maintained at the levels provided in fiscal year 2020........................... $1,315,788

 

State ethics commission.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0900-0100.. For the operation of the state ethics commission....... $2,583,694

OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0910-0200   For the operation of the office of the inspector general $3,522,851

 

0910-0210   For the office of the inspector general, which may expend revenues collected up to $975,000 from the fees charged to participants in the Massachusetts public purchasing official certification program and the certified public manager program for the operation of such programs; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the office may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system.............................. $975,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0910-0220   For the operation of the bureau of program integrity established under section 16V of chapter 6A of the General Laws...... $588,084

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0910-0300   For the operation of the internal special audit unit established under section 9 of chapter 6C of the General Laws........ $577,604

 

0910-0330   For the operation of the division of state police oversight established under section 72 of chapter 22C of the General Laws $388,250

 

OFFICE OF CAMPAIGN AND POLITICAL FINANCE.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0920-0300   For the operation of the office of campaign and political finance....................................................... $1,839,644

 

OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE.

 

0930-0100   For the operation of the office of the child advocate; provided, that not less than $100,000 shall be used to ensure effective cross-agency coordination of early childhood and school-aged student wellness efforts to address barriers to student academic success, including, but not limited to, access to social services, mental health and behavioral health resources; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended on a pilot program to provide housing support services to transition age youth that are aging out of the care or custody of the department of children and families or the department of youth services; provided further, that such services shall include, but not be limited to, staff support through case management and the provision of direct housing services; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the continued operation of the Worcester Trauma and Resilience Collaborative to support young people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences......... $2,912,000

 

MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0940-0100   For the Massachusetts commission against discrimination; provided, that the commission shall pursue the highest allowable rate of federal reimbursement; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the commission shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the: (i) number of currently pending cases and the number of cases under investigation and in post-probable cause, with the number of post-probable cause cases delineated by the number of cases in the conciliation, pre-public hearing and post-public hearing stages; (ii) number of cases pending before the commission in which a state agency or state authority is named as a respondent, delineating those cases by agency or authority; (iii) number of new cases filed in fiscal year 2020; (iv) number of cases closed by the commission in fiscal year 2020; and (v) average duration of cases closed by the commission in fiscal year 2020, delineated by such cases that reached the conciliation, pre-public hearing and post-public hearing stages; provided further, that funds made available in this item shall be in addition to funds available in item 0940-0101; and provided further, that all nonclerical positions shall be exempt from chapter 31 of the General Laws.......... $4,169,189

 

0940-0101   For the Massachusetts commission against discrimination, which may expend not more than $1,100,000 in revenues from fees and federal reimbursements received in fiscal year 2021 and prior fiscal years for the purposes of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development fair housing programs; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commission may also expend revenues generated through the collection of fees and costs so authorized; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the commission may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system...................................... $1,100,000

 

0940-0102   For the Massachusetts commission against discrimination, which may expend not more than $410,000 in revenues collected from fees charged for training and monitoring programs; provided, that the commission shall work with the office of access and opportunity and the office of diversity and equal opportunity to design and deliver training to executive branch staff; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commission may also expend revenues generated through the collection of fees and costs so authorized; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the commission may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system........................................ $410,000

 

0940-0103   For the Massachusetts commission against discrimination, which may expend not more than $2,520,000 in revenues from fees and federal reimbursements received in fiscal year 2021 and prior fiscal years for the purposes of United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission fair employment programs; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commission may also expend revenues generated through the collection of fees and costs so authorized; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the commission may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate, as reported in the state accounting system...................................... $2,520,000

 

COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0950-0000   For the commission on the status of women, established under section 66 of chapter 3 of the General Laws.............. $206,473

 

commission ON THE STATUS OF GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN.

 

0950-0030   For the commission on the status of grandparents raising grandchildren under section 69 of chapter 3 of the General Laws; provided, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for a contract with the University of Massachusetts medical school to conduct a study on opioid use in the commonwealth specifically related to the impact opioid use has had, and may continue to have, on grandparents and other relatives raising related children; and provided further, that the study shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the number of individuals in the commonwealth raising children of relatives; (ii) the number of individuals in the commonwealth raising grandchildren because 1 or both parents are addicted to an opioid drug; (iii) resources available to provide services to both the grandparent or other relative and to the children; and (iv) whether such services are coordinated in a manner that is beneficial to the grandparents and other relatives...................................... $163,697

 

MASSACHUSETTS Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0950-0050   For the commission on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth established under section 67 of chapter 3 of the General Laws; provided, that funds shall be used to address issues related to the implementation of the commonwealth’s anti-bullying law under section 37O of chapter 71 of the General Laws $800,000

 

Commission on the status of asian americans.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
0950-0080   For the commission on the status of citizens of Asian descent established under section 68 of chapter 3 of the General Laws $170,000

 

OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER.

 

1000-0001   For the office of the state comptroller for the management of the accounting, payroll, related financial systems and annual financial reports, including prescribing the books and manner of accounting and internal control guidance for all commonwealth agencies to promote accountability, integrity and clarity in commonwealth business, fiscal and administrative enterprises and to mitigate the risk of fraud, waste and abuse of commonwealth resources; provided, that the comptroller shall submit quarterly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means which shall include, for each state agency for which the commonwealth is billing, the eligible state services and the full-year estimate of revenues and collected revenues; provided further, that the comptroller shall make expenditures for the purpose of an enhanced intercept collections of delinquent debt program; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the comptroller may take any necessary actions to secure financial and payroll data including, but not limited to, restricting certain data released under section 20 of chapter 66 of the General Laws.................................... $9,645,019

 

Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

 

1050-0140   For payments to cities and towns under chapter 23K of the General Laws..................................................... $721,350

 

CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
1070-0840   For the operation of the cannabis control commission.. $12,400,000

 

Marijuana Regulation Fund............ 100%

 

1070-0842   For the cannabis control commission’s oversight of the medical marijuana industry..................................... $2,796,869

 

Marijuana Regulation Fund............ 100%

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE.

 

Office of the Secretary of Administration and Finance.

1100-1100   For the office of the secretary of administration and finance; provided, that the executive office for administration and finance shall provide quarterly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing federal grant applications submitted and federal grants received by executive branch agencies during the applicable reporting period........................ $3,298,347

 

1100-1201   For supporting activities relating to accountability and transparency including, but not limited to, economic forecasting, adoption of uniform procedures across state agencies and departments and maximizing federal revenue opportunities. $369,271

 

1100-1700   For the provision of information technology services within the executive office for administration and finance....... $27,302,157

 

1106-0064   For the caseload and economic forecasting office; provided, that the office shall forecast: (i) MassHealth enrollment by group and coverage type; (ii) participation in state-subsidized child care provided through items 3000-3060 and 3000-4060; (iii) participation in emergency assistance and housing programs provided through items 7004-0101, 7004-0102, 7004-0108 and 7004-9316; (iv) enrollment of both active members and dependents in the group insurance commission; (v) recipients of direct benefits provided by the department of transitional assistance through items 4400-1004, 4403-2000, 4405-2000 and 4408-1000; (vi) participation in programs provided by the department of children and families through items 4800-0038 and 4800-0041; and (vii) other related economic forecasts; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the office shall report its fiscal year 2020 actuals, fiscal year 2021 actuals and forecasts and fiscal year 2022 forecasts to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the office shall submit updated forecasts to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means........................................... $129,023

 

Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.

 

1102-3199   For the operation of the office of facilities management and maintenance, including the cost of utilities and associated contracts for properties managed by the division of capital asset management and maintenance............................ $11,632,709

 

1102-3205   For the division of capital asset management and maintenance, which may expend for the maintenance and operation of the Massachusetts information technology center and other state buildings not more than $10,387,647 in revenues collected from rentals, commissions, fees and any other sources pertaining to the operations of said facilities; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............ $10,387,647

 

1102-3232   For the division of capital asset management and maintenance, which may expend not more than $300,000 from revenues received from application fees charged in conjunction with the certification of contractors and subcontractors under section 44D of chapter 149 of the General Laws; provided, that only expenses, including staffing, incurred to implement and operate the certification program shall be funded from this item; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system........................................ $300,000

 

Bureau of the State House.

 

1102-1128   For state house accessibility coordination, including communications access to public hearings and meetings; provided, that access shall include interpreter services for the deaf and hard of hearing.......................................... $145,702

 

1102-3331   For the operation of the bureau of the state house; provided, that the superintendent, director of operations and other employees of the bureau shall work in conjunction with the business manager of the house of representatives and the chief financial officer of the senate on the maintenance, repair, purchases and payments for materials and services; and provided further, that not less than $227,610 shall be expended for full-time maintenance coverage of elevators at the state house........................... $3,432,112

 

1102-3400   For security operations at the bureau of the state house. $100,000

 

Office on Disability.

 

1107-2400   For the Massachusetts office on disability............... $845,169

 

DISABLED PERSONS PROTECTION COMMISSION.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
1107-2501   For the operation of the disabled persons protection commission including, but not limited to, the costs of maintaining a computerized registry system of persons who have been substantiated for registrable abuse of a person with an intellectual or developmental disability; provided, that the commission shall facilitate compliance by the department of mental health and the department of developmental services with uniform investigative standards; provided further, that not later than the last day of each quarter, the commission shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the number of claims of abuse by caretakers made by employees or contracted service employees of the department of developmental services, the department of mental health and the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission; provided further, that the report shall include the number of: (i) substantiated claims; (ii) unsubstantiated claims; and (iii) false claims reported as a result of intentional and malicious action; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the commission shall issue a brief update to its fiscal year 2020 report detailing staffing changes and planned staffing changes from fiscal year 2018 through fiscal year 2021, and analyzing the effect of those changes on operational efficiency and caseload reduction; provided further, that the commission shall detail a 2 year hiring plan based on the appropriation provided in this item, and identify any remaining staffing needs within the agency necessary to reduce or eliminate backlogs with an estimate of the cost of those needs; provided further, that said update shall be provided to the house and senate committees on ways and means and to the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities; provided further, that all persons who call the commission’s 24-hour hotline shall be provided with the opportunity to elect that the call not be recorded; and provided further, that in order to facilitate an effective hiring process for new employees required by the commission, funds appropriated for this item shall not revert but shall be made available for this item in fiscal year 2022................................................... $7,896,579

 

Civil Service Commission.

 

1108-1011   For the civil service commission; provided, that the General Fund shall be reimbursed for the appropriation in this item through a fee charged on a per claim basis; provided further, that the commission shall develop and implement regulations to provide for reimbursement to the General Fund; and provided further, that the commission may assess a fee upon the appointing authority when inappropriate action has occurred........................ $623,938

 

Group Insurance Commission.

 

1108-5100.. For the operation of the group insurance commission; provided, that on a monthly basis the commission shall provide the caseload forecasting office with enrollment data and any other information pertinent to caseload forecasting; provided further, that the information shall be provided in a manner that meets all applicable federal and state privacy requirements; provided further, that the commission shall provide quarterly reports, with the first report due not later than December 30, 2020, to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (i) any proposed plan changes accompanied by a detailed rationale for said changes; (ii) a detailed delineation of any estimated deficiencies or reversions in the current fiscal year, detailed by line item; and (iii) a projection of any funding changes for the following fiscal year, detailed by item; and provided further, that the commission shall provide all materials presented at any public meetings hosted by the commission to the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than 15 days after the public meeting.......................... $4,385,239

 

1108-5200.. For the commonwealth’s share of the group insurance premium and plan costs incurred in fiscal year 2021; provided, that funds may be expended in this item for elderly retired governmental employees and retired municipal teachers; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, funds in this item shall not be available during the accounts payable period of fiscal year 2021 and any unexpended balance in this item shall revert to the General Fund on June 30, 2021; provided further, that the secretary of administration and finance shall charge the department of unemployment assistance and other departments, authorities, agencies and divisions which have federal or other funds allocated to them for this purpose for that portion of insurance premium and plan costs as the secretary determines shall be borne by such funds and shall notify the comptroller of the amounts to be transferred, after similar determination, from the several state or other funds and amounts received in payment of all such charges or transfers shall be credited to the General Fund; provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for the commonwealth’s share of group insurance premium and plan costs provided to employees and retirees in prior fiscal years; provided further, that the group insurance commission shall obtain reimbursement for premium and administrative expenses from other agencies and authorities not funded by state appropriation; provided further, that the secretary of administration and finance may charge all agencies for the commonwealth’s share of the health insurance costs incurred on behalf of any employees of those agencies who are on leave of absence for a period of more than 1 year; provided further, that the amounts received in payment for the charges shall be credited to the General Fund; provided further, that notwithstanding section 26 of chapter 29 of the General Laws, the commission may negotiate, purchase and execute contracts before July 1 of each year for policies of group insurance under chapter 32A of the General Laws; provided further, that the rules for determining the commonwealth’s share of the group insurance premiums for retired and active state employees shall be the same as the standards in effect on July 1, 2012; provided further, that not less than 90 days prior to any changes in coverage, benefits or the schedule of copayments and deductibles for plans offered by the group insurance commission, the commission shall notify the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that the commission may pay premium and plan costs for municipal employees and retirees who are enrolled in the commission’s health plans under the commission’s regulations; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the commission shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (i) the average full cost premium equivalent per enrollee; (ii) the average actual cost per enrollee for enrollees from participating municipalities; (iii) the contribution ratios for each participating municipality for fiscal year 2021; (iv) the number of members in high deductible health plans; (v) the premium reimbursement paid by each municipality per active enrollee by plan; (vi) the average employee premium contribution by plan for each municipality; (vii) estimates for the total premium per active enrollee by plan for each municipality; (viii) the average employee out-of-pocket expenditure and premium contribution by salary level of employees; (ix) a comparison of the total premium estimate with the sum total of municipality reimbursement and average employee premium contribution; (x) the total amount spent on pharmaceutical drugs; and (xi) the cost of the commonwealth’s projected share of premiums for the next fiscal year $1,747,367,959

 

1108-5201.. For the costs incurred by the group insurance commission associated with providing municipal health insurance coverage under section 19 of chapter 32B of the General Laws; provided, that the commission may expend not more than $2,196,745 from revenue received from administrative fees associated with providing municipal health insurance coverage under said section 19 of said chapter 32B; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenues and related expenditures, the commission may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............. $2,196,745

 

1108-5500.. For the costs, notwithstanding chapter 32A of the General Laws, of dental and vision benefits for active state employees, not including employees of authorities or any other political subdivision, who are not otherwise provided those benefits under a separate item or by the terms of a contract or collective bargaining agreement; provided, that such employees shall pay 15 per cent of the monthly premiums established by the group insurance commission for the benefits............................ $9,662,385

 

Division of Administrative Law Appeals.

 

1110-1000   For the operation of the division of administrative law appeals; provided, that the division shall maintain, to the fullest extent practicable, a complete physical and technological separation from any agency, department, board, commission or program the decisions, determinations or actions of which may be appealed to it; and provided further, that a decision issued by a commissioner or other head of an agency, or by such person’s designee, following the issuance of a recommended decision by an administrative law judge shall be an agency decision subject to judicial review under chapter 30A of the General Laws........................ $1,440,308

 

1110-1002   For the division of administrative law appeals, which may expend revenues collected up to a maximum of $70,000 from the fees charged to appellants upon the filing of claims, for the operation of such services provided......................................... $70,000

 

George Fingold Library.

 

1120-4005   For the administration of the George Fingold Library... $1,031,784

 

Department of Revenue.

 

1201-0100   For the operation of the department of revenue, including tax collection administration, audits of certain foreign corporations and the division of local services; provided, that the department may allocate funds to the office of the attorney general for the tax prosecution unit; provided further, that the department may charge the expenses for computer services, including the costs of personnel and other support costs provided to the child support enforcement unit, from this item to item 1201-0160 consistent with the costs attributable to that unit; provided further, that the department shall provide to the general court access to the municipal data bank; provided further, that notwithstanding section 1 of chapter 31 of the General Laws, seasonal positions funded by this item shall be positions requiring the services of an incumbent, on either a full-time or less than full-time basis, beginning not earlier than December 1 and ending not later than November 30; provided further, that seasonal positions funded by this item shall not be filled by an incumbent for more than 10 months within a 12-month period; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the department’s tax expenditure review commission established under section 14 of chapter 14 of the General Laws; and provided further, that not less than $820,000 shall be expended to organizations providing tax assistance services to individuals and families qualifying for the volunteer income tax assistance program, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, for the provision of such services.............................................. $83,689,202

 

1201-0122   For grants to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics established under section 13 of chapter 14 of the General Laws; provided, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department of revenue shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the: (i) number of grant applications; (ii) number of rejected applications; (iii) reasons for those rejections; (iv) estimated number of taxpayers served by each approved grant; (v) geographic location of the approved grant recipient clinic; and (vi) average size of approved grants.................................. $500,000

 

1201-0130   For the department of revenue, which may expend for the operation of the department not more than $27,938,953 from revenues collected by the additional auditors for an enhanced audit program; provided, that the auditors shall: (i) locate and identify persons who are delinquent either in the filing of a tax return or the payment of a tax due and payable to the commonwealth; (ii) obtain the delinquent returns; and (iii) collect the delinquent taxes; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $27,938,953

 

1201-0160   For the child support enforcement division; provided, that the department of revenue may allocate funds appropriated in this item to other state agencies for the performance of certain child support enforcement activities and those agencies may expend funds for the purposes of this item; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, all such allocations shall be reported to the house and senate committees on ways and means upon the allocation of the funds; provided further, that federal receipts associated with the child support computer network shall be drawn down at the highest possible rate of reimbursement and deposited into a revolving account to be expended for the network; provided further, that federal receipts associated with child support enforcement grants shall be deposited into a revolving account to be drawn down at the highest possible rate of reimbursement and shall be expended for the grant authority; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department shall file a report with the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the balance, year-to-date and projected receipts and year-to-date and projected expenditures, by subsidiary, of the child support trust fund established under section 9 of chapter 119A of the General Laws; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system for federal incentives and the network in items 1201-0165, 1201-0410 and 1201-0412......................................... $38,887,046

 

1201-0164   For the child support enforcement division, which may expend not more than $6,630,551 from the federal reimbursements awarded for personnel and lower subsidiary related expenditures; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system...................................... $6,630,551

 

1201-0400   For the operation of the multi-agency illegal tobacco task force established under section 40 of chapter 64C of the General Laws $1,036,905

 

1201-0911   For the costs associated with expert witnesses retained by the department of revenue to resolve tax disputes; provided, that expenditures from this item shall be the lesser of $294,030 or the amount certified by the secretary of administration and finance under section 156 of chapter 139 of the acts of 2012 $294,030

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
1231-1000   For the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund, established under section 2Z of chapter 29 of the General Laws........... $1,500,000

 

1232-0100   For underground storage tank reimbursements to parties that have remediated spills of petroleum products under chapter 21J of the General Laws; provided, that priority for payment of approved claims shall be given to claimants who own or formerly owned not more than 4 dispensing facilities..................... $10,000,000

 

Underground Storage Tank Petroleum

Product Cleanup Fund................. 100%

 

1232-0200   For the Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Cleanup Fund Administrative Review Board established under section 8 of chapter 21J of the General Laws and for the administration of the underground storage tank program associated with the implementation of said chapter 21J; provided, that notwithstanding section 4 of said chapter 21J or any other general or special law to the contrary, appropriations made in this item shall be sufficient to cover the administrative expenses of the underground storage tank program; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the board shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the status of the underground storage tank program including, but not limited to, the following: (i) number of municipal grants made for the removal and replacement of underground storage tanks; (ii) reimbursements for remediated petroleum spills; (iii) number of backlog claims; (iv) average waiting period for claims granted in the past year; and (v) number of tanks not in compliance with said chapter 21J $1,767,011

 

Underground Storage Tank Petroleum

Product Cleanup Fund................. 100%

 

1233-2000   For the tax abatement program for certain veterans, widows, blind persons and the elderly; provided, that cities and towns shall be reimbursed for the abatements granted under clauses Seventeenth, Twenty-second, Twenty-second A, Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second D, Twenty-second E, Twenty-second F, Thirty-seventh, Thirty-seventh A, Forty-first, Forty-first B, Forty-first C, Forty-first C 1/2 and Fifty-second of section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws; provided further, that the commonwealth shall reimburse each city or town that accepts said clause Forty-first B or said clause Forty-first C of said section 5 of said chapter 59 for additional costs incurred in determining eligibility of applicants under said clause Forty-first B or said clause Forty-first C of said section 5 of said chapter 59 not more than $2 per exemption granted; and provided further, that funds in this item shall be available for reimbursements to cities and towns for additional exemptions granted from the motor vehicle excise under the seventh paragraph of section 1 of chapter 60A of the General Laws.................................................. $24,038,075

 

1233-2350   For the distribution to cities and towns of the balance of the State Lottery and Gaming Fund under clause (c) of the second paragraph of section 35 of chapter 10 of the General Laws and additional aid to municipalities as provided for in section 3 $1,128,617,436

 

General Fund....................... 89.86%

Gaming Local Aid Fund.............. 10.14%

 

1233-2400   For reimbursements to cities and towns in lieu of taxes on state-owned land under sections 13 to 17, inclusive, of chapter 58 of the General Laws...................................... $31,000,000

 

1233-2401   For reimbursements to qualifying cities and towns for additional educational costs under chapter 40S of the General Laws.. $500,000

 

Appellate Tax Board.

 

1310-1000   For the operation of the appellate tax board........... $2,251,140

 

1310-1001   For the appellate tax board, which may expend not more than $400,000 in revenues from fees collected; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the board may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system......................................................... $400,000

 

Department of Veterans’ Services.

 

1410-0010   For the operation of the department of veterans’ services; provided, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the NEADS Inc. service dogs for veterans program to train service dogs for veterans; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc., located at the Joint Base Cape Cod for the reopening of the empowerment center and to support the distribution of food to veterans in need in the counties of Plymouth and Barnstable; and provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to said Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for capital expenditures and improvements and for operational costs associated with the Food4Vets and other programs that benefit veterans and their families including, but not limited to, the purchase, construction and rehabilitation of a facility in the town of Norton......................................... $4,637,822

 

1410-0012   For services to veterans, including the maintenance and operation of outreach centers; provided, that said centers shall provide counseling to incarcerated veterans and to Vietnam war era veterans who may have been exposed to agent orange and the families of said veterans; provided further, that outreach centers shall provide services to veterans who were discharged after September 11, 2001 and the families of those veterans; provided further, that the department of veterans’ services shall make a payment of not less than the amount appropriated for each outreach center funded by this item in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021, the department shall submit a report on behalf of each outreach center receiving funds under this item to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (i) the number of veterans served annually; (ii) the cost and types of programs, including evidence-based programs, offered to veterans; and (iii) a 5-year spending plan or outline that shall include a summary of the implementation or further development of evidence-based programs and program evaluation; provided further, that not less than $2,000,000 shall be expended for clinical care, education and training in veterans’ mental and behavioral health issues, including post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder and suicide prevention administered by the Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, Inc. in Haverhill; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to the town of Natick for the veteran’s oral history project at the Morse Institute library; provided further, that not less than $30,000 be expended for the Nathan Hale Veterans Outreach Centers to continue to support veterans and their families; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for Clear Path for Veterans New England, Inc. in Devens for building renovations to an outreach and wellness service center due to increased client need and enhanced social distancing necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic; and provided further, that not less than $98,500 shall be expended for the Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans Housing Program, Inc. to provide counseling and supportive services to veterans in southeastern Massachusetts $8,699,022

 

1410-0015   For the women veterans’ outreach program................. $116,243

 

1410-0018   For the department of veterans’ services, which may expend not more than $690,000 for the maintenance and operation of veterans’ cemeteries in the city known as the town of Agawam and the town of Winchendon from revenue collected from fees, grants, gifts and other contributions to the cemeteries.................... $690,000

 

1410-0024   For the training and certification of veterans' benefits and services officers........................................ $362,695

 

1410-0075   For the train vets to treat vets program; provided, that the department shall work in conjunction with the William James College, Inc. to administer a behavioral health career development program for returning veterans........................... $250,000

 

1410-0250   For veterans’ homelessness services; provided, that the department of veterans’ services shall make a payment of not less than the amount appropriated for each veterans’ homelessness service funded by this item in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for transitional services at Our Neighbors' Table, Inc. in the city of Amesbury; and provided further, that funds shall be expended for the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Massachusetts, Inc............. $3,582,655

 

1410-0251   For the maintenance and operation of homeless shelters and transitional housing for veterans at the New England Center and Home for Veterans located in the city of Boston........ $2,742,470

 

1410-0400   For reimbursements to cities and towns for money paid for veterans’ benefits and for payments to certain veterans under section 6 of chapter 115 of the General Laws and for the payment of annuities to certain disabled veterans and the parents and un-remarried spouses of certain deceased veterans, including deceased veterans who were residents of the Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts and the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke whose death occurred due to the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided, that annuity payments made under this item shall be made under sections 6A, 6B and 6C of said chapter 115; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, 100 per cent of the amounts of veterans’ benefits paid by cities and towns to residents of a soldiers’ home, homeless shelter or transitional housing facility shall be paid by the commonwealth to the several cities and towns; provided further, that under section 9 of said chapter 115, the department of veterans’ services shall reimburse cities and towns for the cost of United States flags placed on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the secretary of veterans’ services shall continue a training program for veterans’ agents and directors of veterans’ services in cities and towns; provided further, that the department of veterans’ services shall provide such training in several locations across the commonwealth; provided further, that training shall be provided annually and on an as needed basis to veterans’ service organizations to provide information and education regarding the benefits available under said chapter 115 and all other benefits to which a veteran or a veteran’s dependents may be entitled; provided further, that any person applying for veterans’ benefits to pay for services available under chapter 118E of the General Laws shall also apply for medical assistance under said chapter 118E to minimize costs to the commonwealth and its municipalities; provided further, that veterans’ agents shall complete applications authorized by the executive office under said chapter 118E for a veteran, surviving spouse, or dependent applying for medical assistance under said chapter 115; provided further, that the veterans’ agent shall file the application for the veteran, surviving spouse or dependent for assistance under said chapter 118E; provided further, that the executive office of health and human services shall act on all chapter 118E applications and advise the applicant and the veterans’ agent of the applicant’s eligibility for said chapter 118E healthcare; provided further, that the veterans’ agent shall advise the applicant of the right to assistance for medical benefits under said chapter 115 pending approval of the application for assistance under said chapter 118E by the executive office; provided further, that the secretary may supplement health care under said chapter 118E with health care coverage under said chapter 115 if the secretary determines that supplemental coverage is necessary to afford the veteran, surviving spouse or dependent sufficient relief and support; provided further, that payments to, or on behalf of, a veteran, surviving spouse or dependent under said chapter 115 shall not be considered income for the purposes of determining eligibility under said chapter 118E; and provided further, that benefits awarded under said section 6B of said chapter 115 shall be considered countable income........................... $72,209,878

 

1410-0630   For the administration of the veterans’ cemeteries in the city known as the town of Agawam and the town of Winchendon. $1,251,150

 

1410-1616   For war memorials; provided, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to Battleship Cove and the USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee, Inc........................................... $400,000

 

Health Policy Commission.

 

1450-1200.. For the operation of the health policy commission; provided, that the commission shall provide all materials presented at any public meetings hosted by the commission to the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than 15 days after the public meeting........................................ $10,001,120

 

Reserves.

 

1599-0026   For a reserve to support municipal improvements; provided, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended for an incentive program for communities and municipalities engaging in the use of best practices determined by the community compact cabinet created by the governor’s executive order number 554 issued January 23, 2015; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the town of Millville for the purchase of a new ambulance; provided further, that not less than $135,000 shall be expended for a rehabilitation project for the Chevalier theater in Medford; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for a handicap ramp at the Merrimac town hall in the town of Merrimac; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the implementation of the disabilities act self evaluation and transition plan for the town of Milford; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for costs of repairs to damage caused by climate change in Belmont; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for maintenance and repair of open spaces in the town of Westport, including athletic fields and other spaces providing fresh air and exercise during the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for an upgrade of safety equipment and fire alarms at the Lunenburg primary school in the town of Lunenburg; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Russell street elementary school in the town of Littleton; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for the town of Belmont information technology department for additional disk storage; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for the digitization of municipal records in the town of Wellesley; provided further, that not less than $3,000,000 shall be expended for the District Local Technical Assistance Fund established in section 2XXX of chapter 29 of the General Laws, including projects that encourage regionalization, to be administered by the division of local services and distributed through the District Local Technical Assistance Fund; provided further, that $1,000,000 shall be expended for a multi-year competitive grant program to provide financial support for 1-time or transition costs related to regionalization and other efficiency initiatives, with allowable applicants to include municipalities, regional school districts, school districts considering forming a regional school district or regionalizing services, regional planning agencies and councils of governments; provided further, that not less than $4,750,000 shall be transferred to the executive office of public safety and security for a competitive grant program for public safety and emergency staffing to be administered by the executive office; provided further, that the grants shall be awarded to communities using the same methodology and criteria used in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that grant funds under this item shall only be provided to communities who submitted qualifying applications that were approved by the executive office of public safety and security in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that not more than 4 per cent of funds appropriated for the grant program shall be expended for the administrative costs of said program; and provided further, that not later than February 15, 2021, each state entity administering grant funds through this item shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing grants awarded through this item and the criteria used for distribution.......................................... $10,475,000

 

1599-0093   For contract assistance to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust including, but not limited to, the debt service obligations of the trust, principal forgiveness, interest rate reduction and other subsidies or financial assistance under sections 6 and 18 of chapter 29C of the General Laws.................... $63,383,680

 

1599-0105   For a reserve for costs associated with the delivery of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder at county correctional facilities under section 98 of chapter 208 of the acts of 2018; provided, that the secretary of administration and finance, in consultation with the commissioner of public health, may transfer funds from this item to state agencies as defined under section 1 of chapter 29 of the General Laws; and provided further, that not less than 30 days before any such transfer is made, the secretary shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the amount to be given to each state agency, delineated by line item............................... $15,000,000

 

1599-1970   For a reserve for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to defray the costs of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, or its successor, incurred in fiscal year 2021 under section 138 of chapter 27 of the acts of 2009....................... $125,000,000

 

Commonwealth Transportation Fund..... 100%

 

1599-1977   For contract assistance and other payments to the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency for payment of debt service and related obligations in connection with bonds issued by the agency under chapter 293 of the acts of 2006, as most recently amended by chapter 219 of the acts of 2016; provided, that not later than February 1, 2021, the secretary of administration and finance shall issue a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the estimated contract assistance and other payments to be required under said chapter 293 of the acts of 2006, said chapter 219 of the acts of 2016, chapter 238 of the acts of 2012 and chapter 287 of the acts of 2014 for obligations existing not later than July 1, 2020, in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and an estimate of anticipated contract assistance and other payments arising out of potential agreements reasonably expected to be entered into after July 1, 2020, in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 $12,838,487

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
1599-2003   For the Uniform Law Commission; provided, that prior fiscal year payments may be payable from this item.................... $50,000

 

1599-3234   For the South Essex sewerage district debt service assessment $33,914

 

1599-3384   For a reserve for the payment on behalf of a state agency, as defined under section 1 of chapter 29 of the General Laws, under regulations promulgated by the comptroller, of certain court judgments, settlements and legal fees that were ordered to be paid in the current fiscal year or a prior fiscal year; provided, that the office of the state comptroller shall not pay attorneys’ fees to outside counsel representing a state agency, including a state official or employee who is sued for actions undertaken within that individual’s scope of employment for the commonwealth, in litigation before a court until the office of the attorney general has reviewed and provided written approval for the outside counsel's bills, which may be reviewed in redacted form if warranted because of a conflict of interest; provided further, that the office of the state comptroller shall not pay attorneys’ fees for outside counsel representing a state agency in such litigation that exceed a cumulative amount of $250,000 until the secretary of administration and finance or a designee has reviewed and provided written approval for such attorneys’ fees for outside counsel; provided further, that before a state official or employee who is sued for actions undertaken within that individual’s scope of employment for the commonwealth may seek reimbursement from this item, that individual shall obtain written approval from the office of the attorney general in a form to be approved by the office of the comptroller; provided further, that the office of the state comptroller shall not pay a settlement of litigation before a court on behalf of a state agency that is not within an executive office identified under section 2 of chapter 6A of the General Laws, including a state official or employee who is sued for actions undertaken within that individual’s scope of employment for the commonwealth, until the office of the attorney general has reviewed and provided written approval for such a settlement; provided further, that the office of the state comptroller shall not pay a settlement of litigation before a court that exceeds $250,000 on behalf of a state agency that is not within an executive office identified under said section 2 of said chapter 6A, including a state official or employee who is sued for actions undertaken within that individual’s scope of employment for the commonwealth, until the secretary of administration and finance or a designee has reviewed and provided written approval for such a settlement; provided further, that the office of the state comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the 5 year historical expenditure average as certified by the secretary of administration and finance or the current appropriation, whichever is greater; provided further, that the comptroller shall report quarterly to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the amounts expended from this item, delineated by line item; and provided further, that upon written notification to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means, uncommitted and unobligated funds from this item may be transferred to item 0612-0105 upon the request of the state treasurer............................................. $10,000,000

 

1599-3856   For rent and associated costs at the Massachusetts information technology center in the city of Chelsea................. $500,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
1599-4417   For the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management in the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at the University of Massachusetts at Boston............. $250,000

 

1599-6903   For the fiscal year 2021 costs of rate implementations under chapter 257 of the acts of 2008; provided, that rate implementations under said chapter 257 may include, but shall not be limited to, costs associated with any court order or settlement between providers of services and the commonwealth related to the rate implementation process; provided further, that home care workers shall be eligible for funding from this item; provided further, that workers from shelters and programs that serve homeless individuals and families that were previously contracted through the department of transitional assistance and the department of public health who are currently contracted with the department of housing and community development and direct care workers that serve homeless veterans through the department of veterans' services shall be eligible for funding from this item; provided further, that no funds from this item shall be allocated to special education programs under chapter 71B of the General Laws, contracts for early education and care services or programs for which payment rates are negotiated and paid as class rates as established by the executive office of health and human services; provided further, that no funds shall be allocated from this item to contracts funded exclusively by federal grants as delineated in section 2D; provided further, that the secretary of administration and finance may transfer from the sum appropriated in this item to other items of appropriation and allocations thereof for fiscal year 2021, amounts that are necessary to meet these costs where the amounts otherwise available are insufficient for the purpose; provided further, that the executive office for administration and finance shall report quarterly to the house and senate committees on ways and means on transfers made from this item; provided further, that the report shall identify, by line item and service class, all transfers made from this item as of the date of the report and all transfers expected to be made before the end of the fiscal year; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, departments and private providers receiving funding from this item shall report to the executive office of health and human services on implemented and proposed initiatives that increase the hourly wages and compensation of the direct care human service workforce; provided further, that this report shall include: (i) aggregated provider employee payroll data of the preceding 2 state fiscal years and the current fiscal year from the date of new rate implementations, as validated with information from the uniform financial report or a method determined by the office; (ii) median salary and compensation information of the preceding 2 state fiscal years and the current fiscal year from the date of new rate implementations classified by direct care and front-line staff, medical and clinical staff and management and executive staff, as validated with information from the uniform financial report or a method determined by the office; and (iii) the average employee vacancy rates of direct care and front-line staff of the preceding 2 state fiscal years and the current fiscal year from the date of new rate implementations; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the executive office of health and human services shall provide to the house and senate committees on ways and means: (a) provider data on payroll, median salary and compensation, and average employee vacancy rates; (b) a summary of said data and analysis of trends in median salary and compensation information in the preceding two state fiscal years and the current fiscal year for direct care and front-line staff, medical and clinical staff, and management and executive staff; and (c) a summary of implemented and proposed initiatives among providers that increase the hourly wages and compensation of the direct care human service workforce and workforce retention; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the executive office of health and human services shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means a comparison of the median salary for each classification of staff position with the 75th percentile wage estimate for that position as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Massachusetts in the most recent available data...... $160,000,000

 

1599-7104   For the facilities costs associated with the college of visual and performing arts at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth; provided, that funds may be expended for Bristol Community College...................................... $2,700,000

 

Human Resources Division.

 

1750-0100   For the operation of the human resources division and the costs of administration, training and customer support related to the commonwealth’s human resources and compensation management system and the human resource modernization initiative; provided, that any employee of the commonwealth who chooses to participate in a bone marrow donor program shall be granted a leave of absence without loss or reduction in pay to undergo the medical procedure and for associated physical recovery time, but this leave shall not exceed 5 days; provided further, that notwithstanding clause (n) of section 5 of chapter 31 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the secretary of administration and finance shall charge a fee of not less than $50 to be collected from each applicant for a civil service examination; provided further, that the division shall administer a program of state employee unemployment management including, but not limited to, agency training and assistance; provided further, that funds may be expended to revalidate civil service exams, including police and fire medical standards; provided further, that the division shall be responsible for the administration of examinations for state and municipal civil service titles, establishment of eligible lists, certification of eligible candidates to state and municipal appointing authorities and technical assistance in selection and appointment to state and municipal appointing authorities; and provided further, that the division shall administer the statewide classification system including, but not limited to, maintaining a classification pay plan for civil service titles in accordance with generally accepted compensation standards and reviewing appeals for reclassification....................................... $6,868,014

 

1750-0102   For the human resources division, which may expend not more than $2,511,299 from revenues collected from fees charged to applicants for civil service and non-civil service examinations and fees charged for the costs of goods and services rendered in administering training programs; provided, that notwithstanding clause (n) of section 5 of chapter 31 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the division shall collect from participating nonstate agencies, political subdivisions and the general public fees sufficient to cover all costs of the programs including, but not limited to, a fee to be collected from each applicant for a civil service examination or non-civil service examination; provided further, that the division may also expend revenues collected for implementation of the health and physical fitness standards program established under section 61A of said chapter 31 and the wellness program established under section 61B of said chapter 31 and those programs under chapter 32 of the General Laws; provided further, that the personnel administrator shall charge a fee of not less than $50 to be collected from each applicant who participates in the physical ability test; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............. $2,511,299

 

1750-0103   For the operation of the Training and Career Ladder Program $780,000

 

1750-0119   For payment of workers’ compensation benefits to certain former employees of Middlesex and Worcester counties; provided, that the human resources division shall routinely recertify the former employees under current workers’ compensation procedures... $8,151

 

1750-0300   For the commonwealth’s contributions in fiscal year 2021 to health and welfare funds established under certain collective bargaining agreements; provided, that the contributions shall be calculated as provided under the applicable collective bargaining agreements and shall be paid to the health and welfare trust funds on a monthly basis or on such other basis as the applicable collective bargaining agreement shall provide.................... $33,541,007

 

1750-0928   For the cost to lease or rent space to administer the civil service physical abilities tests and to revalidate civil service exams, including police and fire medical standards.............. $500,000

 

Operational Services Division.

 

1775-0115   For the operational services division, which may expend not more than $11,072,720 from revenues collected from the statewide contract administrative fee to procure, manage and administer statewide contracts; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............ $11,072,720

 

1775-0124   For the operational services division, which may expend not more than $106,730 from revenues collected in the recovery of cost reimbursement and nonreimbursable overbilling and recoupment for health and human service agencies and as a result of administrative reviews, as determined during the division’s audits and reviews of providers under section 22N of chapter 7 of the General Laws; provided, that the division may only retain revenues collected in excess of $100,000; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............... $106,730

 

1775-0200   For the operation and administration of the supplier diversity office; provided, that the office shall provide training and other services to businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, service-disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, certified by the office that allow those businesses to better compete for state contracts and ensure that equitable practices and policies in the public marketplace are maintained; provided further, that the office shall administer an electronic business certification application which shall be accessible to business applicants through the internet; provided further, that the office shall ensure the integrity and security of personal and financial information transmitted by electronic application; and provided further, that the office shall, using all existing available resources, provide certification services to all supplier diversity office qualified applicants within or outside of the commonwealth, as applicable.............................. $990,881

 

1775-0600   For the operational services division, which may expend not more than $455,886 in revenues from the sale of state surplus personal property and the disposal of surplus motor vehicles including, but not limited to, state police vehicles from vehicle accident and damage claims and from manufacturer warranties, rebates and settlements for the payment, expenses and liabilities for the acquisition, warehousing, allocation and distribution of surplus property and the purchase of motor vehicles; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system, including the costs of personnel...... $455,886

 

1775-0700   For the operational services division, which may expend not more than $60,000 in revenues collected in addition to the amount authorized in item 1775-1000 of section 2B for printing, photocopying, related graphic art or design work and other reprographic goods and services provided to the general public, including all necessary or incidental expenses; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system......................................... $60,000

 

1775-0900   For the operational services division, which may expend not more than $22,000 in revenues collected under chapter 449 of the acts of 1984 and section 4L of chapter 7 of the General Laws, including the costs of personnel, from the sale of federal surplus property, including the payment, expenses and liabilities for the acquisition, warehousing, allocation and distribution of federal surplus property; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system................ $22,000

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE oF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND SECURITY.

 

1790-0100   For the operation of the executive office of technology services and security; provided, that the executive office shall continue a chargeback system for its information technology services; provided further, that the state comptroller shall establish accounts and procedures as the comptroller deems appropriate and necessary to assist in accomplishing the purposes of this item; provided further, that the executive office may establish rules and procedures necessary to implement this item; provided further, that the chief information officer shall review and approve any planned information technology development project or purchase by any agency under the authority of the governor for which the total projected cost exceeds $200,000, including the cost of any related hardware, software or consulting fees, and regardless of fiscal year or source of funds, before the agency may obligate funds for the project or purchase; provided further, that not later than June 30, 2021, the secretary of technology services and security shall submit to the state auditor, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on state administration and regulatory oversight a complete accounting of and justification for all project-related expenditures totaling $250,000 or more over the previous 12-month period, regardless of source of funds or authorization for such expenditure; and provided further, that not later than February 15, 2021, the executive office shall file a report with the secretary of administration and finance, the state auditor and the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (i) financial statements detailing savings and, where applicable, additional expenses realized from the consolidation of information technology services within each executive office and other initiatives; (ii) the number of personnel assigned to the information technology services within each executive office; (iii) efficiencies that have been achieved from the sharing of resources; (iv) the status of the centralization of the commonwealth's information technology staffing, infrastructure and network and cloud hosting; (v) the status of the commonwealth's cybersecurity; and (vi) strategies and initiatives to further improve the: (a) efficiency and security of the commonwealth's information technology; and (b) transparency of the executive office with the legislature, other executive branch agencies and the general public....... $3,105,778

 

1790-0300   For the executive office of technology services and security, which may expend not more than $2,733,931 from revenues collected from the provision of computer resources and services to the general public for the costs of the bureau of computer services, including the purchase, lease or rental of telecommunications lines, services and equipment; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the executive office may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $2,733,931

 

1790-1700   For core technology services and security, including those previously funded through item 1790-0200 in prior fiscal years $43,108,383

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS.

 

Office of the Secretary.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
2000-0100   For the operation of the office of the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, including the water resources commission, the hazardous waste facility site safety council, the coastal zone management program and environmental impact reviews conducted under chapter 30 of the General Laws.................. $11,427,197

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
2000-0101   For the executive office of energy and environmental affairs to coordinate and implement strategies for climate change adaptation and preparedness including, but not limited to: (i) the resiliency of the commonwealth's transportation, energy and public health infrastructures; (ii) built environments; (iii) municipal assistance; (iv) improved data collection and analysis; (v) enhanced planning; and (vi) improved resiliency through the strengthening and revitalization of natural resources, including marshes and other wetlands; provided, that the executive office may enter into interagency service agreements to facilitate and accomplish these efforts; provided further, that not later than February 3, 2021 the executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, that shall include, but not be limited to: (a) the commonwealth’s multi-year plan for developing a climate change resiliency plan and response strategy; (b) plans to support local partners in climate change adaptation and resiliency; (c) an analysis of the differing effects of climate change in different geographic, ecological, and coastal regions of the state, including urban, suburban and rural homes; (d) a review of the environmental justice impacts of climate change on communities of color; and (e) a detailed breakdown of all expenditures made under this item; provided further, that funds shall be expended for the hiring of environmental justice staff whose responsibilities may include, but not be limited to, mitigating, adapting and preparing for the environmental justice impacts of climate change, establishing and implementing environmental justice policies, strategies and priorities within the executive office of energy and environmental affairs and coordinating with other state agencies and departments to promote and secure environmental justice; provided further, that not later than February 3, 2021, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the number of full-time equivalent positions assigned to the executive office’s environmental justice staff; (2) responsibilities held by the executive office’s environmental justice staff; and (3) the status of environmental justice policies, strategies and initiatives being pursued for both the current and coming fiscal years; and provided further, that not later than December 30, 2020, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the house and senate committees on global warming and climate change, the joint committee on transportation and the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy that shall include the status of its efforts to enhance port infrastructure for the development of offshore wind........................... $2,213,999

 

2000-1011   For the office of environmental law enforcement, which may expend not more than $40,000 from the administrative handling charge revenues received from electronic transactions processed through its online licensing and registration systems; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the office may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system.......................................................... $40,000

 

2000-1700   For the operation of information technology services within the executive office of energy and environmental affairs.. $14,210,087

 

2030-1000   For the operation of the office of environmental law enforcement; provided, that environmental police officers shall provide monitoring under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program $12,337,788

 

2030-1004   For environmental police private details; provided, that the office of environmental law enforcement may expend not more than $530,000 from revenues collected from the fees charged for private details; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the office may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............... $530,000

 

Department of Public Utilities.

 

2100-0012   For the operation of the department of public utilities; provided, that notwithstanding the second sentence of the first paragraph of section 18 of chapter 25 of the General Laws, the assessments levied for fiscal year 2021 under said first paragraph of said section 18 of said chapter 25 shall be made at a rate sufficient to produce the amount expended from this item and the associated fringe benefits costs for personnel paid from this item $18,131,196

 

2100-0013   For the operation of the transportation oversight division $344,801

 

2100-0016   For the department of public utilities to regulate steam distribution companies; provided, that notwithstanding section 18A of chapter 25 of the General Laws, the assessments levied for fiscal year 2021 shall be made at a rate sufficient to produce the amount expended from this item and the associated fringe benefits costs for personnel paid from this item......... $388,894

 

2100-0017   For the operation of the division of transportation network services; provided, that the amount assessed under section 23 of chapter 25 of the General Laws shall be made at a rate sufficient to produce the amount expended from this item and the associated fringe benefits costs for personnel paid from this item $1,910,854

 

Department of Environmental Protection.

 

2200-0100   For the operation of the department of environmental protection, including the environmental strike force, the bureau of planning and evaluation, the bureau of resource protection, the bureau of waste prevention, the Senator William X. Wall Experiment Station and a contract with the University of Massachusetts for environmental research; provided, that section 3B of chapter 7 of the General Laws shall not apply to fees established under section 18 of chapter 21A of the General Laws; provided further, that not later than February 3, 2021 the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) the status of hiring of additional staff; (ii) the historic staffing level of the department for the last 10 fiscal years; (iii) the number of enforcement actions for serious violations and fine collections compared to the previous 10 fiscal years; and (iv) recommendations for the additional resources needed to fulfill the department’s enforcement responsibilities; provided further, that in order to facilitate an effective hiring process for new employees at the department, funds appropriated for this item shall not revert but shall be made available for this item in fiscal year 2022; provided further, that not less than $38,000 shall be expended for the town of Sherborn for the continued position of a sustainability coordinator; provided further, that not less than $27,000 shall be expended to enter into an agreement with OARS, Inc. to operate a water quality monitoring program in the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Inc., for a coastal water quality and natural resource monitoring program in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. $40,115,000

 

2200-0102   For the department of environmental protection, which may expend not more than $650,150 in revenues collected from fees for wetland permits; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............... $650,150

 

2200-0107   For technical assistance, grants and support of efforts consistent with the Massachusetts Recycling and Solid Waste Master Plan and the Massachusetts Climate Protection Plan; provided, that funds may be expended for a recycling industries reimbursement program under section 241 of chapter 43 of the acts of 1997...... $499,997

 

2200-0109   For the department of environmental protection for the sole purpose of ensuring sufficient staff for timely permit decisions and compliance assurance............................... $2,500,000

 

2200-0112   For the department of environmental protection, which may expend not more than $2,500,000 in revenues collected from permit and compliance fees for the sole purpose of ensuring sufficient staff for timely permit decisions and compliance assurance; provided, that if this item is eliminated or reduced in fiscal year 2021 or operational funding for the department falls below the level authorized in the general appropriation act for fiscal year 2015, excluding appropriations for earmarks and nonrecurring operating costs, the fee increase supporting this item shall terminate; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............. $2,500,000

 

2210-0106   For the department of environmental protection, which may expend for the administration and implementation of the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act, under chapter 21I of the General Laws, not more than $2,886,472 in revenues collected from fees, penalties, grants and tuition under said chapter 21I; provided, that not later than February 3, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the status of the department’s progress in meeting the statutory and regulatory deadlines associated with said chapter 21I and detailing the number of full-time equivalent positions assigned to various implementation requirements of said chapter 21I; provided further, that not less than $1,629,860 from this item shall be made available for the operation of the Toxics Use Reduction Institute program at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell; provided further, that the department shall enter into an interagency service agreement with the University of Massachusetts to make such funding available for this purpose; provided further, that not less than $644,096 from this item shall be made available for toxics use reduction technical assistance and technology under said chapter 21I; provided further, that the department shall enter into an interagency service agreement with the executive office of energy and environmental affairs to make such funding available for this purpose; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system...................................... $2,886,472

 

2220-2220   For the administration and implementation of the Clean Air Act under 42 U.S.C. section 7401 et seq., including the operating permit program, the emissions banking program, the auto-related state implementation program, the low emission vehicle program, the non-auto-related state implementation program and the commonwealth’s commitments under the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Regional Climate Change Action Plan for reducing acid rain deposition and mercury emissions...... $900,523

 

2220-2221   For the administration and implementation of the operating permit and compliance program required under the Clean Air Act under 42 U.S.C. section 7401 et seq............................. $1,613,230

 

2250-2000   For the commonwealth’s implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 under section 18A of chapter 21A of the General Laws; provided, that the department of environmental protection may expend funds for the study and remediation of lead in public school drinking water.................................. $2,253,276

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
2260-8870   For the expenses of the hazardous waste cleanup and underground storage tank programs including, but not limited to, monitoring unlined landfills, notwithstanding section 4 of chapter 21J of the General Laws; provided, that the department of environmental protection shall provide the department of revenue with information necessary for the completion of the report required in item 1232-0200 including, but not limited to, the number of tanks out of compliance with said chapter 21J......... $14,789,058

 

2260-8872   For the brownfields site audit program................. $1,270,848

 

2260-8881   For the operation of the board of registration of hazardous waste site cleanup professionals, notwithstanding section 19A of chapter 21A of the General Laws.................................. $394,695

 

Department of Fish and Game.

 

2300-0100   For the office of the commissioner of fish and game; provided, that the commissioner’s office shall assess and receive payments from the division of marine fisheries, the division of fisheries and wildlife, the office of fishing and boating access, the division of ecological restoration, the riverways program and all other programs under the control of the department of fish and game; provided further, that those assessments shall be used to cover appropriate administrative costs of the department including, but not limited to, payroll, personnel, legal and budgetary costs; and provided further, that the amount and contribution from each division or program shall be determined by the commissioner....................................... $1,049,242

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
2300-0101   For the division of ecological restoration and the riverways program and for the promotion of public access to rivers and wetland restoration, including grants to public and nonpublic entities............................................... $2,600,000

 

2310-0200   For the administration of the division of fisheries and wildlife, including expenses of the fisheries and wildlife board, the administration of game farms and wildlife restoration projects, wildlife research and management, the administration of fish hatcheries, the improvement and management of lakes, ponds and rivers, fish and wildlife restoration projects, the commonwealth’s share of certain cooperative fisheries and wildlife programs and for certain programs reimbursable under the federal Aid to Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act; provided, that the division may expend the amount necessary to restore anadromous fish in the Connecticut and Merrimack river systems; and provided further, that no funds shall be spent on restoration of catadromous fish in the Connecticut and Merrimack river systems unless considered necessary by the division............................. $16,081,736

 

Inland Fisheries and Game Fund....... 100%

 

2310-0300   For the operation of the natural heritage and endangered species program.................................................. $500,000

 

2310-0306   For the hunter safety training program................... $504,730

 

Inland Fisheries and Game Fund....... 100%

 

2310-0316   For the purchase of land containing wildlife habitats and for the costs of the division of fisheries and wildlife directly related to the administration of the wildlands stamp program under sections 2A and 2C of chapter 131 of the General Laws.. $1,500,000

 

Inland Fisheries and Game Fund....... 100%

 

2310-0317   For the waterfowl management program established under section 11 of chapter 131 of the General Laws........................ $65,000

 

Inland Fisheries and Game Fund....... 100%

 

2320-0100   For the administration of the office of fishing and boating access, including the maintenance, operation and improvement of public access land and water areas; provided, that positions funded in this item shall not be subject to chapter 31 of the General Laws $621,062

 

2330-0100   For the operation of the division of marine fisheries; provided, that the division may expend funds for the Annisquam river marine research laboratory, marine research programs, a commercial fisheries program, a shellfish management program, including coastal area classification, mapping and technical assistance, the operation of the Newburyport shellfish purification plant and a shellfish classification program; provided further, that funds shall be expended on a recreational fisheries program to be reimbursed by federal funds; provided further, that the division shall continue to develop strategies to improve federal regulations governing the commercial fishing industry and to promote sustainable fisheries; provided further, that the department shall expend an amount not less than the amount expended in the prior fiscal year for the operation of the Newburyport shellfish purification plant; provided further, that the division shall offer wet storage and desanding services at the Newburyport shellfish purification plant as laid out in the report dated March 1, 2012; provided further, that for functions not being performed by the plant prior to July 1, 2012, the division may solicit competitive proposals for the utilization of excess processing capacity at the Newburyport shellfish purification plant, which may include proposals to offer wet storage and desanding services at the plant as described in the shellfish purification plant management plan dated March 1, 2012; provided further, that the division shall be under no obligation to consider or implement any proposal that the division determines would displace, impede or otherwise hinder the existing functions of the plant; provided further, that the division may enter into contracts based on proposals received; provided further, that not less than 60 days before entering into contracts, the division shall notify the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended for a program of collaborative research by the division of marine fisheries through the Marine Fisheries Institute, in collaboration with the School for Marine Science and Technology at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, that applies innovative technology to assess the biomass of fish in the region managed by the New England Fishery Management Council; and provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute to develop a strategic plan, in conjunction with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst School of Earth and Sustainability, including University of Massachusetts at Amherst Gloucester Marine Station at Hodgkin’s Cove and the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the Cummings Veterinary School, for the study of the effectiveness of applying genomic techniques to mitigate the effects of climate change on agricultural, livestock, aquaculture and marine food resources.............................................. $6,845,501

 

2330-0120   For the division of marine fisheries for a program to enhance and develop marine recreational fishing and related programs and activities, including the cost of equipment, maintenance and staff and the maintenance and updating of data................. $808,034

 

2330-0121   For the division of marine fisheries to utilize reimbursable federal sportfish restoration funds to further develop marine recreational fishing and related programs, including the costs of activities that increase public access for marine recreational fishing, support research on artificial reefs and otherwise provide for the development of marine recreational fishing; provided, that the division may expend not more than $217,989 in revenues collected from federal Sport Fish Restoration Program funds and from the sale of materials which promote marine recreational fishing; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............... $217,989

 

2330-0150   For the operation and maintenance of the Newburyport shellfish purification plant, which may expend not more than $75,000 from revenues collected from fees generated by operations; provided, that not later than January 13, 2021, the division of marine fisheries shall submit a report detailing the revenues collected and expended and the shellfish volume increase realized from the implementation of wet storage and desanding services and the shellfish purification plant management plan dated March 1, 2012 to the executive office of environmental affairs, the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system......................................... $75,000

 

2330-0199   For conducting surveys to monitor and forecast an abundance of commercially-important invertebrate species in commonwealth waters, including a ventless lobster trap employing the services of contracted commercial lobster fishing vessels in the commonwealth; provided, that the division of marine fisheries may expend not more than $250,000 from revenues collected from fees generated by the sale of lobster permits; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the division may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system........................................ $250,000

 

2330-0300   For the administration and operation of the saltwater fishing permit program under section 17C of chapter 130 of the General Laws................................................... $1,746,763

 

Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund  100%

 

Department of Agricultural Resources.

 

2511-0100   For the operation of the department of agricultural resources, including the division of administration, the integrated pest management program, the board of agriculture, the division of agricultural markets, the division of animal health, the division of agricultural conservation and technical assistance, the division of crop and pest services, including a program of laboratory services at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the expenses of the pesticide board and agency costs associated with the administration of other boards, commissions and committees chaired by the department and for a reserve to meet the cost of any and all products, equipment and labor associated with the eradication of the arbovirus, as well as the cost of any other type of pesticide or agent, in order to prevent the spread of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile virus and Zika virus in Bristol and Plymouth counties; provided, that Bristol and Plymouth counties shall each receive $50,000 respectively; provided further, that not less than $120,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Farm to School Project, LLC; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program established under section 65 of chapter 23A of the General Laws; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended for the apiary inspection program; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for control efforts and monitoring of the Spotted Lantern fly; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to enhance the Buy Local effort in western, central, northeastern and southeastern Massachusetts; provided further, that any buy local effort included in this item shall include locally-harvested seafood including, but not limited to, fish and shellfish; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Greenagers, Inc. for teen and young adult environmental programming; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets for the construction of market sheds for the continuation of outdoor farmers markets; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund; and provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended for Land’s Sake Farm in the town of Weston to support infrastructure and capital improvements to enable year-round sale of fresh produce to low income communities............. $8,533,887

 

2511-0103   For the costs associated with agricultural oversight of hemp and cannabis............................................... $1,091,942

 

Marijuana Regulation Fund............ 100%

 

2511-0105   For the purchase of supplemental foods for the emergency food assistance program within the Feeding America nationally-certified food bank system; provided, that the funds appropriated in this item shall reflect the Feeding America allocation formula in order to benefit the commonwealth’s 4 regional food banks; provided further, that $1,000,000 shall be expended to the commonwealth’s 4 regional food banks for operating funds to distribute food for the Massachusetts emergency food assistance program; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the operation of the Food for Free Committee, Incorporated in the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the city of Chelsea, for the coordination of essential food services in the city of Chelsea; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for the Billerica Food Pantry; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended for the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley’s Resilient Randolph Fund to provide resources for emergency assistance; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Arlington EATS Headquarters in the town of Arlington to allow for operational efficiency with the goal of ending hunger; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Food for the World, Inc. to provide free access to nutritious food to low-income families and the homeless, and related support services; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen, Inc. in the East Boston section of the city of Boston; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Marlborough Community Cupboard, a program of the United Way of Tri-County, Inc., for building improvements due to increased client need and enhanced social distancing necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Rose’s Bounty Food Pantry for the increased need for meals during the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic; and provided further, that the department of agricultural resources may assess an administrative charge not to exceed 2 per cent of the total appropriation in this item............................ $30,380,000

 

2511-3002   For the integrated pest management program................ $67,392

 

Department of Conservation and Recreation.

 

2800-0100   For the operation of the department of conservation and recreation; provided, that notwithstanding section 3B of chapter 7 of the General Laws, the department shall establish or renegotiate fees, licenses, permits, rents and leases and adjust or develop other revenue sources to fund the maintenance, operation and administration of the department; provided further, that funds may be expended for the operation of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center in the city of Worcester; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the department to select an independent scientific organization to conduct a study and survey of the white-tailed deer population of the Blue Hills Reservation; provided further, that for purposes of said surveying, methods shall include, but not be limited to: (i) fixed-wing aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles using aerial photography and downward-looking thermal imaging; and (ii) distance sampling using driving transects and spotlights; and provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the purposes of aquatic invasive species control for the Charles River and Mystic River......... $4,607,205

 

2800-0101   For the watershed management program to operate and maintain reservoirs, watershed lands and related infrastructure of the department of conservation and recreation and the office of water resources in the department; provided, that the amount of the payment shall be charged to the General Fund and shall not be included in the amount of the annual determination of fiscal year charges to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority assessed to the authority under the General Laws; provided further, that the department shall continue to make payments under chapter 616 of the acts of 1957, as amended by section 89 of chapter 801 of the acts of 1963; and provided further, that the department shall continue to make payments under chapter 307 of the acts of 1987 for the use of certain land............................ $1,524,408

 

2800-0401   For a program to provide stormwater management for all properties and roadways under the care, custody and control of the department of conservation and recreation........................... $466,948

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
2800-0500   For the existing maintenance, operational and infrastructure needs of the metropolitan beaches as determined by the commission established under section 70 of chapter 3 of the General Laws; provided, that not less than $900,000 shall be expended for the metropolitan beaches in Lynn, Nahant, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull to be fully maintained and seasonally staffed as recommended by the metropolitan beaches commission in coordination with the department of conservation and recreation; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the cleanup of Pilayella algae on Kings beach and Long beach in the city of Lynn; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Save the Harbor, Save the Bay, Inc.’s staff time, consultants and direct expenses to support the ongoing work of the metropolitan beaches commission; and provided further, that not less than $190,000 shall be expended for matching grants to public and nonpublic entities to support free public events and programs on the metropolitan beaches as part of Save the Harbor, Save the Bay, Inc.’s Better Beaches Grants Program as recommended by the metropolitan beaches commission........................ $1,229,660

 

2800-0501   For the operation of the beaches, pools and spray pools under the control of the department of conservation and recreation; provided, that the seasonal hires of the department’s parks, beaches, pools and spray pools shall be paid from this item; provided further, that said beaches, pools and spray pools shall remain open and staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day, inclusive; provided further, that the beaches, pools and spray pools shall be fully maintained; provided further, that seasonal employees who are hired before the second Sunday preceding Memorial Day, whose employment continues beyond the Saturday following Labor Day and who received health insurance benefits in fiscal year 2020, shall continue to receive such benefits in fiscal year 2021 during the period of said employees’ seasonal employment; provided further, that notwithstanding section 1 of chapter 31 of the General Laws, seasonal positions funded by this item shall be positions requiring the services of an incumbent, on either a full-time or less than full-time basis, beginning not earlier than April 1 and ending not later than November 30 or beginning not earlier than September 1 and ending not later than April 30; and provided further, that notwithstanding said section 1 of said chapter 31, seasonal positions funded by this item shall not be filled by an incumbent for more than 8 months within a 12-month period................................................ $16,524,419

 

2800-0700   For the office of dam safety; provided, that the office shall, in collaboration with the department of environmental protection and the department of fish and game, establish and maintain a comprehensive inventory of all dams and develop a coordinated permitting and regulatory approach to dam removal for stream restoration and public safety............................ $641,043

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
2810-0100   For the operation of the division of state parks and recreation; provided, that funds appropriated in this item shall be used to: (i) operate all of the division’s parks, parkways, boulevards, roadways, bridges and related appurtenances under the care, custody and control of the division, flood control activities of the division, reservations, campgrounds, beaches and pools; (ii) oversee skating rinks; and (iii) protect and manage the division’s lands and natural resources, including the forest and parks conservation services and the bureau of forestry development; provided further, that all properties that were open in fiscal year 2020 shall be open in fiscal year 2021; provided further, that the crossing guards located at department of conservation and recreation intersections shall continue to perform the duties where state police previously performed such duties; provided further, that the division may issue grants to public and nonpublic entities from this item; provided further, that up to $3,000,000 may be used to support the costs of snow and ice removal; provided further, that the rinks under the control of the department shall remain open and staffed for the full rink season; provided further, that the department of conservation and recreation shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than February 3, 2021, on the utilization of funds towards addressing understaffed parks, extending camping seasons, hiring additional park support operations crew members and hiring additional engineers to plan and build capital improvement projects; provided further, that additional funds shall be expended to address the needs of state parks in all regions of the commonwealth; provided further, that not later than February 3, 2021 the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (a) the status of hiring for additional staffing; (b) the staffing levels for the previous 10 fiscal years; and (c) the average staffing level at each park; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the continued development and implementation of an asset management modernization program within the department with the goal of adequate stewardship and budgeting; provided further, that funds shall be expended for additional staffing, consulting and training for the program; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the progress of the program including, but not limited to: (1) the status of hiring for any additional staffing required for full implementation and adoption of the plan throughout the department; (2) the contracts with outside consulting; (3) the progress of planned and delivered training; (4) the status of the integration and utilization of geographic information system data into the program; (5) the status of integrating a functional preventative maintenance capability; (6) an overview of the defined program metrics and weekly report used to manage performance; (7) anticipated cost savings, and, where applicable, additional expenses resulting from the full scale implementation of the program including, but not limited to, preventative, corrective and deferred maintenance costs; (8) the status of the full implementation and adoption of the plan throughout the department, including any department facilities where full implementation has not yet occurred; and (9) any other significant changes in the program resulting from its full scale implementation across the department; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for improvements and maintenance of United States highway route 1 from the Marine Corps Rotary in the town of Dedham to Spring street in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the town of Milton for the refurbishing of the Turner’s pond multi-use trail in the town of Milton; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Blue Hills Trailside Museum; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for a Veterans’ Park in the city of Lowell; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to update and modernize the many parks and recreation spaces in the city of Beverly; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be provided to clear the remaining area of Johnsons Pond in Groveland for boating and fishing; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the maintenance of Red Rock Park on Lynn Shore Drive, in the city of Lynn; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for parks and playground projects in the Highlands area of Lowell; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for facility and grounds renovations at West Middle School in the city of Brockton; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the purpose of tree re-planting in Worcester; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the city of Malden for improvements to parks and playgrounds to expand access to open spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic including, but not limited to, the Devir Park Revitalization Project; and provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for increased opportunities for safe outdoor recreation programs in the town of West Springfield $51,535,000

 

2810-2042   For the department of conservation and recreation, which may expend not more than $21,279,999 from revenues collected by the department including, but not limited to, revenues collected from: (i) campsite reservation transactions from the automated campground reservation and registration program; (ii) fees, permits, leases, rentals, concessions and all other contracts; (iii) telecommunications system user fees and other charges established by the commissioner of conservation and recreation and as received from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, the division of highways in the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the department of state police and quasi-public and private entities; (iv) skating rink fees and rentals; (v) Ponkapoag golf course fees and rentals; (vi) Leo J. Martin golf course fees and rentals; and (vii) activities authorized under section 34B of chapter 92 of the General Laws; provided, that the department shall retain and deposit 80 per cent of the aforementioned fees; provided further, that if the department of conservation and recreation projects that total revenues from the fees identified in this item will exceed $26,599,999, the department shall notify the secretary of administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that funds in this item shall be expended for: (a) the operation and expenses of the department; (b) expenses, upkeep and improvements to the parks and recreation system; (c) the operation and maintenance of the department’s telecommunications system; (d) the operation and maintenance of the department’s skating rinks at an amount not less than $1,000,000; (e) the operation and maintenance of the Ponkapoag golf course at an amount not less than $1,098,011; and (f) the operation and maintenance of the Leo J. Martin golf course at an amount not less than $824,790; provided further, that nothing in this item shall impair or diminish the rights of access and utilization of all current users of the telecommunications system under agreements previously entered into; provided further, that this item may be reimbursed by political subdivisions of the commonwealth and private entities for direct and indirect costs expended by the department to maintain the telecommunications system; provided further, that the department may issue grants to public and nonpublic entities from this item; provided further, that when assigning time for the use of its skating rinks, the department shall give first priority to general public skating and then to any entity which qualifies under applicable state and federal law as a nonprofit organization or as a public school; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system; provided further, that expenditures made in advance of receipts shall not exceed 75 per cent of the amount of revenues projected by the first quarterly statement required under section 1B; and provided further, that the comptroller shall notify the house and senate committees on ways and means when subsequent quarterly statements detailing the variance between actual and projected receipts in each quarter and the implications of that variance for expenditures made are published............................................. $21,279,999

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
2820-0101   For the costs associated with the department of conservation and recreation’s park rangers specific to the security of the state house; provided, that funds appropriated in this item shall only be expended for the costs of security and park rangers at the state house............................................ $2,293,057

 

2820-2000   For the operation of street lighting and the expenses of maintaining the parkways of the department of conservation and recreation............................................. $3,150,000

 

Department of Energy Resources.

 

7006-1001   For the residential conservation service program under chapter 465 of the acts of 1980 and the commercial and apartment conservation service program under section 11A of chapter 25A of the General Laws; provided, that the assessments levied for fiscal year 2021 under said chapter 465 shall be made at a rate sufficient to produce the amount expended from this item and the associated fringe benefits costs for personnel paid from this item.. $234,560

 

7006-1003   For the operation of the department of energy resources; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the amount assessed under section 11H of chapter 25A of the General Laws shall be made at a rate sufficient to produce the amount expended from this item and the associated fringe benefits costs for personnel paid from this item...................... $4,276,817

 

Executive Office of Education.

 

Department of Early Education and Care.

 

3000-1000   For the administration of the department of early education and care; provided, that the department shall report on the first business day of each month to the joint committee on education, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the secretary of administration and finance on the unduplicated number of children on waiting lists for state-subsidized early education and care programs and services, including supportive child care services; provided further, that notwithstanding chapter 66A of the General Laws, the department of early education and care, the child care resource and referral agencies, the department of elementary and secondary education, the department of transitional assistance, the department of children and families, the department of housing and community development, the Children’s Trust Fund, the disabled persons protection commission, the district attorneys’ offices and the department of public health, specifically the early intervention program, may share with each other personal data regarding the parents and children who receive services provided under early education and care programs administered by the commonwealth for waitlist management, program implementation and evaluation, reporting and policy development purposes; provided further, that the department shall issue monthly reports detailing the number and average cost of voucher and contracted slots funded by the department for items 3000-3060 and 3000-4060 delineated by age category; provided further, that said reports shall include the number of recipients subject to subsection (f) of section 110 of chapter 5 of the acts of 1995; provided further, that the department of early education and care shall provide the caseload forecasting office and the house and senate committees on ways and means with enrollment data and any other information pertinent to caseload forecasting that is requested on a monthly basis; provided further, that the information shall be provided in a manner that meets all applicable federal and state privacy and security requirements; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Springfield Day Nursery Corporation in the city of Springfield to provide safe care for children and families; and provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc., to provide support to evidence-based early childhood education programs that promote language, literacy and social emotional skill development for preschool children from under-served communities............................................ $6,544,822

 

3000-1020   For early education and care quality supports to improve and sustain educational quality among providers of early education and care and to assist early educators and providers in attaining higher levels of proficiency, skill and quality; provided, that supports funded through this item shall include, but not be limited to, program quality improvements related to meeting the Massachusetts Quality Rating and Improvement System standards; provided further, that costs related to department of early education and care personnel who support quality improvement may be funded from this item, including the department's licensing staff and other personnel who ensure compliance with state and federal requirements for inspections, monitoring and training; provided further, that funds from this item may support the Massachusetts universal prekindergarten program, inclusive learning environment grants and early childhood mental health consultation services; provided further, that supports funded through this item may include, but not be limited to: (i) development and purchase of curriculum; (ii) development and implementation of early childhood assessment systems; (iii) incentives for programs to recruit, develop and retain highly qualified educators; (iv) activities that encourage providers to obtain associate and bachelor’s degrees; (v) payment of fees; (vi) direct assistance to programs seeking accreditation by agencies approved by the board of early education and care; and (vii) professional development courses; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended on transitional costs and other 1-time quality improvements at Nurtury, Inc.; and provided further, that any payment made under any such grant to a school district shall be deposited with the treasurer of the city, town or regional school district and held as a separate account and, notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, shall be expended by the school committee of such city, town or regional school district without municipal appropriation....... $44,601,119

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.

3000-1042   For a reimbursement rate increase for center-based subsidized early education and care for salaries, benefits and stipends for professional development of early educators; provided, that funds appropriated in this item shall be used to increase such reimbursement rate by an appropriate percentage for all such providers; provided further, that funds shall be expended for increasing the daily add-on rate for comprehensive early education services for children with active cases at the department of children and families; provided further, that the commissioner of early education and care may transfer funds from this item to items 3000-3060 and 3000-4060, as necessary, under an allocation plan which shall detail by object class the distribution of the funds to be transferred; and provided further, that the commissioner shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on any such transfers.................. $20,000,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
3000-1044   For a reserve to meet the costs of parent fees for state subsidized early education and care providers; provided, that the costs of parent fees shall be covered by the commonwealth for the entirety of fiscal year 2021 and until a revised sliding fee scale, established and implemented by the commissioner of early education and care, with the approval of the board of early education and care, has received a public hearing under chapter 30A; provided further, that the commissioner of early education and care may transfer funds from this item to items 3000-3060 and 3000-4060, as necessary, under an allocation plan which shall detail by object class the distribution of the funds to be transferred; and provided further, that the commissioner shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on any such transfers.... $40,000,000

 

3000-1045   For a reserve to support the early education and care workforce and other operational costs related to the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic at state-subsidized early education and care programs; provided, that funds appropriated in this item shall be used to fund: (i) classroom stabilization grants to ensure that early education and care providers can pay for the fixed costs of maintaining their business despite reduced caseload; (ii) incentive pay for early educators facing increased costs as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus; and (iii) operational supports for providers necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that funds may be used to fund additional workforce sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to: (a) a reimbursement rate increase for center-based early education and care providers and (b) incentives for programs to recruit, develop and retain highly qualified educators; provided further, that funds may be expended to promote the safe supervision of school-aged children, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where the regular school day has been disrupted; provided further, that the commissioner shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the secretary of administration and finance detailing the funding expended from this item; and provided further, that any unexpended funds in this item shall not revert to the General Fund but shall be made available for this item until June 30, 2022........... $25,000,000

 

3000-2000   For the regional administration and coordination of services provided by child care resource and referral agencies. $11,100,000

 

3000-2050   For the administration of the Children’s Trust Fund, established in section 50 of chapter 10 of the General Laws; provided, that the department shall not exercise any supervision or control with respect to the board of the trust fund; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for a Stop Abuse For Every (SAFE) Child community pilot program to provide, coordinate and expand core services for families; provided further, that core services shall include, but not be limited to, home visiting, social and behavioral health services, substance abuse treatment and parental resiliency programs; provided further, that the pilot program shall support the coordination of services and referrals using existing resources; and provided further, that not later than February 15, 2021, the Children’s Trust Fund shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities on the progress of the pilot program and the mobilization of services at the family centers.................................. $1,734,725

 

3000-3060   For early education and care services for children with active cases at the department of children and families and for families currently involved with, or transitioning from, transitional aid to families with dependent children; provided, that the department of early education and care, in collaboration with the department of children and families, shall maintain a centralized list detailing the number of children eligible for services under this item, the number of supportive slots filled and the number of supportive slots available; provided further, that for children with active cases at the department of children and families, funds may be used to provide services during a transition period of at least 12 months upon the closure of the family’s case with the department of children and families; provided further, that in the case of families involved with transitional aid to families with dependent children, early education and care shall be available to: (i) recipients of transitional aid to families with dependent children benefits; (ii) former participants who are working for up to 1 year after termination of their benefits; (iii) participants who are working for up to 1 year after the transitional period; and (iv) parents who are under 18 years of age who are currently enrolled in a job training program and who would qualify for benefits under chapter 118 of the General Laws but for the consideration of the grandparents’ income; provided further, that all teens eligible for year-round, full-time early education and care services shall be participating in school, education, work and training-related activities or a combination thereof for at least the minimum number of hours required by regulations; provided further, that recipients of transitional aid to families with dependent children shall not be charged fees for care provided under this item; provided further, that early education and care services for families involved with transitional aid to families with dependent children funded from this item shall be distributed geographically in a manner that provides fair and adequate access to early education and care for all eligible individuals; provided further, that informal early education and care benefits for families involved with transitional aid to families with dependent children may be funded from this item; provided further, that the commissioner of early education and care may transfer funds to this item from item 3000-4060, as necessary, under an allocation plan, which shall detail by object class the distribution of the funds to be transferred and which the commissioner shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days before the transfer; provided further, that the department of early education and care shall, to the extent allowable under federal law and regulations, stabilize payments to providers through funding strategies that mitigate the impact of fluctuations in enrollment due to the 2019 novel coronavirus and address the operational costs of providing child care services including, but not limited to, classroom stabilization grants; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the commissioner shall report to the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means on the implementation or further development of funding strategies to advance program sustainability, quality and stabilization including, but not limited to, a classroom-based funding model; provided further, that not later than December 30, 2020, the commissioner shall seek input from early education and care stakeholders, as well as the secretaries of education and labor and workforce development, in developing the report; provided further, that not later than April 15, 2021, the commissioner shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the secretary of administration and finance the projected expenses for the program; provided further, that if the department of early education and care determines that the available appropriation exceeds projected expenses, the commissioner shall transfer the amount that would otherwise be unspent by June 30, 2021 to item 3000-1045; provided further, that if the department of early education and care determines that available appropriations for this program will be insufficient to meet projected expenses, the commissioner shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means and the secretary of administration and finance a report detailing the amount of appropriation needed to address such deficiency; provided further, that reimbursements for services rendered in prior fiscal years may be expended from this item; provided further, that the department shall recoup funds owed related to payments made by the department in prior fiscal years by reducing payments for services related to this item in fiscal year 2021; and provided further, that all children eligible for services under this item shall receive such services.......................... $350,928,901

 

3000-4060   For income-eligible early education and care programs; provided, that teen parents and homeless families identified as likely to become eligible for transitional aid to families with dependent children may be paid from this item; provided further, that informal early education and care benefits for families meeting income-eligibility criteria may be funded from this item; provided further, that early education and care services funded under this item shall be distributed geographically in a manner that provides fair and adequate access to early education and care for all eligible individuals; provided further, that not more than 3 per cent of the funds appropriated in this item may be transferred in fiscal year 2021 as set forth in a plan submitted by the department of early education and care; provided further, that said plan shall be filed with the joint committee on education, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the secretary of administration and finance; provided further, that the department shall, to the extent allowable under federal law and regulations, stabilize payments to providers through funding strategies that mitigate the impact of fluctuations in enrollment due to the 2019 novel coronavirus and address the operational costs of providing childcare services including, but not limited to, classroom stabilization grants; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the commissioner shall report to the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means on the implementation or further development of funding strategies to advance program sustainability, quality and stabilization including, but not limited to, a classroom-based funding model; provided further, that not later than December 30, 2020, the commissioner shall seek input from early education and care stakeholders, as well as the secretaries of education, and labor and workforce development, in developing the report; provided further, that not later than April 15, 2021, the commissioner shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the secretary of administration and finance the projected expenses for the program; provided further, that if the department determines that the available appropriation exceeds projected expenses, the commissioner may transfer the amount that would otherwise be unspent on June 30, 2021 to item 3000-1045; provided further, that reimbursements for services rendered in prior fiscal years may be expended from this item; provided further, that the department shall recoup funds owed related to payments made by the department in prior fiscal years by reducing payments for services related to this item rendered in fiscal year 2021; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any payment made under any such grant with a school district shall be deposited with the treasurer of the city, town or regional school district and held as a separate account and shall be expended by the school committee of such city, town or regional school district without municipal appropriation........................................ $286,702,892

 

3000-5000   For grants to head start programs; provided, that funds from this item may be expended on early head start programs..... $15,000,000

 

3000-6025   For grants in fiscal year 2021 to support implementation activities in cities, towns, regional school districts or educational collaboratives to expand prekindergarten or preschool opportunities on a voluntary basis to children who will be eligible for kindergarten by September 2022; provided, that implementation grants may be awarded through a competitive process established by the department of early education and care utilizing the Massachusetts preschool expansion grant public-private partnership model; provided further, that preference shall be given in awarding implementation grants to districts serving high percentages of high-needs students; provided further, that additional preference shall be given in awarding implementation grants to districts that have completed strategic planning efforts that support expanding access to high-quality preschool through the Commonwealth preschool partnership initiative; provided further, that not later than March 15, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means on the status of implementation activities which shall include, but not be limited to, the: (i) districts that submitted applications for grant funding; (ii) recipients of grant funding; (iii) number of children served by recipients; (iv) size of awarded grants by recipient; and (v) recipients’ workforce development efforts; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, funds distributed from this item shall be deposited with the treasurer of the city, town, regional school district or educational collaborative and held in a separate account and shall be expended by the school committee of such city, town, regional school district or educational collaborative without further appropriation.......................... $5,000,000

 

3000-6075   For early childhood mental health consultation services in early education and care programs in the commonwealth; provided, that preference shall be given to those services designed to limit the number of expulsions and suspensions from the programs and to early education and care programs serving high percentages of high-needs students; and provided further, that eligible recipients for such grants shall include municipal school districts, regional school districts, educational collaboratives, head start programs, licensed childcare providers, child care resource and referral centers and other qualified entities $2,500,000

 

3000-7000   For statewide neonatal and postnatal home parenting education and home visiting programs for at-risk newborns to be administered by the Children’s Trust Fund; provided, that such services shall be made available statewide to parents under the age of 21; provided further, that the department of early education and care shall collaborate with the Children's Trust Fund, when appropriate, to coordinate services provided through this item with services provided through item 3000-7050 to ensure that parents receiving services through this item are aware of all opportunities available to them and their children through the department; provided further, that the Children’s Trust Fund shall oversee the maintenance of a participant data system; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, priority for such services shall be given to low-income parents............................................... $16,438,152

 

3000-7040   For the department of early education and care, which may expend not more than $185,185 for contingency contracts related to pursuing federal reimbursement or avoiding costs in its capacity as the single state agency under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, as codified at 42 U.S.C. chapter 7, subchapter IV, part E; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, these contingency contracts shall not exceed 3 years except with prior review and approval by the executive office for administration and finance; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $185,185

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
3000-7050   For the coordinated family and community engagement grant program, which shall establish a statewide network of supports for early education; provided, that the department of early education and care shall distribute grants not later than December 30, 2020 in order to allow a full year of service for families involved in these programs; provided further, that the department shall, to the maximum extent feasible, coordinate services provided through this item with services provided through item 3000-7000 in order to ensure that parents receiving services through this item are aware of all opportunities available to them and their children through the department; provided further, that eligible recipients for such grants shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the Massachusetts Family Networks program; (ii) municipal school districts; (iii) regional school districts; (iv) educational collaboratives; (v) the parent-child home program; (vi) head start programs; (vii) other school readiness and family support programs; (viii) licensed child care providers; and (ix) child care resource and referral centers; provided further, that supports funded through this item shall be in alignment with the quality requirements of the Massachusetts universal prekindergarten program and the Massachusetts Quality Rating and Improvement System; provided further, that the department shall take steps to streamline activities and programs funded through this item; and provided further, that the department may expend funds from this item on grants for supplemental services for children with individualized education plans.......... $11,539,190

 

3000-7052   For the parent-child plus program, also known as the parent-child home program........................................... $3,000,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
3000-7055   For the Neighborhood Villages pilot program to provide high-quality, economically integrated, infant and toddler classrooms that demonstrate best practices for supporting children, families and the early childhood workforce and establish an infrastructure to facilitate wraparound health and wellness programming for children and families; provided, that funds shall be used to support high-quality early education and care classroom instruction and workforce development training; provided further, that funds shall be used to allow for the enhancement, coordination and alignment of early learning programs with community-based health providers and those resources that impact outcomes across health and early learning; and provided further, that the pilot program shall serve to identify resources and promising practices that inform efforts to support school-readiness and ensure the healthy development and well-being of children and families $1,000,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
3000-7066   For professional development and higher education opportunities and supports for early educators to be coordinated through the department in conjunction with the Massachusetts community colleges; provided, that programming shall focus on the statewide recruitment and training needs specific to the early education and care workforce, encourage opportunities for career advancement and retention, and incorporate early education and care stakeholder, employer and industry collaboration; provided further, that professional development opportunities shall be consistent with the core competencies and career pathways established by the department and in accordance with the recommendations of the Early Education and Care Workforce Council...................................................... $10,000,000

 

3000-7070   For Reach Out and Read, Inc.; provided, that the funds distributed through Reach Out and Read, Inc. shall be contingent upon a match of not less than $1 in private or corporate contributions for every $1 in state grant funding........................ $1,000,000

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND hUMAN SERVICES.

 

Office of the Secretary.

 

4000-0005.. For youth violence prevention program grants administered by the executive office of health and human services; provided, that the grants shall be targeted at reducing youth violence among young persons at highest annual risk of being perpetrators or victims of gun and community violence; provided further, that any new grants awarded from this item in fiscal year 2021 shall comply with the grant application requirements set forth in item 4000-0005 of section 2 of chapter 38 of the acts of 2013; provided further, that the executive office may select the same evaluator in fiscal year 2021 as selected in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that not later than February 15, 2021, the secretary of health and human services shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) successful grant applications; (ii) the criteria used in selecting grant recipients; (iii) a set of clearly-defined goals and benchmarks on which grant recipients shall be evaluated; and (iv) outcomes and findings that demonstrate program success from the grant awards for fiscal year 2020; and provided further, that these funds shall be available to those municipalities with the highest number of annual youth homicides and serious assaults as determined by the executive office.................... $10,000,000

 

4000-0007   For housing and supportive services for unaccompanied youth under section 16X of chapter 6A of the General Laws; provided, that not later than February 1, 2021, the secretary of health and human services shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (i) the number of youths served through this item; (ii) the types of services received by participating youths; (iii) the number of youths who transition into stabilized housing and the zip code of the stabilized housing; (iv) the number of youths who remain in stabilized housing after 90 days, when applicable; (v) other quantifiable data related to client outcomes as determined by the secretary; (vi) the number of youths turned away from the program; and (vii) the amount of funding awarded to vendors for the delivery of services and the names of each vendor....................................................... $8,000,000

 

4000-0009   For the office of health equity established in section 16AA of chapter 6A of the General Laws; provided, that the office may enter into service agreements with the department of public health to fulfill the obligations of the office; provided further, that the office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than December 30, 2020 on the development of the office of health equity within the executive office of health and human services and the implementation of programming as set forth in said section 16AA, including personnel costs and an organizational structure plan............... $100,000

 

4000-0014.. For the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Inc. to provide training to community health workers who serve as the patient link to medical and social services for the disenfranchised population throughout the Worcester and MetroWest regions........... $200,000

 

4000-0020.. For the nursing and allied health workforce development initiative, to develop and support strategies that increase the number of public higher education faculty members and students who participate in programs that support careers in fields related to nursing and allied health workforce; provided, that the amount appropriated in this item shall be transferred to the Massachusetts Nursing and Allied Health Workforce Development Trust Fund established under section 33 of chapter 305 of the acts of 2008; provided further, that funds shall be transferred to the fund according to an allotment schedule adopted by the executive office for administration and finance; and provided further, that the secretary of the executive office of health and human services shall submit a report to the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public health, the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on health care finance, the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on higher education, and the chairs of the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than March 1, 2021 detailing the expenditures out of the Massachusetts Nursing and Allied Health Workforce Development Trust Fund and both short and long term strategies to increase the number of public and private higher education faculty and students who participate in programs that support careers in fields related to nursing and allied health................................ $350,000

 

4000-0050.. For the operation of the PCA quality home care workforce council established in section 71 of chapter 118E of the General Laws $1,704,157

 

4000-0051   For the operation and support of the network of child and family service programs throughout the commonwealth, including family resource centers supported through this item and item 4800-0200; provided, that centers within this item shall: (i) be consistent with the requirements under section 16U of chapter 6A of the General Laws; (ii) demonstrate adherence to an evidence-based model of service; and (iii) use measurable outcomes to assess quality; provided further, that the secretary of health and human services shall maintain the fiscal year 2020 contract with a third-party administration service organization to oversee the execution of, and the agency’s compliance with, subsection (b) of said section 16U of said chapter 6A; provided further, that the executive office of health and human services shall provide biannual progress updates to the secretary of administration and finance, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021 and October 1, 2021, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing, but not limited to: (a) the number of children and families served at each center; (b) the types of programs; (c) program outcomes; (d) client feedback; and (e) progress on data sharing between centers; and provided further, that the network of child and family service programs shall coordinate with the executive office, the department of early education and care and municipal police departments to provide emergency assistance to missing or absent children at times when the juvenile court is not open, consistent with the requirements under section 39H of chapter 119 of the General Laws............................................. $500,000

 

4000-0052   For grants administered by the executive office of health and human services to support start-up costs and capital expenditures associated with the rapid creation of new inpatient mental health acute care beds in the commonwealth; provided, that priority shall be given to grants that support the creation of new beds for children and adolescents; provided further, that priority shall be given to grants that support new beds that would be located in underserved areas of the commonwealth; and provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021, the executive office of health and human services shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the: (i) funds distributed, delineated by recipient; (ii) number of new inpatient mental health acute care beds created with said funds, delineated by fund recipient, location, and ages served; and (iii) projected need for the rapid creation of new beds in fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023 $10,000,000

 

4000-0250.. For the executive office of health and human services, which may expend for the costs of the operations and maintenance of the health insurance exchange not more than $15,000,000 from monies received from the commonwealth health insurance connector authority; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenue and related expenditures, the executive office may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............ $15,000,000

 

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
 

4000-0300.. For the operation of the executive office of health and human services, including the operation of the managed care oversight board; provided, that the executive office shall provide technical and administrative assistance to agencies under the purview of the secretariat receiving federal funds; provided further, that the executive office shall ensure that any collaborative assessments for children receiving services from multiple agencies within the secretariat shall be performed within existing resources; provided further, that the executive office shall continue to develop and implement the common client identifier; provided further, that funds appropriated in this item shall be expended for administrative and contracted services related to the implementation and operation of programs under chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided further, that the executive office and its agencies, when contracting for services on the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and the town of Provincetown, shall take into consideration the increased costs associated with the provision of goods, services and housing in said jurisdictions; provided further, that in calculating rates of payment for children enrolled in MassHealth receiving inpatient and outpatient services at pediatric chronic and rehabilitation long-term care hospitals and acute care pediatric hospitals and pediatric specialty units as defined in section 8A of said chapter 118E, the executive office shall make a supplemental payment not less than $3,000,000 to any pediatric specialty unit in the commonwealth, above base rates, and shall make a supplemental payment not less than $3,000,000 to any pediatric chronic and rehabilitation long-term care hospital in the commonwealth, above base rates, to compensate for high-complexity pediatric care; provided further, that MassHealth shall establish a direct phone number for court employees who serve participants of specialty courts to use in contacting MassHealth regarding enrollment and other benefits' issues for participants and MassHealth shall notify the specialty courts administrator with the direct contact number and other pertinent information within 30 days after the effective date of this item; provided further, that in consultation with the center for health information and analysis, no rate increase shall be provided to existing Medicaid provider rates without taking all measures possible under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. chapter 7, subchapter XIX, to ensure that rates of payment to providers shall not exceed the rates that are necessary to meet the cost of efficiently and economically operated providers in order to provide services of adequate quality; provided further, that funds may be expended for the operation of the office of health equity under the department of public health and the executive office of health and human services; provided further, that no expenditures, whether made by the executive office or another commonwealth entity, shall be made that are not federally reimbursable, including those related to Titles XIX or XXI of the federal Social Security Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. chapter 7, subchapters XIX or XXI, the MassHealth demonstration waiver approved under section 1115(a) of the federal Social Security Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. section 1315(a), or the community first section 1115 demonstration waiver under section 1115 of the federal Social Security Act, codified at 42 U.S.C section 1315, except as required for: (i) the administration of the executive office; (ii) as required for the equivalent of MassHealth Standard benefits for children under the age of 21 who are in the care or custody of the department of youth services or the department of children and families; (iii) as required for dental benefits provided to clients of the department of developmental services the age of 21 or older; (iv) as required for managed care capitation payments for payments related to MassHealth members enrolled in a MassHealth managed program who are residents of institutions for mental disease for more than 15 days in any calendar month and otherwise as explicitly authorized; or(v) as required for cost-containment efforts, the purposes and amounts of which shall be submitted to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days before making these expenditures; or (vi) otherwise as explicitly authorized with the prior written approval of the secretary of administration and finance; provided further, that the executive office of health and human services may continue to recover provider overpayments made in the current and prior fiscal years through the Medicaid management information system and these recoveries shall be considered current fiscal year expenditure refunds; provided further, that the executive office may collect directly from a liable third party any amounts paid to contracted providers under said chapter 118E for which the executive office later discovers another third party is liable if no other course of recoupment is possible; provided further, that funds shall be expended for interpretive services directly or indirectly related to a settlement or resolution agreement with the office of civil rights or any other office, group or entity; provided further, that that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, that the commissioner of mental health shall approve any prior authorization or other restriction on medication used to treat mental illness under written policies, procedures and regulations of the department of mental health; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the: (a) number of members served in the dual eligible initiative; (b) average expenditure per member; (c) average expenditure per member before the demonstration project; and (d) number of clients that receive care at skilled nursing facilities; provided further, that not later than December 30, 2020 the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on health care financing detailing utilization in fiscal year 2020 of the Health Safety Net Trust Fund established in section 66 of said chapter 118E, including: (1) the number of persons whose medical expenses were billed to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund; (2) the total dollar amount billed to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund; (3) the age, income level and insurance status of recipients using the Health Safety Net Trust Fund; (4) the types of services paid for out of the Health Safety Net Trust Fund; and (5) the amount disbursed from the Health Safety Net Trust Fund to each hospital and community health center; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on health care financing on: (A) total spending related to pharmaceutical utilization for fiscal year 2020; (B) estimated spending related to pharmaceutical utilization for fiscal year 2021; (C) the actual and estimated revenue amounts, both in the form of supplemental rebates and federal financial participation, received in fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021 as a result of total pharmaceutical spending; (D) total or projected savings amounts delivered from supplemental rebate negotiations in fiscal year 2021; and (E) the relative impact of price and utilization of pharmaceutical drugs added to the MassHealth drug list within fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021; provided further, that the executive office shall submit quarterly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on health care financing summarizing the projected total costs for the next fiscal year of pharmaceutical pipeline drugs identified by the executive office and expected to be made available for utilization within a 12-month period from the submission date of the filed report; provided further, that this report shall not identify the specific drugs, manufacturer identities or wholesale acquisition costs of individual drugs identified by the department; provided further, that the office of Medicaid shall coordinate with the health policy commission in the development of care delivery and payment models in the MassHealth program, including patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations, in order to ensure alignment of such models with the commission’s certification programs under sections 14 and 15 of chapter 6D of the General Laws; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the methodology used to project caseload and utilization in fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021; provided further, that by the fifteenth day of the subsequent month, the executive office shall submit monthly MassHealth caseload reports in a searchable electronic format to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that any unexpended balance in these accounts shall revert to the General Fund on June 30, 2021; provided further, that funds shall be expended to the Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Martha's Vineyard Community Services for off-island medical transportation, including the transportation of patients with behavioral health conditions; provided further, that, for fiscal year 2021 and beyond, in establishing Medicaid reimbursement rates for Medicaid eligible inpatient services provided by chronic disease rehabilitation hospitals located in the commonwealth that serve solely children and adolescents, the executive office of health and human services shall apply a multiplier of 1.5 times the hospital's fiscal year 2020 current inpatient per diem rate in fiscal year 2021; provided further, that for fiscal year 2022 and beyond, such rates of reimbursement shall not be lower than the rates in effect for the prior fiscal year; provided further, that the Mass Health supplemental payment advance of $1,500,000 made to Franciscan Hospital for Children, Inc. in December of 2019 shall be defined as a grant; provided further, that $100,000 shall be expended for a Western Massachusetts academic medical center with a neonatal intensive care unit within an acute hospital in the county of Hampden to support, enhance and expand programming associated with its rooming-in program for infants and mothers with opioid use disorder; provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended for the purposes defined in item 1599-2009 in section 2 of chapter 182 of the acts of 2008; provided further, that not later than June 30, 2021, the executive office shall implement changes to allow low-income applicants and recipients of MassHealth and the Medicare Savings Program to initiate an application for federally-funded supplemental nutrition assistance benefits at the same time as their application or renewal for MassHealth or the Medicare Savings Program; provided further, that the executive office shall ensure that relevant eligibility information and verifications provided by the applicant or recipient are transferred from MassHealth to the department of transitional assistance to determine eligibility; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, the executive office shall submit a report to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means outlining the additional costs and federal reimbursement opportunities involved in a common application portal for all MassHealth and Medicare Savings Program applicants and recipients whose gross income is not greater than 200 per cent of the federal poverty level; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the third year of a 4 year pilot program to establish a county restoration center overseen by the Middlesex county restoration center commission to divert persons suffering from mental illness or substance use disorder who interact with law enforcement or the court system during a pre-arrest investigation or the pre-adjudication process from lock-up facilities and hospital emergency departments to appropriate treatment; and provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Brookline Community Mental Health Center, Inc. to expand the healthy lives program.................. $118,759,922

 

4000-0320.. For the executive office of health and human services, which may expend not more than $225,000,000 for medical care and assistance rendered in the current year from the monies received from recoveries and collections of any current or prior year expenditures; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the balance of any personal needs accounts collected from nursing and other medical institutions upon the death of a medical assistance recipient and held by the executive office for more than 3 years may be credited to this item................................................. $225,000,000

 

4000-0321.. For the executive office of health and human services, which may expend not more than $60,000,000 for contingency fee contracts related to pursuing federal reimbursement or avoiding costs in its capacity as the single state agency under Titles XIX and XXI of the federal Social Security Act, as codified at 42 U.S.C. chapter 7, subchapters XIX and XXI, and as the principal agency for all of the agencies within the executive office and other federally-assisted programs administered by the executive office; provided, that such contingency contracts shall not exceed 3 years except with prior review and approval by the executive office for administration and finance; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, the secretary of health and human services shall submit to the secretary of administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means a report detailing: (i) the amounts of the agreements; (ii) a delineation of all ongoing and new projects; and (iii) the amount of federal reimbursement and cost avoidance derived from the contracts for the previous fiscal year’s activities; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenues and payments required under contingency contracts, the comptroller shall certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system; provided further, that after providing payments due under the terms of the contingency contracts, the executive office of health and human services may use available funds to support special MassHealth projects that will receive enhanced federal revenue opportunities, including MassHealth eligibility operations and systems enhancements that support reforms and improvements to MassHealth programs; provided further, that any enhanced federal financial participation received for these special projects, including the Implementation Advanced Planning Documents or other eligibility operations and systems enhancements that support reforms and improvements to MassHealth shall be deposited into this item; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the executive office may enter into interdepartmental service agreements with the University of Massachusetts medical school to perform activities that the secretary of health and human services, in consultation with the comptroller, determines to be within the scope of the proper administration of said Title XIX and other federal funding provisions to support the programs and activities of the executive office; provided further, that activities may include: (a) providing administrative services including, but not limited to, utilization management activities and eligibility determinations based on disability and supporting case management activities and similar initiatives; (b) providing consulting services related to quality assurance, program evaluation and development, integrity and soundness and project management; and (c) providing activities and services to pursue federal reimbursement, avoid costs or identify third-party liability and recoup payments made to third parties; provided further, that federal reimbursement for any expenditure made by the University of Massachusetts medical school for federally reimbursable services the university provides under these interdepartmental service agreements or other contracts with the executive office shall be distributed to the university and recorded distinctly in the state accounting system; provided further, that the secretary may negotiate contingency fees for activities and services related to pursuing federal reimbursement or avoiding costs and the comptroller shall certify these fees and pay them upon the receipt of this revenue, reimbursement or demonstration of costs avoided; provided further, that contingency fees paid to the University of Massachusetts medical school shall not exceed $40,000,000 for state fiscal year 2021 except for contingency fees paid under interdepartmental service agreements for recoveries related to special disability workload projects; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenues and payments required under contingency contracts, the comptroller shall certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system........................... $60,000,000

 

4000-0430.. For the CommonHealth program to provide primary and supplemental medical care and assistance to disabled adults and children under sections 9A, 16 and 16A of chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to the recipients in prior fiscal years; provided further, that the executive office of health and human services shall maximize federal reimbursement for state expenditures made on behalf of those adults and children; provided further, that children shall be determined eligible for medical care and assistance if they meet the disability standards as defined by the executive office, which standards shall be no more restrictive than those in effect on July 1, 1996; and provided further, that the executive office shall process a CommonHealth application within 45 days of receipt of a completed application or within 90 days if a determination of disability is required $187,175,522

 

4000-0500.. For health care services provided to medical assistance recipients through the executive office of health and human services’ managed care delivery systems, including a behavioral health contractor, the Primary Care Clinician Plan, Primary Care Accountable Care Organizations, MassHealth managed care organizations and Accountable Care Partnership Plans and for MassHealth benefits provided to children, adolescents and adults under section 9 of chapter 118E of the General Laws and clauses (a) to (d), inclusive, and clause (h) of subsection (2) of section 9A of said chapter 118E and section 16C of said chapter 118E; provided, that no funds shall be expended from this item for children and adolescents under clause (c) of said subsection (2) of said section 9A of said chapter 118E whose household incomes, as determined by the executive office, exceed 150 per cent of the federal poverty level; provided further, that the executive office shall require that any contract or other arrangement entered into by a managed care provider under the managed care delivery system for the provision and administration of pharmacy benefit management services on behalf of individuals enrolled in programs of medical assistance under this item, including a managed care provider participating in an accountable care partnership plan, shall include, but not be limited to, the requirement that pharmacy benefit managers: (i) identify all sources and amounts of income, payments and financial benefits related to the provision and administration of pharmacy benefit management services on behalf of the managed care provider including, but not limited to, pricing discounts, rebates, inflationary payments, credits, clawbacks, fees, grants, chargebacks, reimbursements or other benefits; and (ii) disclose to MassHealth the sources and amounts of all income, payments and financial benefits received by the pharmacy benefit manager; provided further, that not later than February 15, 2021, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (a) total number of members participating in the Accountable Care Organization program; (b) disenrollment trends from the Partnership Plan, Primary Care Accountable Care Organization and Managed Care Organization-administered Accountable Care Organizations within the designated plan selection; (c) the outcomes achieved by accountable care organizations and community partners including, but not limited to, financial performance, patient safety, patient satisfaction, quality, and aggregate and per-member reductions in spending compared to prior cost trends; (d) the results of benchmarks on accountable care organizations’ and community partners’ progress toward an integrated care delivery system; and (e) a summary of spending and activities related to traditionally non-reimbursed services to address health-related social needs including, but not limited to, home and community-based services, housing stabilization and support, utility assistance, nonmedical transportation, physical activity, nutrition, sexual assault and domestic violence supports; provided further, that such summary shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, aggregated data on the results of preventative health care services such as health-related social needs screening, the number of referrals to human service providers to address such screening, the result of such referrals and changes in health status; provided further, that such data shall be stratified by demographic factors to support an analysis of the impact on health disparities; provided further, that where data is not available, a report on progress toward establishing necessary data systems shall be provided; provided further, that said summary shall include outcome measures for at-risk populations with chronic health conditions; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be appropriated to an organization that is a 501(c)(3) MassHealth Accountable Care Organization solely governed by Federally Qualified Health Centers to support the ongoing work of its partnership with the commonwealth's Primary Care Association and Federally Qualified Health Centers participating in these shared efforts to advance and sustain telehealth efforts targeted at reducing and eliminating health disparities; provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to recipients in prior fiscal years; and provided further, that the executive office shall conduct a comparative analysis of the rate differential for inpatient psychiatric and substance abuse hospital per diem payments between MassHealth and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third-party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization or primary care clinician plan and submit such analysis to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery not later than January 1, 2021............................................ $5,943,277,046

 

4000-0601.. For health care services provided to MassHealth members who are seniors, including those provided through the Medicare Saving program, and for the operation of the MassHealth senior care options initiative under section 9D of chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to recipients in prior fiscal years; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purposes of an individual's eligibility for the senior care options initiative, an individual is deemed to reach the age of 65 on the first day of the month in which their sixty-fifth birthday occurs; provided further, that no payment for special provider costs shall be made from this item without the prior written approval of the secretary of administration and finance; provided further, that funds shall be expended from this item to maintain a personal needs allowance of $72.80 per month for individuals residing in nursing and rest homes who are eligible for MassHealth, emergency aid to the elderly, the disabled and children program or supplemental security income; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for any nursing home facility or non-acute chronic disease hospital that provides kosher food to its residents, the executive office of health and human services, in consultation with the center for health information and analysis and in recognition of the special innovative program status granted by the executive office, shall continue to make the standard payment rates to reflect the high dietary costs incurred in providing kosher food; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, the secretary of health and human services shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the implementation of the Medicare Saving program (MSP) expanded program eligibility for seniors under section 25A of said chapter 118E; provided further, that said report shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the number of members who are seniors whose household incomes, as determined by the executive office, exceed 130 per cent of the federal poverty level that are enrolled in Medicare Saving programs during each month of the fiscal year; (ii) total enrollment in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program and Qualifying Individual (QI) Program; (iii) total annual spending on Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for such members; (iv) total annual transfers from the prescription advantage program in line item 9110-1455 and Health Safety Net Trust Fund to fund the Medicare Saving program expansion; provided further, that nursing facility rates effective October 1, 2020 under section 13D of said chapter 118E may be developed using the costs of calendar year 2014, or any subsequent year selected by the secretary of health and human services; provided further, that such nursing facility rates on an aggregate basis, including any rate add-ons, shall be at least the amount such nursing facility rates would be if they were developed using the costs of calendar year 2017; provided further, that MassHealth shall reimburse nursing home facilities for up to 20 medical leave-of-absence days and shall reimburse the facilities for up to 10 nonmedical leave-of-absence days; provided further, that medical leave-of-absence days shall include an observation stay in a hospital in excess of 24 hours; and provided further, that no nursing home shall reassign a patient's bed during a leave of absence that is eligible for reimbursement under this item $3,894,496,052

 

4000-0641.. For nursing facility Medicaid rates; provided, that in fiscal year 2021 the executive office of health and human services, in consultation with the center for health information and analysis, shall establish rates that cumulatively total $342,100,000 more than the annual payment rates established under the rates in effect as of June 30, 2002; provided further, that an amount for expenses related to the collection and administration of section 63 of chapter 118E of the General Laws shall be transferred to the executive office; and provided further, that the payments made under this item shall be allocated in an amount sufficient to implement section 622 of chapter 151 of the acts of 1996 $395,400,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
 

4000-0700.. For health care services provided to medical assistance recipients under the executive office of health and human services’ health care indemnity or third-party liability plan, to medical assistance recipients not otherwise covered under the executive office’s managed care or senior care plans and for MassHealth benefits provided to children, adolescents and adults under section 9 of chapter 118E of the General Laws and clauses (a) to (d), inclusive, and clause (h) of subsection (2) of section 9A of said chapter 118E and section 16C of said chapter 118E; provided, that no payments for special provider costs shall be made from this item without the prior written approval of the secretary of administration and finance; provided further, that no funds shall be expended from this item for children and adolescents under clause (c) of said subsection (2) of said section 9A of said chapter 118E whose household incomes as determined by the executive office exceed 150 per cent of the federal poverty level; provided further, that children who have aged out of the custody of the department of children and families shall be eligible for benefits through the age limit specified in MassHealth’s approved state plan; provided further, that funds shall be expended from this item for members who qualify for early intervention services; provided further, that MassHealth shall expend $13,000,000 in the aggregate for acute care hospitals that have greater than 63 per cent of their gross patient service revenue from governmental payers and free care as determined by the executive office; provided further, that in fiscal year 2021 MassHealth shall maintain the same level of federally-optional chiropractic services that were in effect in fiscal year 2016 that were included in its state plan or demonstration program in effect on January 1, 2002 for members enrolled in the primary care clinician (PCC) program; provided further, that the executive office shall not, in fiscal year 2021, fund programs relating to case management with the intention of reducing length of stay for neonatal intensive care unit cases; provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for activities relating to customer service; provided further, that notwithstanding this item, funds may be expended from this item for the purchase of third-party insurance including, but not limited to, Medicare for any medical assistance recipient; provided further, that the executive office may reduce MassHealth premiums or copayments or offer other incentives to encourage enrollees to comply with wellness goals; provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for activities relating to disability determinations or utilization management and review, including patient screenings and evaluations, regardless of whether such activities are performed by a state agency, contractor, agent or provider; provided further, that not less than $19,000,000 shall be expended for expanded oral health benefits for adult members, with benefits beginning on January 1, 2021; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the executive office shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (i) dental coverage available to MassHealth recipients as of January 1, 2021 as it compares to dental coverage available to MassHealth recipients on January 1, 2010; (ii) utilization of dental services in fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021; (iii) the actual and projected costs and revenue associated with dental coverage in fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021; and (iv) the estimated cost effectiveness of dental coverage as a contributor to MassHealth total cost of care; provided further, that dental services for adults shall be covered at least to the extent they were covered as of June 30, 2020; provided further, that coverage for adult endodontic and prosthodontic services shall begin on January 1, 2021; provided further, that not later than December 1, 2020, $750,000 shall be equally distributed to the teaching community health centers with family medicine residency programs in the cities of Worcester and Lawrence and in the South Boston section of the city of Boston; provided further, that the secretary of health and human services shall designate an agency to administer the funds and shall retain 5 per cent of the total funds; provided further, that the secretary shall: (a) report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the use of the funds by teaching community health centers; and (b) audit these centers in order to confirm the use of the funds by each center for training purposes; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be appropriated to Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. for the purchase of personal protective equipment and other equipment to prevent the spread of disease; and provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to recipients in prior fiscal years....... $3,372,875,665

 

4000-0875.. For the executive office of health and human services to expend for the provision of benefits to eligible individuals who require medical treatment for either breast or cervical cancer under section 2 of the federal Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000, Public Law 106-354, codified at 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XVII) and section 10D of chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided, that the executive office shall provide these benefits to individuals whose incomes, as determined by the executive office, do not exceed 250 per cent of the federal poverty level, subject to continued federal approval; and provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to these recipients in prior fiscal years $29,621,936

 

4000-0880.. For MassHealth benefits under clause (c) of subsection (2) of section 9A of chapter 118E of the General Laws and section 16C of said chapter 118E for children and adolescents whose household incomes, as determined by the executive office of health and human services, exceed 150 per cent of the federal poverty level; provided, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to those children and adolescents in prior fiscal years; and provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for health care subsidies provided to eligible individuals under the last paragraph of section 9 and section 16D of said chapter 118E................................. $391,145,078

 

4000-0885.. For the cost of health insurance subsidies paid to employees of small businesses in the insurance reimbursement program under section 9C of chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to persons in prior fiscal years; provided further, that funds may be expended only for employees who are ineligible for subsidized insurance through the commonwealth health insurance connector authority and ineligible for any MassHealth program; provided further, that enrollment in this program may be capped to ensure that MassHealth expenditures shall not exceed the amount appropriated; and provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to individuals eligible under clause (j) of subsection (2) of section 9A of said chapter 118E.......................................... $34,042,020

 

4000-0940.. For providing health care services related to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148; provided, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services to individuals ages 19 to 64, inclusive, whose household incomes, as determined by the executive office of health and human services, do not exceed 133 per cent of the federal poverty level and those who are eligible under clauses (b) and (d) of subsection (2) of section 9A of chapter 118E of the General Laws; and provided further, that in fiscal year 2021, MassHealth shall maintain the same level of vision services that were in effect in fiscal year 2020 for members enrolled in the CarePlus program.. $2,915,195,837

 

4000-0950.. For administrative and program expenses associated with the children’s behavioral health initiative under the Remedial Order entered by the court in the case of Rosie D. v. Romney, 410 F. Supp. 2d 18 (D. Mass. 2006), to provide comprehensive, community-based behavioral health services to children suffering from severe emotional disturbances; provided, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to these persons in prior fiscal years; provided further, that the secretary of health and human services shall submit biannual reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the implementation of the initiative; provided further, that said reports shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the results of the scheduled plan to date, including a schedule detailing commencement of services and associated costs by service type; (ii) an analysis of compliance with the terms of the settlement agreement to date; (iii) a detailed itemization of services and service utilization by service type, geographical location and the age of the member receiving the service; (iv) data detailing the time that elapsed between a member’s request for services and commencement of an initial assessment for services; (v) the time to complete the initial assessment and the time that elapsed between initial assessment for services and commencement of services; and (vi) a quarterly update of whether projected expenditures are likely to exceed the amount appropriated in this item; provided further, that any unexpended balance in this item shall revert to the General Fund on June 30, 2021; and provided further, that funds shall not be transferred from this item without notifying the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days before such a transfer.......................... $268,301,633

 

4000-0990.. For the executive office of health and human services to expend for the children's medical security plan to provide health services for uninsured children from birth through age 18, inclusive; provided, that the executive office shall prescreen enrollees and applicants for Medicaid eligibility; provided further, that no applicant shall be enrolled in the program until the applicant has been denied eligibility for the MassHealth program other than MassHealth Limited; provided further, that the MassHealth benefit request shall be used as a joint application to determine the eligibility for both MassHealth and the children’s medical security plan; provided further, that the executive office shall maximize federal reimbursements for state expenditures made on behalf of the children; provided further, that the executive office shall expend all necessary funds from this item to ensure the provision of this program under section 10F of chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided further, that this program shall be made available only to those children who have been determined by the executive office to be ineligible for MassHealth benefits; and provided further, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to those persons in prior fiscal years......................... $15,435,000

 

4000-1400.. For the provision of MassHealth benefits to persons diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus with incomes that do not exceed 200 per cent of the federal poverty level; provided, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to said persons in prior fiscal years.................... $12,191,803

 

4000-1420.. For payment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in compliance with Title XIX of the Social Security Act, as codified at 42 U.S.C. chapter 7, subchapter XIX............... $404,296,078

 

4000-1425.. For administrative and program expenses associated with community support services for persons with an acquired brain injury who were residing in long-term care facilities under the mediated solution to the final settlement agreement in the case of Hutchinson ex rel. Julien v. Patrick, 683 F. Supp. 2d 121 (D. Mass. 2010); provided, that funds may be expended from this item for health care services provided to these persons in prior fiscal years................................................ $191,931,310

 

4000-1700.. For the provision of information technology services within the executive office of health and human services........ $140,106,725

 

Office for Refugees and Immigrants.

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
4003-0122   For a citizenship for new Americans program to assist legal permanent residents of the commonwealth in becoming citizens of the United States; provided, that the office for refugees and immigrants shall administer the program; provided further, that the program funded under this item shall provide assistance to persons who are within 3 years of eligibility to become citizens of the United States; provided further, that services shall include: (i) English for Speakers of Other Languages/civics classes; (ii) citizenship application assistance; (iii) interview preparation; and (iv) support services including, but not limited to, interpretation and referral services; provided further, that persons who would qualify for benefits under chapter 118A of the General Laws but for their status as legal noncitizens shall be given the highest priority for services; provided further, that persons who currently receive state-funded benefits which could be replaced in whole or in part by federally-funded benefits if those persons become citizens shall be given priority for services; provided further, that funds may be expended for the programmatic and administrative support of the office’s refugee and immigrant services; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Casa Dominicana Inc. to assist in citizenship education, citizenship application assistance, ESL classes, and computer training for low-income adults; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Lawrence Family Development, Inc. to assist in citizenship education, citizenship application assistance, ESL classes and computer training for low-income adults; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be expended to the New American Association of Massachusetts, Inc. in the city of Lynn; and provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Immigrants Assistance Center, Inc. to provide citizenship and workforce readiness programming in the city of New Bedford $1,741,575

 

Center for Health Information and Analysis.

 

4100-0060.. For the operation of the center for health information and analysis established under chapter 12C of the General Laws; provided, that the estimated costs of the center shall be assessed in the manner prescribed by section 7 of said chapter 12C; and provided further, that not more than $2,100,000 of this appropriation may be expended for the operation of the Betsy Lehman center for patient safety and medical error reduction........................... $31,070,586

 

4100-0061.. For the center for health information and analysis, which may expend not more than $250,000 for the development, operation and maintenance of an all-payer claims database from amounts paid to the center for all fees paid for health data information and from any federal financial participation associated with the collection and administration of health care claims data; provided, that retained revenues in excess of the appropriation for the fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund but shall be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year without further appropriation............................................ $250,000

 

OFFICE OF DISABILITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.

 

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

 

4110-0001   For the operation of the Massachusetts commission for the blind $1,513,379

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
4110-1000   For the community services program; provided, that the Massachusetts commission for the blind shall work in collaboration with the Massachusetts commission for the deaf and hard of hearing to provide assistance and services to the deaf-blind community through the deaf-blind community access network; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to each of the following radio reading services: Audible Local Ledger, Inc., Audio Journal, Incorporated, Berkshire Talking Chronicle, Lowell Association for the Blind, Inc. and Valley Eye Radio, Inc; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the Talking Information Center, Incorporated to provide human voiced broadcasts of local news, articles and items of interest to visually-impaired and otherwise disabled listeners; and provided further, that $75,000 shall be expended to Valley Eye Radio, Inc. to provide human-voiced broadcasts of local news, articles and items of vital importance from a variety of sources about the regional threat of COVID-19 to visually-impaired and otherwise disabled listeners in the Pioneer Valley............... $7,799,905

 

4110-2000   For the turning 22 program of the Massachusetts commission for the blind; provided, that the commission shall work in conjunction with the department of developmental services to secure the maximum amount of federal reimbursements available for the care of turning 22 clients................................. $14,080,794

 

4110-3010   For vocational rehabilitation services for the blind operated in cooperation with the federal government; provided, that no funds from federal vocational rehabilitation grants or state appropriation shall be deducted for pensions, group health or life insurance or any other such indirect costs of federally-reimbursed state employees........................................ $3,158,520

 

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

 

4120-0200   For independent living centers; provided, that not later than March 31, 2021, the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the services provided by independent living centers, which shall include, but not be limited to, the: (i) total number of consumers that request and receive services; (ii) types of services requested and received by consumers; (iii) total number of consumers moved from nursing homes; and (iv) total number of independent living plans and goals set and achieved by consumers $7,146,117

 

4120-1000   For the operation of the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission; provided, that not less than 90 days prior to any changes to the current eligibility criteria, the commission shall provide written notification to the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that the commissioner shall report quarterly to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the secretary of administration and finance on the number of clients served and the amount expended on each type of service; provided further, that upon the written request of the commissioner of revenue, the commission shall provide lists of individual clients to whom, or on behalf of whom, payments have been made for the purpose of verifying eligibility and detecting and preventing fraud, error and abuse in the programs administered by the commission; and provided further, that lists shall include client names and social security numbers and payee names and other identification, if different from a client's identification................. $405,515

 

4120-2000   For vocational rehabilitation services operated in cooperation with the federal government; provided, that funds from the federal vocational rehabilitation grant or state appropriations shall not be deducted for pensions, group health or life insurance or any other indirect costs of federally-reimbursed state employees; and provided further, that the commissioner of rehabilitation, in making referrals to service providers, shall take into account a client’s place of residence and the proximity of the nearest provider to said residence............................ $18,454,910

 

4120-3000   For employment assistance services; provided, that vocational evaluation and employment services for severely disabled adults shall be provided...................................... $2,442,939

 

4120-4000   For community-based services, which shall include, but not be limited to, protective services, adult support services, assistive technology services and the annualization of funding for turning 22 program clients who began receiving services in fiscal year 2020 under item 4120-4010 of chapter 154 of the acts of 2018; provided, that not less than $1,920,000 shall be expended for assistive technology services......................... $11,884,414

 

4120-4001   For the housing registry for the disabled................. $80,000

 

4120-4010   For the turning 22 program of the commission............. $329,390

 

4120-5000   For homemaking services................................ $4,976,362

 

4120-6000   For services for individuals with head injuries; provided, that the commission shall work with the executive office of health and human services to maximize federal reimbursement for clients receiving head injury services........................ $21,651,939

 

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

 

4125-0100   For the operation of and services provided by the Massachusetts commission for the deaf and hard of hearing............ $6,857,791

 

Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts.

 

4180-0100   For the maintenance and operation of the Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts, located in the city of Chelsea, including a specialized unit for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease patients; provided, that no fee, assessment or other charge shall be imposed upon or required of any person for any admission or hospitalization which exceeds the amount of fees charged in fiscal year 2020............................................. $29,531,989

 

4180-1100   For the Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts, located in the city of Chelsea, which may expend not more than $600,000 in revenues for facility maintenance and patient care, including personnel costs; provided, that 60 per cent of all revenues generated under section 2 of chapter 90 of the General Laws through the purchase of license plates with the designation VETERAN by eligible veterans of the commonwealth, after compensating the registry of motor vehicles for the costs associated with the license plates, shall be deposited into the retained revenue item of the Soldiers’ Home; provided further, that the Soldiers’ Home may accept gifts, grants, donations and bequests; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the Soldiers’ Home may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system; and provided further, that if the registrar of motor vehicles projects that total revenues from the purchase of license plates with the designation VETERAN will exceed the amounts appropriated in this item and item 4190-1100, the registrar shall notify the secretary of administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means, prior appropriation continued.................................. $600,000

 

Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.

 

4190-0100   For the maintenance and operation of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke; provided, that no fee, assessment or other charge shall be imposed upon or required of any person for any outpatient treatment, admission or hospitalization which exceeds the amount of fees charged in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the creation of an ombudsman’s office at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke to act as an independent, impartial and confidential resource for the community; and provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke to ensure the best quality of resources for patients and staff...................... $25,490,867

 

4190-0101   For the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, which may expend for its operation not more than $5,000 from the licensing of the property for placement of aerial antennas........................... $5,000

 

4190-0102   For the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, which may expend for the outpatient pharmacy program not more than $110,000 from copayments, which it may charge to users of the program; provided, that no copayment shall be imposed or required of any person which exceeds the level of copayments charged in fiscal year 2020 $110,000

 

4190-0200   For the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, which may expend not more than $50,000 from fees collected from veterans in its care to provide television and telephone services to residents; provided, that fees from the use of telephones and televisions shall only be expended for payments to vendors for the services; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the Soldiers’ Home may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............................... $50,000

 

4190-0300   For the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, which may expend not more than $802,327 for the operation of 12 long-term care beds from revenue generated through the occupancy of these beds; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the Soldiers’ Home may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system, prior appropriation continued......... $802,327

 

4190-1100   For the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, which may expend not more than $400,000 for facility maintenance and patient care, including personnel costs; provided, that 40 per cent of all revenues generated under section 2 of chapter 90 of the General Laws through the purchase of license plates with the designation VETERAN by eligible veterans of the commonwealth, after compensating the registry of motor vehicles for the costs associated with the license plates, shall be deposited into the retained revenue item of the Soldiers’ Home; provided further, that the Soldiers’ Home may accept gifts, grants, donations and bequests; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the Soldiers’ Home may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system, prior appropriation continued $400,000

 

OFFICE OF children, youth and family services.

 

Department of Youth Services.

 

4200-0010   For the administration of the department of youth services; provided, that the department shall continue to collaborate with the department of elementary and secondary education in order to align curriculum at the department of youth services with the statewide curriculum frameworks and to ease the reintegration of youth from facilities at the department of youth services into traditional public school settings; provided further, that the commissioner of youth services may transfer funds between items 4200-0100, 4200-0200 and 4200-0300, as necessary, under an allocation plan which shall detail, by object class, the distribution of the funds to be transferred and which the commissioner shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 15 days before any transfer; and provided further, that not more than 7 per cent of any such item shall be transferred in fiscal year 2021............... $4,453,708

 

4200-0100   For supervision, counseling and other community-based services provided to committed youths in nonresidential care programs of the department of youth services...................... $24,288,247

 

4200-0200   For pretrial detention programs, including purchase-of-service and state-operated programs; provided, that the department shall expend not less than $500,000 for the Detention Diversion Advocacy Program to be coordinated by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, Inc. to prevent high-risk juveniles presenting before the court from advancing further into the juvenile justice system................................................ $27,888,602

 

4200-0300   For secure facilities, including purchase-of-service and state-operated programs incidental to the operations of the facilities; provided, that funds shall be expended to address the needs of the female population; and provided further, that funds shall be expended for suicide prevention services............. $112,386,434

 

4200-0500   For enhanced salaries for teachers at the department of youth services............................................... $3,059,187

 

4200-0600   For the operation of secure facilities to detain arrested youth before arraignment under the overnight arrest program.. $2,408,161

 

Department of Transitional Assistance

 

4400-1000   For the central administration of the department of transitional assistance; provided, that all costs associated with verifying disability for all programs of the department shall be paid from this item; provided further, that the department shall submit monthly status reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the secretary of administration and finance on program expenditures, savings and revenues, error rate measurements and public assistance caseloads and benefits; provided further, that the department shall collect all out-of-court settlement restitution payments; provided further, that the restitution payments shall include, but not be limited to, installment and lump sum payments; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary and unless otherwise expressly provided, federal reimbursements received for the department, including reimbursements for administrative, fringe and overhead costs for the current fiscal year and prior fiscal years, shall be credited to the General Fund; provided further, that an application for assistance under chapter 118 of the General Laws shall also be an application for assistance under chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided further, that if the department denies assistance under said chapter 118, the department shall transmit the application to the executive office of health and human services for a determination of eligibility under said chapter 118E; provided further, that the department shall provide the caseload forecasting office with enrollment data and any other information pertinent to caseload forecasting that is requested by the office on a monthly basis; provided further, that the information shall be provided in a manner that meets all applicable federal and state privacy and security requirements; provided further, that after April 1, 2021, the commissioner of transitional assistance may transfer funds for identified deficiencies between items 4403-2000, 4405-2000 and 4408-1000; provided further, that the distribution of the funds to be transferred shall be included in an allocation plan, which the commissioner shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means 15 days before any transfer; and provided further, that upon approval by the executive office for administration and finance, the commissioner of transitional assistance may transfer funds for identified deficiencies between this item and item 4400-1100.......................... $67,775,512

 

4400-1001   For programs to increase the commonwealth’s participation rate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program and other federal nutrition programs; provided, that not less than $600,000 shall be expended for a grant to Project Bread – The Walk for Hunger, Inc.; provided further, that the work of employees of the department of transitional assistance paid for from this item shall be restricted to processing supplemental nutrition assistance program applications; provided further, that the department shall not require supplemental nutrition assistance program applicants to provide reverification of eligibility factors previously verified and not subject to change; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department shall require only 1 signature from supplemental nutrition assistance program applicants; provided further, that the department shall fund a unit staffed by department employees to respond to supplemental nutrition assistance program inquiries and arrange and conduct telephone interviews for initial supplemental nutrition assistance program applications from this item; provided further, that the department shall fund a system to image and catalog eligibility documents electronically from this item; provided further, that funds may be expended for supplemental nutrition assistance program outreach; and provided further, that not later than January 4, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the status of these programs $3,923,548

 

4400-1004   For the project costs of the Massachusetts healthy incentives program; provided, that the department of transitional assistance shall, at minimum, maintain the incentive levels per household size in effect in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that when expanding the number of participating vendors, the department shall prioritize improving access in areas with limited access to fresh, local produce and that are historically underserved by the program; provided further, that the department shall collaborate with local food coalitions and nonprofit groups to develop community outreach strategies that ensure equitable access to, and knowledge of, the program; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department of transitional assistance shall file a report with the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the number of households utilizing the program; (ii) the number of program transactions; (iii) the number of vendors processing program transactions; (iv) a breakdown of the number of program clients and vendors, by their location in the commonwealth; and (v) the program’s efforts to identify and better serve those areas with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.... $13,000,000

 

4400-1020   For the operation of the secure jobs connect program for employment support, job training and job search services for homeless or previously homeless families receiving assistance from the department of housing and community development under items 7004-0101, 7004-0108, 7004-9024 or 7004-9316; provided, that participants receiving assistance under said items 7004-0101 and 7004-0108 shall receive not less than 12 months of housing stabilization services under said items 7004-0101 and 7004-0108; provided further, that services shall be delivered by community-based agencies that have demonstrated experience working in partnership with regional administering agencies including, but not limited to, Community Teamwork Inc., Father Bill's & MainSpring, Inc., Way Finders, Inc., Jewish Vocational Service, Inc., SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc., South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc. and Worcester Community Action Council, Inc.; provided further, that the department of housing and community development shall make available rental assistance under item 7004-9024 to ensure effective participation in this program; provided further, that service delivery agencies shall seek additional federal, state or private funds to ensure the effective continuation of regional partnerships; and provided further, that not later than March 31, 2021, the department of transitional assistance shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, by type of service or program provided, on the: (i) housing situation, including the stability of housing, for program participants; (ii) employment status, including employment history, of program participants; (iii) total number of program participants; and (iv) number of program participants who are no longer receiving assistance under said items 7004-0101, 7004-0108, 7004-9024 or 7004-9316................................. $3,000,000

 

4400-1025   For domestic violence specialists at local area offices $1,757,895

 

4400-1100   For the payroll of the department of transitional assistance’s caseworkers; provided, that only employees of bargaining unit 8 shall be paid from this item.......................... $80,402,615

 

4400-1979   For the department of transitional assistance to administer, in consultation with the commonwealth corporation, the employment counseling and job training program and the pathways to self-sufficiency program respectively established under sections 3B and 3C of chapter 118 of the General Laws and for the full employment program established under section 110 of chapter 5 of the acts of 1995, as amended by section 29 of chapter 158 of the acts of 2014........................................... $1,000,000

 

4401-1000   For employment and training services for recipients of benefits provided under the transitional aid to families with dependent children program; provided, that funds from this item may be expended on former recipients of the program for up to 1 year after termination of their benefits; provided further, that the department of transitional assistance may expend funds on such services for the non-custodial parents of dependent children receiving transitional aid to families with dependent children; provided further, that the department shall expend funds for the young parents program and the competitive integrated employment services program; provided further, that not less than $170,000 shall be provided for learning disability assessments through the University of Massachusetts; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the DTA Works internship program; provided further, that not less than $1,250,000 shall be expended for the service providers with whom the office for refugees and immigrants entered into service agreements in fiscal year 2020 under this item; provided further, that certain parents who have not yet reached 18 years of age, including those who are ineligible for transitional aid to families with dependent children and who would qualify for benefits under chapter 118 of the General Laws but for the deeming of the grandparents’ income, shall be eligible to receive services; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means including, but not limited to: (i) the number of clients served by these programs; (ii) the number of clients who transition into employment, when applicable; (iii) the number of clients who remain in employment after 90 days, when applicable; (iv) the number of clients who remain in employment after 1 year, when applicable; and (v) other quantifiable data related to client outcomes as designed by these programs; provided further, that the department shall examine the outcomes of these programs to determine which are effective in transitioning clients to employment and increasing self-sufficiency; provided further, that the department shall consider other programs to meet transitional employment needs of clients; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Ascentria Care Alliance, Inc. to provide transportation to low-income families through their good news garage ready to go service; and provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended to the town of Hudson for Fresh Start Furniture Bank, Inc................................................... $16,498,554

 

4401-1003   For a grant program to be administered by the department of transitional assistance for 2 generation programs to support economic mobility among high-risk young parents between 14 and 24 years of age, inclusive, who are eligible for assistance under the department of transitional assistance young parent program; provided, that grants shall be targeted at young parents experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health, domestic violence, or abuse; provided further, that the grant funding shall be utilized to increase parenting and life skills, housing stability, and self-sufficiency, and to build cognitive and behavioral skills through intensive case management and wraparound supports; provided further, that the department shall distribute grant funds through a competitive grant program; provided further, that grants shall be awarded to applicants that: (i) are community-based nonprofit programs; (ii) have demonstrated experience working with high-risk young parents and partnering with local administering agencies; and (iii) seek additional federal, state or private funds to ensure the effective continuation of services and local partnerships; provided further, that the department shall collect robust data from contracted agencies to better understand this population, their risk factors and services provided; provided further, that the department shall award not more than 10 grants; provided further, that grants shall be awarded in communities with high numbers of pregnant and parenting teens; provided further, that grants shall be not less than $250,000 and not more than $500,000; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department of transitional assistance shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the: (a) total number of program participants; (b) educational attainment for program participants; (c) employment status, including employment history, for program participants; (d) number of program participants receiving assistance under item 4403-2000; and (e) relevant demographic information to be determined by said department........ $2,500,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
4403-2000   For a program of transitional aid to families with dependent children; provided, that the payment standard for monthly benefits for the program not including the rental allowance shall be increased by 10 per cent above the payment standard in effect in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that in fiscal year 2021, said 10 per cent increase shall take effect beginning with the month of January 2021; provided further, that the need standard shall be equal to the payment standard established under the provisions of this item; provided further, that not less than $9,420,000 shall be expended to fund said increase; provided further, that the payment standard and need standard for fiscal year 2022 shall be not less than the standards set forth in this item; provided further, that the department shall notify all recipients of this increase, and that the increase will be deemed a permanent increase continuing past July 1, 2021; provided further, that not later than January 11, 2021, the department shall issue a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families, and persons with disabilities, setting forth, at minimum, the number of recipients receiving this increase, the final amount of the increase, and an estimate of the full cost of annualizing the increase in fiscal year 2022; provided further, that the department of transitional assistance shall notify parents under 20 years of age who are receiving benefits from the program of the requirements of clause (2) of subsection (i) of section 110 of chapter 5 of the acts of 1995 or any successor law; provided further, that a $40 per month rental allowance shall be paid to households incurring a rent or mortgage expense and not residing in public or subsidized housing; provided further, that a nonrecurring children’s clothing allowance of $350 shall be provided to each child eligible under this program in September 2020; provided further, that the children’s clothing allowance shall be included in the standard of need for the month of September 2020; provided further, that benefits under this program shall not be available to those families in which a child has been removed from the household under a court order after a care and protection hearing under chapter 119 of the General Laws, or to adult recipients otherwise eligible for transitional aid to families with dependent children but for the temporary removal of the dependent child or children from the home by the department of children and families under department procedures; provided further, that not less than $779,058 shall be expended for transportation benefits for recipients of transitional aid to families with dependent children; provided further, that any person experiencing homelessness, who: (i) has no established place of abode, or lives in a temporary emergency shelter; and (ii) is otherwise eligible under this item and chapter 118 of the General Laws, shall receive the same payment rate as recipients who incur shelter costs including, but not limited to, rent or a mortgage; provided further, that the department shall promulgate or revise any such rules and regulations necessary to implement this provision; provided further, that notwithstanding section 2 of said chapter 118 or any other general or special law to the contrary, the department shall render aid to pregnant women with no other eligible dependent children only if it has been medically verified that the child is expected to be born within the month the payments are to be made or within the 3-month period after the month of payment and who, if the child had been born and was living with that parent in the month of payment, would be categorically and financially eligible for transitional aid to families with dependent children benefits; provided further, that certain families that suffer a reduction in benefits due to a loss of earned income and participation in retrospective budgeting may receive a supplemental benefit to compensate them for the loss; provided further, that the department shall, to the extent feasible within the existing appropriation and funding from other sources, review its disability standards to determine the extent to which such standards reflect the current medical and vocational criteria; provided further, that not less than 75 days before any changes to the disability standards are proposed, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities; provided further, that at the time of application and on a semi-annual basis, the department shall provide oral and written notification to all recipients of their child care benefits; provided further, that the notification shall include the full range of child care options available, including center-based child care, family-based child care and in-home relative child care; provided further, that the notification shall detail available child care benefits for current and former recipients, including employment and training benefits and transitional benefits; provided further, that the notice shall also advise recipients of the availability of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits; provided further, that in promulgating, amending or rescinding its regulations relative to eligibility for, or levels of, benefits under the program, the department shall take into account the amounts available to it for expenditure from this item so as not to exceed this appropriation; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended for cash and transportation benefits for newly employed transitional aid to families with dependent children clients for a period not to exceed 12 months to assist them with short-term self-sufficiency; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department shall calculate benefits provided under this item in the same manner as the previous fiscal year; provided further, that the department’s calculation of benefits shall not preclude the department from making eligibility or benefit changes that lead to an increase in eligibility or benefits; provided further, that not less than 75 days before adopting eligibility or benefit changes, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate; and provided further, that the report shall include the text of, basis and reasons for the proposed changes..................................... $240,967,007

 

4403-2007   For a nutritional benefit program for low-income workers; provided, that benefits shall be provided only to those for whom receiving these benefits will improve the work participation rate under the federal program of temporary assistance for needy families................................................. $300,000

 

4403-2008   For transportation benefits for supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients who are participating in the SNAP work program......................................................... $500,000

 

4403-2119   For the provision of structured settings as provided under subsection (i) of section 110 of chapter 5 of the acts of 1995, or any successor statute, for parents under the age of 22 who are receiving benefits under the transitional aid to families with dependent children program............................. $9,438,466

 

4405-2000   For the state supplement to the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged and disabled, including a program for emergency needs for Supplemental Security Income recipients; provided, that the expenses of special grant recipients residing in rest homes, as provided under section 7A of chapter 118A of the General Laws, may be paid from this item; provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2020, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than $2,800,000 more than rates effective January 1, 2020; provided further, that the department of transitional assistance, in collaboration with the executive office of health and human services, may fund an optional supplemental living arrangement category under the federal Supplemental Security Income program that makes payments to persons living in assisted living residences certified under chapter 19D of the General Laws who meet the income and clinical eligibility criteria established by the department and the executive office; provided further, that the optional category of payments shall only be administered in conjunction with the Medicaid group adult foster care benefit; and provided further, that reimbursements to providers for services rendered in prior fiscal years may be expended from this item................................................. $210,393,938

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
4408-1000   For a program of cash assistance to certain residents of the commonwealth, entitled emergency aid to the elderly, disabled and children, who are found by the department of transitional assistance to be eligible for the aid under chapter 117A of the General Laws and regulations promulgated by the department and subject to the limitations of appropriation for such purpose; provided, that the recipient shall not be subject to sponsor income deeming or related restrictions; provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2020, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than $1,200,000 more than rates effective January 1, 2020; provided further, that in implementing the program for fiscal year 2021, the payment standards for monthly benefits for the program shall be increased by 10 per cent above the payment standard in effect in fiscal year 2020, and the department shall include all eligibility categories permitted in this item at that payment standard; provided further, that any person experiencing homelessness, who: (i) has no established place of abode, or lives in a temporary emergency shelter; and (ii) is otherwise eligible under this item and said chapter 117A, shall receive the same payment rate as recipients who incur shelter costs including, but not limited to, rent or a mortgage; provided further, that the department shall promulgate or revise any rules and regulations necessary to implement this provision; provided further, that the department may provide benefits to persons age 65 or older who have applied for benefits under chapter 118A of the General Laws, to persons suffering from a medically-determinable impairment or combination of impairments which is expected to last for a period as determined by department regulations and which substantially reduces or eliminates such individuals’ capacity to support themselves and which has been verified by a competent authority, to certain persons caring for a disabled person, to otherwise eligible participants in the vocational rehabilitation program of the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission, to dependent children who are ineligible for benefits under both chapter 118 of the General Laws and the separate program under section 210 of chapter 43 of the acts of 1997 and to parents or other caretakers of dependent children who are ineligible under said chapter 118 and under said separate program; provided further, that no person incarcerated in a correctional institution shall be eligible for benefits under the program; provided further, that no funds shall be expended from this item for the payment of expenses associated with any medical review team, other disability screening process or costs associated with verifying disability for this program; provided further, that the department shall adopt emergency regulations under chapter 30A of the General Laws to implement the changes to the program required by this item promptly and within the appropriation; provided further, that in promulgating, amending or rescinding its regulations with respect to eligibility or benefits, including the payment standard, medical benefits and any other benefits under this program, the department shall take into account the amount available to it for expenditure by this item so as not to exceed the amount appropriated in this item; provided further, that the department may promulgate emergency regulations under said chapter 30A to implement these eligibility or benefit changes or both; provided further, that nothing in this item shall be construed to create any right accruing to recipients of the former general relief program; provided further, that reimbursements collected from the Social Security Administration on behalf of former clients of the emergency aid to the elderly, disabled and children program or unprocessed payments from the program that are returned to the department shall be credited to the General Fund; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, not less than 75 days before adopting any eligibility or benefit changes, the commissioner shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the clerks of the senate and house of representatives a detailed and comprehensive report setting forth the text of, basis and reasons for the proposed changes; provided further, that the report shall state exactly which components of the current benefit package will be altered and the department’s most accurate assessment of the effects of benefit or eligibility changes upon recipient families; provided further, that not less than $3,600,000 shall be expended on the 10 per cent increase in the payment standard for monthly benefits required by this item; provided further, that in fiscal year 2021, said 10 per cent increase shall take effect beginning with the month of January 2021; provided further, that the payment standard and need standard for fiscal year 2022 shall be not less than the standards set forth in this item; provided further, that the department shall notify all recipients of this increase, and that the increase will be deemed a permanent increase continuing past July 1, 2021; and provided further, that not later than January 11, 2021, the department shall issue a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families, and persons with disabilities, setting forth, at minimum, the number of recipients receiving this increase, the final amount of the increase, and an estimate of the full cost of annualizing the increase in fiscal year 2022.......................... $89,983,226

 

OFFICE OF HEALTH SERVICES.

 

Department of Public Health.

 

4510-0020   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $162,229 in retained revenues collected from fees charged by the food protection program for costs of said program; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system........................................ $162,229

 

4510-0025   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $896,060 for the MDPH-SEAL program from retained revenues collected from MassHealth and other third-party reimbursements for preventive oral health procedures; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $896,060

 

4510-0040   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $73,734 from fees assessed under chapter 111N of the General Laws for the regulation of all pharmaceutical and medical device companies that market their products in the commonwealth; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system................ $73,734

 

4510-0100   For the administration and operation of the department of public health, including the personnel support of programmatic staff within the department, including the health statistics program, the operation of the registry of vital records and statistics and the cancer registry established under section 111B of chapter 111 of the General Laws; provided, that not less than $1,700,000 shall be expended to support the state action for public health excellence program in section 27D of chapter 111 of the General Laws; provided further, that the department of public health shall expend not less than $500,000 to a public academic health sciences center or an academic medical center to develop or contract for asynchronous technological solutions facilitating the treatment of post-traumatic stress in medical personnel; and provided further, that the department shall give specific consideration to additional monies available under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, Public Law, 111- 1148 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Public Law 111-152...................................................... $22,128,620

 

4510-0110   For community health center services; provided, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended on a statewide program of technical assistance to said community health centers to be provided by a state primary care association qualified under section 330A(f)(1) of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. section 254c(f)(1); provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to North Shore Community Health, Inc. for the expansion of Peabody Family Health Center; and provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Mattapan health center for COVID-19 testing............................................. $3,341,113

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
4510-0112   For the department of public health to conduct a postpartum depression pilot program at community health centers in the cities of Holyoke, Lynn, Worcester, Fall River, Salem and the Jamaica Plain section of the city of Boston; provided, that should a community health center decline funding, unexpended funds shall be split equally between participating programs.......... $300,000

 

4510-0600   For an environmental and community health hazards program, including control of radiation and nuclear hazards, consumer products protection, food and drugs, lead poisoning prevention under chapter 482 of the acts of 1993, lead-based paint inspections in day care facilities, inspection of radiological facilities, licensing of x-ray technologists and the administration of the bureau of environmental health assessment under chapter 111F of the General Laws....................................... $5,516,490

 

4510-0615   For the department of public health may expend not more than $1,916,576 from fees collected from licensing and inspecting users of radioactive material within the commonwealth under licenses presently issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; provided further, that in fiscal year 2021, the department shall expend an amount not less than the amount expended in fiscal year 2020 for the C-10 Research and Education Foundation, Inc. to provide radiological monitoring in the 6 communities of the commonwealth that are within the plume exposure emergency planning zone of the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $1,916,576

 

4510-0616   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $1,103,078 for a drug registration and monitoring program from retained revenues collected from fees charged to registered practitioners, including physicians, dentists, veterinarians, podiatrists and optometrists for controlled substance registration; provided, that funds may be expended from this item for the costs of personnel; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $1,103,078

 

4510-0710   For the operation of the division of health care safety and quality and the office of patient protection; provided, that services funded through this item shall include, but not be limited to education, training, intervention, support, surveillance and evaluation; provided further, that funds shall be expended for the advancement of the prescription monitoring program and the maintenance and enhancement of prescription drug monitoring information exchange architecture to support interstate prescription drug monitoring data sharing; provided further, that the division shall be responsible for assuring quality of patient care provided by the commonwealth's health care facilities and services and for protecting the health and safety of patients who receive care and services in nursing homes, rest homes, clinical laboratories, clinics, institutions for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and the mentally ill, hospitals and infirmaries, including the inspection of ambulance services; provided further, that investigators shall conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment and misappropriation; provided further, that all investigators in the division of health care quality responsible for the investigations shall receive training by the Medicaid fraud control unit in the office of the attorney general; provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $500,000 for the development and implementation of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program; and provided further, that funds shall be expended for the full registration of practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses authorized by the board of registration in nursing to practice in advanced practice nursing roles under section 7A of chapter 94C of the General Laws....................... $13,547,011

 

4510-0712   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $3,287,324 in retained revenues collected from the licensure of health facilities and individuals applying for emergency medical technician licensure, and recertification for program costs of the division of health care quality and improvement; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............. $3,287,324

 

4510-0721   For the operation and administration of the board of registration in nursing............................................... $852,327

 

4510-0722   For the operation and administration of the board of registration in pharmacy............................................ $1,276,809

 

4510-0723   For the operation and administration of the board of registration in medicine and the committee on acupuncture............. $177,332

 

4510-0724   For the board of registration in medicine, including the physician profiles program; provided, that the board may expend revenues not to exceed $300,503 from new revenues associated with increased license and renewal fees................................. $300,503

 

4510-0725   For the operation and administration of certain health boards of registration, including the boards of registration in dentistry, nursing home administrators, physician assistants, perfusionists, genetic counselors, community health workers and respiratory care......................................................... $443,172

 

4510-0790   For regional emergency medical services; provided, that the regional emergency medical services councils, designated under 105 C.M.R. 170.101, and the central medical emergency direction centers that were in existence on January 1, 1992 shall remain the designated councils and central medical emergency direction centers; provided further, that the department of public health shall analyze the financial viability of the councils and centers and develop a plan to increase their sustainability; and provided further, that not later than 9 months following the effective date of this act, the department shall file its analysis, plan and legislative recommendations with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the house and senate committees on ways and means......................................... $1,000,000

 

4510-0810   For a statewide sexual assault nurse examiner program and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner program for the care of victims of sexual assault; provided, that the program shall operate under specific statewide protocols and by an on-call system of nurse examiners; and provided further, that not less than $900,000 shall be expended for the support of the statewide delivery system of children’s advocacy centers with funding administered by the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance, Inc. $6,825,374

 

4510-3008   For the Argeo Paul Cellucci Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry established under section 25A of chapter 111 of the General Laws $290,027

 

4510-3010   For a grant to the Down Syndrome program at the Children’s Medical Center at the University of Massachusetts medical center based on the patient-centered medical home concept................ $150,000

 

4512-0103   For human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or HIV/AIDS, services, programs and related services for persons affected by the associated conditions of viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis; provided, that funding shall be provided to proportionately serve each of the demographic groups afflicted by HIV/AIDS and associated conditions; provided further, that the department shall ensure that at least the same level of services will be made available as in the previous fiscal year; provided further, that in compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the department of public health shall ensure that vendors delivering HIV/AIDS community testing and screening shall seek third-party reimbursement for said services; and provided further, that no funds from this item shall be expended for disease research in fiscal year 2021................................... $30,761,580

 

4512-0106   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $15,000,000 for the HIV Drug Assistance Program, or HDAP, from revenues received from pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the section 340B rebate program of the Public Health Service Act administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Office of Pharmacy Affairs; provided, that such services shall include activities that would be eligible for coverage through the Ryan White Care Act, with priority given to the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome drug assistance program; provided further, that any excess rebate revenue collected beyond the ceiling of this appropriation shall be deposited in the General Fund; provided further, that services in an amount equivalent to the amount deposited in the General Fund shall be funded through item 4512-0103; and provided further, that the department may make expenditures from the start of each fiscal year from this item in anticipation of receipt of rebate revenues from pharmaceutical manufacturers......................................... $15,000,000

 

4512-0200   For the bureau of substance addiction services, including a program to reimburse driver alcohol education programs for services provided for court-adjudicated, indigent clients; provided, that the department of public health shall ensure that vendors providing methadone treatment shall seek third-party reimbursement for such services; provided further, that in order to support and strengthen public access to substance use disorder services in the commonwealth, funds shall be expended to maintain programming including, but not limited to: (i) centralized intake capacity service under section 18 of chapter 17 of the General Laws; (ii) the number and type of facilities that provide treatment; and (iii) detoxification and clinical stabilization service beds in the public system; provided further, that not less than $3,000,000 shall be expended to preserve and expand the programs currently funded by the Massachusetts Access to Recovery, or MA-ATR, program; provided further, that not less than $3,500,000 shall be expended for opening 5 new recovery centers that are not currently funded by the department; provided further, that in selecting such centers, the department shall, to the maximum extent possible, ensure that at least 3 of said centers shall serve gateway municipalities as defined under section 3A of chapter 23A of the General Laws; provided further, that funds shall be expended for the extended release naltrexone program under section 158 of chapter 46 of the acts of 2015; provided further, that funds shall be expended to support municipalities utilizing grant funds from the Massachusetts opioid abuse prevention collaborative grant program; provided further, that the department shall provide not less than $100,000 for a statewide program to improve training for the care of newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome at hospital-based facilities that care for mothers and newborns, including the 10 level III neonatal intensive care units; provided further, that under section 236 of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as added by section 1 of chapter 332 of the acts of 2016, the department shall enhance data-sharing capabilities and collaborate across agencies to ensure coordination of services for newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome; provided further, that $5,000,000 shall be expended to procure 5 additional family sober living programs across the state; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended for supportive case management services; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended to increase the number of residential rehabilitation services, with priority given to families, youth, transitional age youth and young adults; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for a voluntary training and accreditation program for owners and operators of alcohol and drug-free housing under section 18A of said chapter 17; provided further, that not less than $2,000,000 shall be expended for the bureau to provide technical assistance and training to the service systems of medication management, medication-assisted treatment and treatment of co-occurring disorders; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended on the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission through an interagency service agreement with the bureau to support workforce development; provided further, that not less than $2,500,000 shall be expended to substance addiction providers for adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services including, but not limited to, new technology, facility adaptations, personal protective equipment, sanitation and vaccine preparation; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for The Serenity House, Inc; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for One Life at a Time, Inc., located in the city known as the town of Braintree, for the facilitation of access to sober living programs and job training services for people in recovery and associated operational costs; provided further, that not less than $2,000,000 shall be expended for RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, Inc. to assist in their work to end the opioid epidemic in the commonwealth; and provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for a contract with the Gavin Foundation, Inc. to provide a total immersion program in conjunction with the probation departments of the South Boston division of the Boston municipal court department and other district courts................. $169,221,698

 

General Fund....................... 75.49%

Marijuana Regulation Fund.......... 24.51%

 

4512-0201   For substance use disorder step-down recovery services, known as level B beds and services, and other critical recovery services with severely reduced capacity; provided, that no funds shall be expended in the AA object class........................ $4,533,180

 

4512-0202   For jail diversion programs primarily for nonviolent offenders with opioid or opiate addiction to be procured by the department of public health; provided, that each program shall have not fewer than 60 beds and shall provide clinical assessment services to the respective courts, inpatient treatment for not more than 90 days and ongoing case management services for not more than 1 year; provided further, that individuals may be diverted to this or other programs by a district attorney in conjunction with the commissioner of probation if: (i) there is reason to believe that the individual being diverted suffers from an addiction to opiates or another substance use disorder; and (ii) the diversion of the individual is clinically appropriate and consistent with established clinical and public safety criteria; provided further, that programs shall be established in separate counties in locations deemed suitable by the department of public health; provided further, that the department shall coordinate operations with the sheriffs, the district attorneys, the commissioner of probation and the department of correction; and provided further, that not more than $500,000 shall be used to support the ongoing treatment needs of clients after 90 days for which there is no other payer............................................ $1,350,000

 

4512-0203   For family intervention and care management services programs, a young adult treatment program and early intervention services for individuals who are dependent on or addicted to alcohol, controlled substances or both alcohol and controlled substances $1,440,450

 

4512-0204   For the purchase, administration and training of first-responder and bystander naloxone distribution programs; provided, that funds shall be expended to maintain funding for first responder naloxone grants and bystander distribution in communities with high incidence of overdose; provided further, that the commissioner of public health may transfer funds between this item and item 4512-0200 as necessary under an allocation plan which shall detail the distribution of the funds to be transferred; provided further, that not less than 30 days prior to any such transfer, the commissioner shall file the allocation plan with the house and senate committees on ways and means; and provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021 the department of public health shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the: (i) communities included in the program expansion; (ii) number of participants for each community; and (iii) amount of naloxone purchased and distributed, delineated by community.............................................. $1,020,000

 

4512-0205   For grants and contracts with substance use programs to provide comprehensive prevention, intervention and recovery services; provided, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for The Gavin Foundation Inc. to adapt residential treatment facilities in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic and to support treatment and recovery services; provided further, that not less than $155,000 shall be expended for the Joseph Nee Collaborative Center for substance abuse treatment and recovery programming; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute Inc.’s direct service and provider training programs; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for substance abuse and addiction awareness and education efforts at the Woburn Coalition Against Substance Abuse; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for substance abuse and addiction awareness and education efforts at the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, Inc.; provided further, that not less than $32,000 shall be expended for the town of Natick to continue their efforts to fight opiate abuse; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Baystate Health Eastern Region for a grant program to prevent and treat addiction to opioid and related substances; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the city known as the town of Braintree’s community partnership on substance abuse; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the SAFE Coalition Incorporated to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance use disorder in the city known as the town of Franklin; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Baystate Noble Hospital Corporation for a grant program to prevent and treat the increase of addiction to opioids and related substances during the COVID-19 pandemic; and provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended in equal amounts to the following substance abuse coalitions and community partnerships to address increased demand for substance use prevention services caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus: (i) Avon Coalition for Every Student; (ii) Braintree Community Partnership on Substance Abuse; (iii) Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse; (iv) EB Hope, Inc., in the town of East Bridgewater; (v) Easton Wings of Hope; (vi) Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; (vii) Randolph Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; (viii) Sharon Substance Prevention and Resource Commission; and (ix) Organizing Against Substances in Stoughton............................................. $707,000

 

4512-0206   For the department of public health to coordinate a comprehensive statewide strategy, in partnership with municipalities, public health harm reduction organizations and other stakeholders to promote existing commonwealth harm reduction efforts, to foster a culture of harm reduction and to promote community-based harm reduction services as recommended by the harm reduction commission established under section 100 of chapter 208 of the acts of 2018; provided, that not less $1,500,000 shall be made available to increase the availability of sterile and safe consumption equipment and syringe disposal services; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for a pilot program to provide access to fentanyl testing strips or other drug checking equipment; provided further, that money shall be expended to promote pilot programming to advance the creation of new supportive places for treatment and related observation that offer medical monitoring, nasal naloxone rescue kit distribution, counseling and connection to primary care, behavioral health and addiction treatment services; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the 10 Boys and 10 Girls Initiative to promote community based harm reduction... $4,750,000

 

4512-0225   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $1,000,000 for a compulsive gamblers’ treatment program from unclaimed prize money held in the State Lottery and Gaming Fund for more than 1 year from the date of the drawing when the unclaimed prize money was won and from the proceeds of a multi-jurisdictional lottery game under subsection (e) of section 24A of chapter 10 of the General Laws; provided, that the comptroller shall transfer the amount to the General Fund; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............. $1,000,000

 

4512-0500   For dental health services; provided, that not less than $1,595,525 shall be expended for the comprehensive dental program for adults with developmental disabilities; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Forsyth Institute's Center for Children's Oral Health to expand its ForsythKids programming focused on children and adolescents and to explore the emerging association between oral health status and academic performance............................... $1,784,246

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
4512-2020   For a matching grant program to be administered by the department of public health to support municipal public safety reform; provided, that funds shall be made available to municipalities pursuing public safety reforms and alternative investments to promote equitable public safety and public health outcomes; provided further, that eligible reforms and investments shall include, but not be limited to: (i) utilizing jail diversion programs, including restoration centers; (ii) hiring de-escalation specialists or implementing de-escalation training; (iii) hiring behavioral health specialists or utilizing other behavioral health supports; and (iv) training in evidence-based or evidence-informed mental health and substance use crisis response or alternative emergency response or hiring or contracting alternative emergency response professionals; provided further, that municipalities receiving matching grants shall demonstrate a measurable benefit to public health for the residents of the municipality, based on criteria established by the department, and that the municipality is pursuing new practices or reforms, or expansion of prior successful practices, that support criteria established by the department; provided further, that prior to receiving matching grants, municipalities shall provide a comprehensive implementation plan to the department of proposed public safety reforms and investments; provided further, that the department shall give priority to applications that propose to invest a majority of grant funds with community-based human service or behavioral or mental health providers; and provided further, that not later than June 1, 2021, the department shall provide a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means that shall include, but not be limited to: (a) a list of all municipalities that received matching grants; (b) the amount of matching grant funds awarded to each municipality; and (c) a description of the reforms and investments implemented in each municipality awarded matching grant funds................................... $2,500,000

 

4512-2021   For the design, development, implementation and oversight of the commonwealth’s 2019 novel coronavirus vaccine distribution plan; provided, that the department of public health in developing said plan shall take into consideration the recommendations of the health equity task force established under section 2 of chapter 93 of the acts of 2020; provided further, that the department shall prioritize a geographically and socioeconomically-equitable distribution when developing said plan; provided further, that the department shall prioritize those communities disproportionately impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus when developing the plan; provided further, that the department shall seek public comment from stakeholders including, but not limited to, medical professionals, public health experts, persons representing populations vulnerable to the 2019 novel coronavirus and persons representing communities disproportionately impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that not later than February 15, 2021, the department shall commence a public education and outreach campaign that is culturally competent and linguistically diverse; provided further, that the campaign shall be designed to inform residents of the commonwealth generally about vaccine testing, safety and efficacy; provided further, that the campaign shall rely on scientific and medically-accurate evidence and include partnerships with community-based organizations trusted in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and local public health departments and health care providers serving gateway municipalities; and provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department of public health shall submit a report to the joint committee on public health and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) a summary of the public comment received in regards to an equitable vaccine distribution; (ii) the current departmental recommendations for the commonwealth’s vaccine distribution plan, including the role of local boards of health; (iii) the current state of implementing said plan; (iv) any anticipated state investments necessary to carry out the plan; and (v) the proposed strategy for communicating the availability of a 2019 novel coronavirus vaccine to communities, including efforts to prioritize culturally and linguistically focused public awareness campaigns.............................................. $1,000,000

 

4512-2022   For grants to local and regional boards of health; provided, that the department of public health shall prioritize a geographically-equitable distribution; and provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021, the department of public health shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the: (i) recipients, their locations and amount per recipient; and (ii) dates that funds were released to said recipients..... $10,000,000

 

4512-2023   For supports to municipalities for costs associated with the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for 2019 novel coronavirus related expenses, services and supplies including for food banks and mental health services in the town of Millbury; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for youth and family services programs including food banks and mental health services in the town of Auburn; provided further, that $100,000 shall be expended for the mobile integrated health program in the town of Hanover to cover the cost of paramedics for in-home testing and the cost of follow up counseling from local nurses to the elderly and most vulnerable residents showing symptoms of COVID-19; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended equally to the city of Gloucester and the towns of Boxford, Essex, Georgetown, Groveland, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Newbury, North Andover, precincts 5 to 8, inclusive, Rockport, Rowley, Wenham, West Newbury, North Reading and Wilmington for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the city of Framingham and the towns of Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick and the city known as the town of Franklin to assist with contact tracing efforts and other public health actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended equally to the towns of Avon, Canton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Milton, Sharon, Stoughton and West Bridgewater and the cities known as the town of Braintree and the town of Randolph for the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19, for the purchase of personal protective equipment, and for the enhancement of remote and hybrid learning; provided further, that $50,000 shall be provided to the city known as the town of Winthrop for costs associated with an expanded public health capacity, monitoring, treatment, containment, public awareness and prevention against COVID-19; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the board of health in the city of Quincy for extraordinary costs necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that $50,000 shall be expended for the board of health in the city known as the town of Braintree for extraordinary costs necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that $25,000 shall be expended for the board of health in the town of Abington for extraordinary costs necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that $25,000 shall be expended for the board of health in the town of Holbrook for extraordinary costs necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that $25,000 shall be expended for the board of health in the town of Rockland for extraordinary costs necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to the Barnstable county department of health and environment for COVID-19-related response efforts, including mobile COVID-19 testing programs within the county of Barnstable and for the purchase of personal protective equipment and supplies and programs to support vulnerable, food insecure and housing insecure residents of the county of Barnstable; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the town of Amherst for the COVID-19 public health ambassador program and other efforts to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended equally to the city of Attleboro and the towns of Foxborough, Mansfield, Medfield, Norton, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Sharon and Walpole for the prevention, testing and mitigation of COVID-19, including vaccination for frontline and public safety workers; provided further, that $125,000 shall be expended for the COVID-19 Response Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to meet the immediate needs of western Massachusetts residents and community-based nonprofit organizations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic including, but not limited to, procuring personal protective equipment, addressing housing and economic security, combating food insecurity, providing for remote learning opportunities and addressing the systemic underpinnings of racial inequality in the region; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to the United Way of Greater Plymouth County, Inc., to address the COVID-19-related demands at local pantries and homeless shelters and needs of the increased number of unemployed individuals through its Family Resource Center and Community Connections programs, with not less than $50,000 being expended to Champions Plan in the city of Brockton for COVID-19-related issues in providing opioid treatment and recovery; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Taunton Emergency Task Force, Inc. to help meet the costs of emergencies arising as a result of the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to the town of Topsfield for COVID-19 related expenses; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for the funding of a public health nurse to assist in COVID-19 contact tracing, vaccination site planning and preparation and mobilization for COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning in the town of Abington; and provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Melrose Wakefield Healthcare, Inc., for direct costs associated with the 2019 novel coronavirus treatment....................................................... $1,975,000

 

4513-1000   For the provision of family health services; provided, that not less than $6,810,000 shall be expended for comprehensive family planning services, including HIV counseling and testing, community-based health education and outreach services, provided by agencies certified as comprehensive family planning agencies; provided further, that not less than $6,700,000 shall be expended for comprehensive family planning services previously funded by Title X Family Planning funding due to restrictions applied federally; provided further, that funds may be expended for the program's critical congenital heart defects screening activities; and provided further, that funds may be expended for the birth defects monitoring program............................ $13,703,566

 

4513-1002   For women, infants and children, or WIC, nutrition services in addition to funds received under the federal nutrition program; provided, that funds from this item shall supplement federal funds to enable federally-eligible women, infants and children to be served through the WIC program........................ $11,911,761

 

4513-1012   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $27,400,000 from retained revenues received from federal cost-containment initiatives including, but not limited to, infant formula rebates; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............ $27,400,000

 

4513-1020   For the early intervention program; provided, that the department of public health shall report quarterly to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the total number of units of service purchased and the total expenditures for the units of service paid by the department, the executive office of health and human services and third-party payers for early intervention services for the following service categories: (i) home visit; (ii) center-based individual; (iii) child-focused group; (iv) parent-focused group; and (v) screening and assessment; provided further, that the department shall make all reasonable efforts to secure third-party and Medicaid reimbursements for the services funded in this item; provided further, that funds from this item shall be expended to provide respite services to families of children enrolled in early intervention programs who have complex care requirements, multiple disabilities and extensive medical and health needs; provided further, that priority shall be given to low-income and moderate-income families; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the department shall submit to the house and senate committees on ways and means a report on the number of families served by the program and the amount of funds appropriated in this item granted to qualified families; provided further, that no claim for reimbursement made on behalf of an uninsured person shall be paid from this item until the program receives notice of a denial of eligibility for the MassHealth program from the executive office of health and human services; provided further, that MassHealth shall cover the costs incurred for the transportation of MassHealth members who participate in the early intervention program; provided further, that nothing in this item shall give rise to, or shall be construed as giving rise to, enforceable legal rights to any such services or an enforceable entitlement to the early intervention services funded in this item; provided further, that not less than 90 days prior to any change to current eligibility criteria, the department shall provide written notification to the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that no eligibility changes shall be made before January 1, 2021; provided further, that these funds may be used to pay for current and prior year claims; provided further, that the department shall provide services to eligible children through 1 service delivery model and shall not determine eligibility for services based on family insurance status; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department shall submit to the executive office for administration and finance and to the house and senate committees on ways and means a status update on the early intervention state-assigned student identifier pilot program; provided further, that the update shall include a cost estimate for expanding the pilot to additional sites in fiscal year 2022; provided further, that not less than $4,100,000, shall be expended from this item for stabilization payments necessary to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in service delivery due to the 2019 novel coronavirus and address the operational costs of providing early intervention services; provided further, that the department of public health shall issue payment vouchers to all vendors of certified early intervention programs; provided further, that such payments shall be made on a proportional basis, calculated using the most recent early intervention child counts of the department of public health; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the commissioner of public health shall report to the joint committee on children, families, and persons with disabilities, the secretary of administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the: (i) total funds expended to certified early intervention vendors from said appropriation; (ii) estimated need for financial support to sustain the early intervention delivery system, including operational costs, in fiscal year 2022; and (iii) impact of financial support on the rehiring, retention and furloughs of clinical staff across the early intervention delivery system $36,359,772

 

4513-1023   For the universal newborn hearing screening program; provided, that funds appropriated in this item shall be expended for the notification of and follow through with affected families, primary care providers and early intervention programs upon the department of public health’s receipt of data indicative of potential hearing disorders in newborns..................................... $87,463

 

4513-1026   For the provision of statewide and community-based suicide prevention, intervention, post-intervention and surveillance activities and the implementation of a statewide suicide prevention plan; provided, that funds shall be expended for a program to address elder suicide behavior and attempts with the geriatric mental health services program within the department of elder affairs; provided further, that funds shall be expended for a veterans-in-crisis hotline to be used by veterans or concerned family members who seek counseling programs operated by the department of veterans’ services so that they may be directed towards the programs and services offered by their local or regional veterans’ services office to be staffed by counselors or outreach program personnel contracted by the department and trained in issues of mental health counseling and veterans’ services; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the United Way of Tri-County’s Call 2 Talk program; and provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for The Samaritans of Fall River/New Bedford, Inc...... $6,725,000

 

4513-1027   For The Samaritans, Inc.; provided, that funds shall be used for suicide prevention services.............................. $400,000

 

4513-1098   For the provision of statewide support services for survivors of homicide victims, including outreach services, burial assistance, grief counseling and other support services; provided, that funds shall be expended as grants in the aggregate amount of not less than $200,000 to the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Corporation, a community-based support organization dedicated to serving families and communities impacted by violence; and provided further, that the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Corporation shall establish and administer a process to distribute a total of $100,000 to the Massachusetts Survivors of Homicide Victims Network organizations throughout the commonwealth in the form of grants................................................... $200,000

 

4513-1111   For the promotion of health and disease prevention including, but not limited to, the following programs: (i) breast cancer prevention; (ii) diabetes screening and outreach; (iii) ovarian cancer screening; (iv) hepatitis C prevention and management; (v) multiple sclerosis screening, information, education and treatment programs and the Multiple Sclerosis Home Living Independently Navigating Key Services program administered by the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; (vi) colorectal cancer prevention; (vii) prostate cancer screening, education and treatment with a particular focus on men with African-American, Hispanic or Latino heritage, family history of the disease and other men at high risk; (viii) osteoporosis education; and (ix) maintenance of the statewide lupus database; provided, that funding shall be expended for Mass in Motion community grants in an amount not less than the amount expended in fiscal year 2020, contingent upon receipt of matching federal prevention block grant funds; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for a grant to a statewide Alzheimer’s disease advocacy and education organization for a public awareness and education campaign as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for education and support of patients diagnosed with phenylketonuria or related disorders and their families through a grant to the New England Connection for PKU and Allied Disorders, Inc; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the operation of the Cranberry Health Research Center at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.............................................. $3,707,520

 

4513-1121   For a statewide STOP stroke program; provided, that funds shall be expended for stroke treatment and ongoing prevention services; provided further, that the department of public health shall expend not less than $200,000 to provide educational programming as part of the F.A.S.T. campaign on the signs and symptoms of stroke and stroke warning signs with a focus on communities that have the highest incidence of stroke, which shall not be used for personnel costs; provided further, that the department shall provide quality improvement measures that align with the stroke consensus metrics by utilizing a nationally recognized data set platform and expand the statewide registry that compiles information and statistics on stroke care using confidentiality standards not less secure than a nationally recognized data set platform, known as the stroke registry data platform; provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $200,000 to require all primary stroke service hospitals and emergency medical services agencies to report data consistent with nationally-recognized guidelines on the treatment of individuals with confirmed stroke in the commonwealth; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to oversee the operation and administration of designated primary stroke service hospital programs, established by 105 CMR 130.1400; and provided further, that funds shall be used to collect and analyze data from designated primary stroke service hospitals in the commonwealth and for the salary of a full-time surveyor who shall be primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with primary stroke service designation criteria..................................... $500,000

 

4513-1130   For domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and survivor services, including: (i) intimate partner abuse education, formerly known as the batterers’ intervention services; (ii) services for immigrants and refugees; (iii) rape crisis center survivor services and prevention; and (iv) intervention services and crisis housing for sexual violence and intimate partner violence in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning communities; provided, that funds shall be expended for rape prevention and victim services, including the statewide Spanish language hotline, community-based domestic violence response, emergency and transitional residential services for sexual and domestic violence victims and their children and supervised visitation and trauma services for children who witness violence and targeted services for department of children and families-involved families; provided further, that $5,000,000 shall be transferred to the COVID-19 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors’ Safety Trust Fund established in section 102, to provide grants for domestic violence liaisons to expand resources and services for domestic violence survivors; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Katie Brown Educational Program, Inc. for a pilot instructional initiative, the Train the Trainer program, to train educators and increase the number of Southeastern Massachusetts students who acquire invaluable knowledge about the prevention of relationship violence; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the purpose of providing additional resources to police officers for domestic violence investigations in the town of Salisbury; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the domestic violence outreach coordinator position within the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton; and provided further, that the department of public health shall ensure that there shall not be a disruption in survivor services and violence prevention activities or a negative impact on program functioning during fiscal year 2021................... $50,341,295

 

4513-1131   For a domestic violence and sexual assault prevention program focused on teens in high-risk communities; provided, that the programming shall be aimed at promoting healthy relationships and addressing teen dating violence; provided further, that the department shall partner with domestic violence and sexual assault service providers, other community-based organizations or school-based organizations to develop evidence-based and outcomes-focused prevention strategies; provided further, that the program shall prioritize funding for schools and communities in which the majority of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch; provided further, that at least 1 program shall occur in a municipality with a population of 25,000 or less; provided further, that funds may be expended for a competitive grant program; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Harmony House in the city of Chicopee $1,050,000

 

4513-2020   For funding to increase behavioral health outreach, access, and support; provided, that the department of public health, in consultation with the department of mental health and the department of elementary and secondary education, shall expend not less than $3,532,000 for a pilot program to increase student access to telebehavioral health services in schools; provided further, that 1 year after the implementation of the pilot program, the department of public health shall report to the joint committee on mental health, substance use, and recovery and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the: (i) number of students participating in the program; (ii) frequency with which students use the program; (iii) cost of the services provided, including the use of support staff; and (iv) manner in which costs have been supported by third-party reimbursement; provided further, that the department of higher education, in consultation with the department of mental health, shall expend not less than $250,000 for a mental health workforce pipeline pilot program to encourage a culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse behavioral health workforce through collaboration between colleges and behavioral health providers; provided further, that not more than 1 year after the completion of the pilot, the department of higher education shall report to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on higher education, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (a) a description of the community partners in the pilot; (b) a summary of post-program employment or continuing education of participating students; and (c) any recommendations on ways to further encourage a culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse behavioral health workforce; provided further, that the department of public health shall expend not less than $1,863,000 for a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner fellowship pilot program to recruit and retain psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners at community health centers; provided further, that not later than June 30, 2021, the department of public health shall submit a report to the executive office of health and human services, the executive office for administration and finance, the joint committee on health care financing, the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the house and senate committees on ways and means that includes: (1) the number of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner applicants and participants; (2) participant retention; (3) care provided to patients in underserved populations; and (4) all program expenditures; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be provided for a study assessing the availability of culturally competent behavioral health providers in the commonwealth conducted by the office of health equity, in consultation with the department of public health and the department of mental health; provided further, that the study may be conducted by an entity with a demonstrated capacity to deliver research results passing an academic peer-review process in analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data and to communicate study results in an accessible manner; provided further, that the study shall review the availability of culturally competent behavioral health providers within networks of both public and private health care payers and identify potential barriers to care for underserved cultural, ethnic and linguistic populations in the community; provided further, that the review shall include, but not be limited to: (A) the number of culturally competent and diverse behavioral health providers that reflect the cultural, ethnic and linguistic population of the community; (B) the existence of culturally competent services; (C) geographic challenges to access culturally competent providers; (D) training opportunities for providers to most effectively serve diverse populations; and (E) consideration of the impact of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, status as a client of the department of children and families, status as an incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individual, including justice-involved youth and emerging adults, status as a veteran, status as an individual with post-traumatic stress disorder, status as an aging adult, linguistic barriers and social determinants of health on access to behavioral health services; provided further, that the office of health equity shall receive data to complete the charge of this study under memorandums of understanding with the center for health information and analysis established under chapter 12C of the General Laws, the group insurance commission established under chapter 32A of the General Laws and MassHealth established under chapter 118E of the General Laws, respectively; and provided further, that not later than December 31, 2021, the office shall submit the findings of the study to clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on health care financing and the house and senate committees on ways and means.................................................. $5,795,000

 

Behavioral Health Outreach, Access

and Support Trust Fund............... 100%

 

4516-0263   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $1,200,727 in retained revenues from blood lead-testing fees collected from insurers and individuals for the purpose of conducting such tests; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $1,200,727

 

4516-1000   For the operation of the bureau of infectious diseases and laboratory sciences, including infectious disease surveillance and the state public health laboratory; provided, that funds shall be expended for an eastern encephalitis testing program and for tuberculosis testing and treatment services; provided further, that the department of public health shall ensure that vendors delivering tuberculosis clinical services and treatment shall seek third-party reimbursement for such services; and provided further, that no funds appropriated in this item shall be expended for administrative, space or energy expenses of the department that are not directly related to personnel or programs funded in this item.................................................. $16,999,953

 

4516-1005   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $1,001,867 generated by fees collected from providers or insurers for sexually-transmitted infections testing performed at the state public health laboratory; provided, that collected retained revenues may be used to supplement the costs of the laboratory; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $1,001,867

 

4516-1010   For state matching funds required by the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, Public Law 109-417................... $1,519,315

 

4516-1022   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $292,546 generated by fees collected from insurers for tuberculosis tests performed at the state public health laboratory; provided, that collected retained revenues may be used to supplement the costs of the laboratory; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system........................................ $292,546

 

4516-1037   For the department of public health, which may expend for the implementation of chapter 111O of the General Laws and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder not more than $270,000 in retained revenues collected from application fees for approval of mobile integrated health care programs and renewals thereof and from fines and penalties imposed by the department on mobile integrated health care programs; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $270,000

 

4516-1039   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $401,141 in retained revenues collected from application fees under section 25C of chapter 111 of the General Laws to support the operations of the determination of need program and health care facility plan review within the department; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system........................................ $401,141

 

4518-0200   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $855,744 generated by fees collected from the following services provided at the registry of vital records and statistics, including: (i) amendments of vital records and requests for vital records not issued in person at the registry; (ii) requests for heirloom certificates; and (iii) research requests performed by registry staff at the registry; provided, that collected retained revenues may be used for all program costs, including the compensation of employees; provided further, that the registrar of vital records and statistics shall exempt from payment of a fee any person requesting a verification of birth to establish eligibility for Medicaid; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $855,744

 

4530-9000   For teenage pregnancy prevention services; provided, that applications for such funds shall be administered through the department of public health upon receipt and approval of coordinated community service plans to be evaluated under the guidelines issued by the department; provided further, that portions of the grants may be used for state agency purchases of designated services identified by the community service plans; provided further, that funding shall be expended on those communities with the highest teen birth rates according to an annual statistical estimate conducted by the department; provided further, that funds shall be expended on programming directed at children under the care of the department of children and families who are at high risk for teenage pregnancy; and provided further, that the department shall collaborate with the department of children and families on said programming.............. $3,117,547

 

4580-1000   For the operation of the universal immunization program; provided, that all costs related to childhood vaccines shall be paid for through the Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund established under section 24N of chapter 111 of the General Laws................. $2,293,688

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto. 
4590-0250   For school health services and school-based health centers in public and nonpublic schools; provided, that funds shall be distributed to public and nonpublic schools based on the percentage of students in the commonwealth enrolled in each; provided further, that services shall include, but not be limited to: (i) strengthening the infrastructure of school health services in the areas of personnel and policy development, programming and interdisciplinary collaboration; (ii) developing linkages between school health services programs and community health providers; (iii) incorporating health education programs, including tobacco prevention and cessation activities, in school curricula and in the provision of school-based health services; and (iv) incorporating obesity prevention programs, including nutrition and wellness programs, in school curricula to address the nutrition and lifestyle habits needed for healthy development; provided further, that funds shall be expended for school nurses and school-based health center programs; provided further, that funds may be expended to address the recommendations of the permanent commission on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth established in section 67 of chapter 3 of the General Laws for the reduction of health disparities for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth; and provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended to enhance the commonwealth's capacity to support the development of school-based bridge programs for youth who have had prolonged absence due to hospitalization for physical or mental health care...................................................... $14,123,583

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
4590-0300   For smoking prevention and cessation programs, including youth tobacco use prevention and cessation programs.......... $5,118,155

 

4590-0912   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $24,703,932 from reimbursements collected for Western Massachusetts hospital services, subject to the approval of the commissioner of public health; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Western Massachusetts hospital shall be eligible to receive and retain full payment under the medical assistance program administered by the executive office of health and human services under chapter 118E of the General Laws for all goods and services provided by the hospital under federal requirements; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $24,703,932

 

4590-0913   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $507,937 for payments received for those services provided by the Lemuel Shattuck hospital to inmates of county correctional facilities; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............... $507,937

 

4590-0915   For the maintenance and operation of Tewksbury hospital, Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, Lemuel Shattuck hospital and the hospital bureau, including the state office of pharmacy services; provided, that reimbursements received for medical services provided at the Lemuel Shattuck hospital to inmates of houses of correction not managed by private health care vendors shall be credited to item 4590-0903 of section 2B; provided further, that the department shall seek to obtain federal financial participation for care provided to inmates of the department of correction and houses of correction who are treated at the public health hospitals; provided further, that the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children shall maintain not less than 120 beds for clients in its inpatient setting to the extent feasible within the appropriation; provided further, that Tewksbury hospital shall maintain the same number of beds in fiscal year 2021 as was maintained in fiscal year 2020; and provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children Summer Program $166,052,256

 

4590-0917   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $4,552,181 from payments received from the vendor managing health services for state correctional facilities for inmate medical services provided by the Lemuel Shattuck hospital; provided, that the payments may include capitation payments, fee-for-service payments, advance payments and other compensation arrangements established by contract between the vendor and the hospital; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system $4,552,181

 

4590-0918   For the state office of pharmacy services, which may expend not more than $28,741,278 from retained revenues collected from vendors providing health care services to the department of correction; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department of public health may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............ $28,741,278

 

4590-0924   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $1,934,285 from reimbursements collected by Tewksbury hospital based on a revenue enhancement project to obtain Medicaid coverage for patients whose services are not currently being reimbursed; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............. $1,934,285

 

4590-0925   For the costs of a prostate cancer awareness, education and research program focusing on men with African-American, Hispanic or Latino heritage, family history of the disease and other men at high risk; provided, that the department of public health shall oversee and manage said program and shall grant not less than 85 per cent of funds from this item to AdMeTech Foundation-led Prostate Cancer Action Council that shall leverage existing partnerships with other state-funded nonprofit research organizations and current and past federally, state and privately funded prostate cancer programs aimed at saving lives, improving quality of life and reducing health care costs........... $800,000

 

4590-0930   For price reductions for municipalities purchasing naloxone through the municipal naloxone bulk purchase program..... $500,000

 

4590-1503   For the pediatric palliative care program established in section 24K of chapter 111 of the General Laws................. $6,516,582

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
4590-1504   For a neighborhood-based gun and violent crime prevention pilot program for targeted work with out-of-school youth and young adults aged 17 to 24, inclusive, intended to prevent gun violence and other violent crime in neighborhoods and municipalities with the highest rates of violent crime in the commonwealth; provided, that funds shall be awarded in consultation with the executive office of public safety and security and the department of elementary and secondary education; provided further, that funds shall be awarded to non-profit, community-based organizations located in and serving high risk youth in eligible communities; provided further, that preference shall be given to organizations that have: (i) demonstrated street outreach capacity; (ii) effective partnerships with neighborhood health and human services agencies, including mental health providers, and with schools and other local educational institutions; and (iii) clearly outlined a comprehensive plan in support of continued or expanded collaboration efforts with such partners including data related to measurable outcomes of successful partner collaboration; provided further, that eligible expenses for such grants shall include, but not be limited to, case workers, mental health counselors, academic supports and other research-based practices and related support services; provided further, that the department shall ensure that every grant recipient establishes measurable outcomes in its comprehensive plan and provides data related to those outcomes that demonstrate program success; provided further, that preference shall be given to proposals that demonstrate coordination with programs and services funded through items 4000-0005, 7061-0010, and 7061-9612; provided further, that the department shall submit a report not later than March 1, 2021 to the executive office for administration and finance, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on public safety and homeland security, the joint committee on education and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the awarding of grants and details of anticipated contracts by district; provided further, that the department shall further report on the effectiveness of the program, including but not limited to: (a) any measurable data-driven results; (b) which strategies and collaborations have most effectively reduced gun and other violence in the grantee neighborhoods; (c) how spending through this item has been aligned with spending from items 4000-0005, 7061-0010, and 7061-9612 in ways that enhance public safety while avoiding programmatic duplication; and (d) what efforts have been taken by the non-profit community and municipalities to ensure the long term viability of the reforms funded by the pilot program; and provided further, that copies of the report shall be provided to: (1) the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public safety and homeland security, the joint committee on public health and the joint committee on education; and (2) the chairs of the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than September 1, 2021, prior appropriation continued $500,000

 

4590-1506   For a competitive grant program to be administered by the department of public health to support the establishment of a comprehensive youth violence prevention program; provided, that eligibility shall be determined by the criteria set forth in item 4590-1506 of section 2 of chapter 182 of the acts of 2008; provided further, that no grants shall be awarded to law enforcement agencies; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the South End Community Center’s Community Youth Corp Program; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Merrimack Valley Public Safety Youth Center in the city of Lawrence; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Springfield Partners, Inc. for the AWAKE program in the city of Springfield, to provide comprehensive youth development and violence prevention services to at-risk youth; provided further, that not less than $5,000 shall be expended for Parent Villages, Inc. in the city of Springfield, to provide comprehensive youth development and violence prevention services to at-risk youth; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Inc. to provide comprehensive youth development and violence prevention services to at-risk youth; and provided further, that funds shall be considered one-time and grants shall not annualize in fiscal year 2022.................................... $3,155,000

 

4590-1507   For matching grants to the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc., the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAS, Inc., the YWCA organizations, nonprofit community centers and teen empowerment and youth development programs; provided, that the department of public health shall award not less than $1,800,000 to the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAS, Inc., which amount shall be distributed among the alliance’s member organizations; provided further, that the department of public health shall award not less than $1,900,000 for competitively-procured grants to youth-at-risk programs utilizing an evidence-based positive youth development model, including programs that serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth; provided further, that the department shall award not less than $2,200,000 to the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc., the first $2,000,000 of which shall be distributed equally among its member organizations; provided further, that the department shall provide not less than $650,000 to the YWCA, which shall be distributed equally between the Alliance of YWCAS’ organizations in the commonwealth; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton, Inc., for capital improvements; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to fund youth workers at housing authority sites that have experienced the highest rates of gun violence since the start of the state of emergency caused by the novel coronavirus declared by the governor on March 10, 2020; provided further, that eligible employing entities of those youth workers may include community based nonprofit organizations and shall not be limited to housing authorities; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc. in the city of Waltham; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Groundwork Somerville, Inc. to fund programs to support youth during the COVID-19 pandemic; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to Inspirational Ones, Inc. for rehabilitating the physical facility in which the Methuen Youth and Community Center in the city of Methuen will be located, which may include implementing social distancing and safety protocols necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and creating an environment to provide social emotional and mental health supports for conditions exacerbated by COVID-19; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended equally to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield, Inc. in the city of Westfield and to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Inc. in the city of Holyoke for capital improvements to safeguard the facilities for remote learning and enrichment due to COVID-19; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be provided to the Center for Teen Empowerment, Inc.; provided further, that not less than $160,000 shall be expended to provide youth services for residents of the Commonwealth Development and Faneuil Gardens apartments in the Brighton section of the city of Boston, to be administered by the Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation in said Brighton section of the city of Boston; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be expended to provide youth services for residents of the Alice Heyward Taylor Apartments in the Roxbury section of the city of Boston, to be administered by the Whittier Street Health Center Committee Incorporated in said Roxbury section of the city of Boston; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Lawrence Sueños Basketball Summer League to support the recreational, social, and health benefits the league provides to low-income youth in the city of Lawrence; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay Mentor 2.0 program; and provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for Parkway Community YMCA for expenses of COVID-19 related child care and day care services... $7,775,000

 

4590-2001   For the department of public health, which may expend not more than $3,789,691 of payments received for services provided by Tewksbury hospital to clients of the department of developmental services, including for the provision of behavioral health services and the continuation of short-term medical rehabilitation for clients of the department of developmental services; provided, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system...................................... $3,789,691

 

OFFICE OF children, youth and family services.

 

Department of Children and Families.

 

4800-0015   For central and area office administration and service coordination; provided, that the associated expenses of employees whose AA and DD object class costs are paid from item 4800-1100 shall be paid from this item; provided further, that no funds shall be expended from this item for the compensation of unit 8 employees; provided further, that the department of children and families shall not place a child or adolescent referred by, or discharged from, the care of the department of mental health until the department of mental health forwards an assessment and recommendation as to whether the child or adolescent may be appropriately placed in foster care or if, due to severe emotional disturbance, such child or adolescent is more appropriate for congregate care placement; provided further, that the department, in consultation with the department of mental health, shall assist the department of mental health in making such assessments and recommendations; provided further, that if placement of a child with someone other than a parent becomes necessary, the department shall place the highest priority on identifying a family resource within the child’s kinship or family circle and shall provide services and support to partner with the family resource in meeting the child’s needs; provided further, that unless otherwise authorized, all funds including federal reimbursements received by the department shall be credited to the General Fund, except for federal reimbursement used to support revenue maximization projects; provided further, that the department and the department of early education and care shall provide standards for early education and care placements made through the supportive child care program; provided further, that the department of children and families, in collaboration with the department of early education and care, shall maintain a centralized list detailing the number of children eligible for supportive child care services, the number of supportive slots filled and the number of supportive slots available; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department shall not reduce recoupment amounts recommended by the state auditor; provided further, that there shall not be a waiting list for the services; provided further, that all children eligible for services under item 3000-3060 shall receive those services; provided further, that the department shall maintain a timely, independent and fair administrative hearing system; provided further, that on December 30, 2020 and March 26, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities on: (i) the fair hearing requests filed in fiscal year 2021, using non-identifying information, which shall state, for each hearing request: (a) the subject matter of the appeal; (b) the number of days between the hearing request and the first day of the hearing; (c) the number of days between the first day of the hearing and the hearing officer’s decision; (d) the number of days between the hearing officer’s decision and the agency’s final decision; (e) the number of days of continuance granted at the appellant’s request; (f) the number of days of continuance granted at the request of the department of children and families or the hearing officer’s request, specifying which party made the request; and (g) whether the department’s decision that was the subject of the appeal was affirmed or reversed; and (ii) the fair hearing requests filed before fiscal year 2021, which are pending for more than 180 days, stating the number of those cases, how many of those cases have been heard but not decided and how many have been decided by the hearing officer but not yet issued as a final agency decision; provided further, that the department shall maintain and make available to the public, during regular business hours, a record of its fair hearings, with identifying information removed, including for each hearing request: the date of the request, the date of the hearing decision, the decision rendered by the hearing officer and the final decision rendered upon the commissioner’s review; provided further, that the department shall make redacted copies of fair hearing decisions available within 30 days of a written request; provided further, that the department shall not make available any information in violation of federal privacy regulations; provided further, that not later than February 26, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities that shall include, but not be limited to, the: (1) number of medical and psychiatric personnel and their level of training currently employed by or under contract with the department; (2) number of foster care reviews conducted by the department and the average length of time in which each review was completed; (3) number of social workers and supervisors who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work; (4) total number of social workers and the total number of social workers holding licensure, by level; (5) number of the department’s contracts reviewed by the state auditor and the number of corrective action plans issued; and (6) number of corrective action plans entered into by the department; provided further, that on the first business day of each quarter, the department shall file a report with the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities on the caseload of the department; provided further, that the report shall include, but not be limited to: (A) the caseloads of residential placements, congregate care, foster care, therapeutic foster care, adoption, guardianship, 51A reports, substantiated 51A reports, the number of children who die in the care and custody of the department, the number of children currently eligible for supportive child care, the number of children presently receiving supportive child care and the number of medical and psychiatric consultation requests made by the department’s social workers; (B) the number of approved foster care placements; (C) the number of children in psychiatric hospitals and community-based acute treatment programs who remain hospitalized beyond their medically necessary stay while awaiting placement and the number of days each case remains in placement beyond that which is medically necessary; (D) the number of children under the department of children and families’ care and custody who are receiving medical or psychiatric care provided through other publicly-funded sources; (E) the number of children served by supervised visitation centers and the number of those children who are reunified with their families; (F) the total number of children served, their ages, the number of children served in each service plan, the number of children in out-of-home placements and the number of placements each child has had before receiving an out-of-home placement; (G) for each area office, the number of kinship guardianship subsidies provided in the quarters covered by the report and the number of kinship guardianship subsidies provided in that quarter for which federal reimbursement was received; (H) for each area office, the total spending on services other than case management services provided to families to keep a child with the child’s parents or reunifying the child with the child’s parents, spending by the type of service, including, but not limited to, the number of children and a breakdown of spending for respite care, intensive in-home services, client financial assistance and flexible funding, community-based after-school social and recreation program services, family navigation services and parent aide services and the unduplicated number of families that receive the services; (I) for each area office, the total number of families residing in shelters paid for by the department, a list of where the families are sheltered, the total cost and average cost per family at those shelters and a description of how the department determines who qualifies or does not qualify for a shelter; (J) for each area office, the number of requests for voluntary services, broken down by type of service requested, whether the request was approved or denied, the number of families that are denied voluntary services and receive a 51A report, the reasons for denying such services and what, if any, referrals were made for services by other agencies or entities; (K) the number of families receiving multiple 51A reports within a 10-month period, the number of cases reopened within 6 months of being closed and the number of children who return home and then reenter an out-of-home placement within 6 months; (L) the number of children and families served by the family resource centers, by area; and (M) the number of children within the care and custody of the department whose whereabouts are unknown; provided further, that not later than December 30, 2020 the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities that details any changes to said rules, regulations or guidelines established by the department in the previous fiscal year to carry out its duties under chapter 119 of the General Laws including, but not limited to: (I) criteria used to determine whether a child has been abused or neglected; (II) guidelines for removal of a child from the home; and (III) standards to determine what reasonable efforts are being made to keep a child in the home; provided further, that on a monthly basis, the department shall provide the caseload forecasting office with data on children receiving services and other pertinent data related to items 4800-0038 and 4800-0041 that is requested by the office; provided further, that the report shall also contain the number of children and families served by the family resource centers, by area, and an evaluation of the services provided and their effectiveness; provided further, that to the extent feasible within existing appropriations, the department shall maintain existing services for the aging out population; provided further, that the commissioner of children and families may transfer funds from item 4800-1100 into item 4800-0015 for the purpose of maintaining appropriate staffing ratios under the memorandum of agreement between the commonwealth and the Alliance/Local 509, SEIU signed on March 25, 2013; provided further, that not less than 15 days in advance of any such transfer, the commissioner shall notify the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that not more than 2 per cent of said funds from line item 4800-1100 shall be transferred in fiscal year 2021; provided further, that the commissioner may transfer funds between items 4800-0030, 4800-0038, 4800-0040 and 4800-0041 for services only, and, as necessary, under an allocation plan, which shall detail, by object class, the distribution of the funds to be transferred; provided further, that transfers shall not be made for administrative costs; provided further, that not less than 15 days in advance of any such transfer, the commissioner shall notify the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that not more than 5 per cent of any item shall be transferred in fiscal year 2021; and provided further, that funds shall be expended for a unit to help identify at-risk youth and provide preventative services and to implement a missing or absent youth recovery response policy....................... $114,559,681

 

4800-0016   For the department of children and families, which may expend for the operation of the transitional employment program not more than $2,000,000 from retained revenues collected from various state, county and municipal government entities and state authorities for the costs related to the provision of services by the participants and the overhead costs and expenses incurred by the not-for-profit managing agent selected by the commissioner of children and families for administering the program; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner may enter into a contract with Roca, Inc., a not-for-profit community based agency, to manage the transitional employment program and to provide services to participants from the aging out population, parolees, probationers, youth service releasees and other community residents considered to have employment needs....................................... $2,000,000

 

4800-0025   For foster care review services........................ $4,531,259

 

4800-0030   For the continuation of local and regional administration and coordination of services provided by lead agencies through purchase-of-service contracts, including flex services. $8,037,425

 

4800-0036   For a sexual abuse intervention network program to be administered in conjunction with the district attorneys............... $841,534

 

4800-0038   For guardianship, foster care, adoption, family preservation and kinship services provided by the department of children and families; provided, that services funded through this item shall include shelter services, substance use treatment, young parent programs, parent aides, education and counseling services, foster care, adoption and guardianship subsidies, tiered reimbursements used to promote the foster care placement of children with special medical and social needs, assessment of the appropriateness of adoption for children in the care of the department for more than 12 months, protective services provided by partnership agencies, targeted recruitment and retention of foster families, respite care services, post-adoption services and support services for foster, kinship and adoptive families and juvenile fire setter programs and services for people at risk of domestic violence, including payroll costs; provided further, that funds may be expended on programs that received funding in fiscal year 2013; provided further, that funding shall be expended for children’s advocacy centers and for services for child victims of sexual abuse and assault; provided further, that not less than the amount appropriated in this item for each children’s advocacy center in fiscal year 2020 shall be expended again in fiscal year 2021; provided further, that funds may be expended to support reforms at the department to improve foster care and placement stability and to ensure positive permanency outcomes for children; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Tempo program at the Wayside Youth and Family Support Network, Inc; provided further, that $10,000 shall be expended for the Laboure Center, Inc. to support adaptation of telehealth and technology in its recovery connections program; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Weymouth teen center to provide job skills training, remedial education services, and to promote a social service program promoting growth and social welfare; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Italian Home for Children, Inc.; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Inc.; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, Inc.; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended for the Plymouth County Children’s Advocacy Center; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin, Inc.; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, Inc.; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Rick’s Place, Inc. of Wilbraham to provide counseling services for youth who have experienced the loss of a parent in the Pioneer Valley; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the Fragile Beginnings program; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Project NESST, Newborns Exposed to Substances: Support and Therapy; and provided further, that the department may contract with provider agencies for the coordination and management of services, including flex services $307,005,812

 

4800-0040   For family preservation, reunification and service coordination; provided, that services shall include family support and stabilization services provided by the department of children and families.............................................. $67,066,570

 

4800-0041   For congregate care services; provided, that funds may be expended from this item to provide community based services, including in-home support and stabilization services, to children who would otherwise be placed in congregate settings; provided further, that the department of children and families shall oversee area review teams that shall evaluate the feasibility of maintaining the child in the community in this manner whenever possible before recommending placement in a congregate care setting; and provided further, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services.................................. $293,443,452

 

4800-0058   For the support of a foster care campaign to recruit new foster parents; provided, that not later than March 31, 2021, the department of children and families shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities detailing, but not limited to, the: (i) number of new foster care parents as a result of the foster care campaign; and (ii) methods in which the department is recruiting foster care parents............. $750,000

 

4800-0091   For the department of children and families, which may expend not more than $2,827,731 in federal reimbursements received under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 670 et. seq. during fiscal year 2021 to develop a training institute for professional development at the department; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, federal reimbursements received in excess of $2,827,731 shall be credited to the General Fund................................................... $2,827,731

 

4800-0151   For a program to provide alternative overnight non-secure placements for status offenders and nonviolent delinquent youths up to 17 years of age to prevent the inappropriate use of juvenile cells in police stations for such offenders, under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, Public Law 93-415; provided, that the programs that provide the alternative non-secure placements shall collaborate with the appropriate sheriff’s office to provide referrals of those offenders and delinquent youths to any programs within the sheriff’s office designed to positively influence youths or reduce juvenile crime..... $151,252

 

4800-0200   For the support and maintenance of family resource centers throughout the commonwealth; provided, that centers supported through this item shall be subject to the selection and reporting requirements of item 4000-0051; and provided further, that not less than $950,000 shall be expended for the Juvenile Court Mental Health Advocacy Project administered by Health Law Advocates, Inc. to increase access to mental health treatment for at-risk children and adolescents involved in or diverted from juvenile courts $17,450,000

 

4800-1100   For the AA and DD object class costs of the department of children and families’ social workers; provided, that funds shall mitigate social worker caseloads in those area offices furthest above the statewide weighted caseload standard and towards achieving a social worker caseload ratio of 15 to 1 statewide; and provided further, that only employees of bargaining unit 8, as identified in the Massachusetts personnel administrative reporting and information system, shall be paid from this item..... $265,309,813

 

OFFICE OF HEALTH SERVICES.

 

Department of Mental Health.

 

5011-0100   For the operation of the department of mental health.. $29,553,995

 

5042-5000   For child and adolescent services, including the costs of psychiatric and related services provided to children and adolescents determined to be medically-ready for discharge from acute hospital units or mental health facilities and who are experiencing unnecessary delays in being discharged due to the lack of more appropriate settings; provided, that to fund said services, the commissioner of mental health may allocate funds from the amount appropriated in this item to other departments within the executive office of health and human services; provided further, that funds shall be expended to provide services to address behavioral health needs arising from the impact of COVID-19, including the impact of remote learning, and services to assist school districts with behavioral health support; provided further, that the department shall not refer or discharge a child or adolescent to the custody or care of the department of children and families until the department of mental health forwards its assessment and recommendation as to whether the child or adolescent is appropriate for foster care or, due to severe emotional disturbance, is more appropriate for group care; provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $3,875,000 for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project, or MCPAP; provided further, that not less than $675,000 of that amount shall be expended for MCPAP for Moms statewide to address mental health concerns in pregnant and postpartum women and to expand support for pregnant and postpartum women by adding substance use disorder-specific education, training, consultation and care coordination to the project’s existing capacity; provided further, that amounts expended from this item for MCPAP that are related to services provided on behalf of commercially-insured clients shall be assessed by the commissioner of mental health on surcharge payors, as defined in section 64 of chapter 118E of the General Laws, and shall be collected in a manner consistent with the department of mental health’s regulations; provided further, that not later than March 15, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (i) an overview of MCPAP care coordination efforts; (ii) the number of psychiatric consultations, face-to-face consultations and referrals made to specialists on behalf of children with behavioral health needs in fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021; and (iii) recommendations to: (a) increase the number of specialists receiving referrals through MCPAP; (b) increase access to MCPAP in regions currently underutilizing the project; and (c) improve care coordination efforts to identify specialists available and accepting new child and adolescent patients, with priority to those children and adolescents who exhibit complex conditions and experience long wait lists for specialty psychiatry; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (1) the distribution of funds, delineated by initiative; (2) the number of individuals served; (3) the outcomes measured; and (4) recommendations for expanding cost-effective and evidence-based early mental health identification and prevention programming for children and adolescents in fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2022; provided further, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the NAN Project to provide peer-to-peer mental health awareness and suicide prevention programming in schools and communities; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be allocated to the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, Inc. to partner with the BIRCh Center to develop a plan for establishment of a school based behavioral health technical assistance center; and provided further, that not less than $160,000 shall be expended to the Arlington Youth Counseling Center.............. $94,790,000

 

5046-0000   For adult mental health and support services; provided, that the department of mental health may allocate not more than $5,000,000 from item 5095-0015 to this item, as necessary, under allocation plans submitted to the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days before any such transfer, for residential and day services for clients formerly receiving care at department facilities; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the distribution of funds per adult and child planning population and the types of services received in each region in fiscal year 2021; provided further, that the department shall maintain in fiscal year 2021 the same amount of community-based placements in the previous 3 fiscal years; provided further, that in fiscal year 2021, the department shall expend on clubhouses not less than the amount expended on clubhouses in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that funds shall be expended for jail diversion programs in municipalities that provide equal matching funds from other public or private sources in an amount not less than $2,000,000 above the amount made available in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means regarding the: (i) number of crisis intervention team and jail diversion efforts; (ii) amount of funding per grant, delineated by city, town or provider; (iii) potential savings achieved; (iv) recommendations for expansion; and (v) outcomes measured; provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $250,000 for the assisted outpatient treatment program at Eliot Community Human Services, Inc. to treat residents who suffer from serious and persistent mental illness and experience repeated interaction with law enforcement or have a high rate of recurring hospitalization due to mental illness, either through a voluntary agreement with the resident or by a court order mandating that the resident receive the treatment described in this program; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021, the department, in conjunction with Eliot Community Human Services, Inc., shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the assisted outpatient treatment program which shall include baseline and current metrics related to clients served including, but not limited to: (a) behavioral and physical medical diagnosis; (b) status of activities of daily living, including food, shelter and employment; (c) psychiatric hospitalizations; (d) treatment history; and (e) insurance status; provided further, that the report shall include: (1) factors that proved successful in treating pilot participants, including practices used and type of staff functions necessary for success in treating pilot participants; (2) identification of issues and practices that present barriers to successful treatment; (3) a cost analysis of treatment; (4) a plan for creating a sustainable program based on information from the analysis report; and (5) a proposal for a sustainable course of funding to implement the program; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the International Institute of New England, Inc. for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services for immigrants and refugees; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended on a grant to the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Inc., for the purpose of providing assistance in connecting consumers to licensed clinical social workers through the Therapy Matcher program; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended on the expansion of low threshold, safe haven housing for mentally ill men and women who have been chronically homeless and are currently living in emergency shelter or on the streets in the city of Boston; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be provided to communities in the Metrowest region, including the city of Framingham and the towns of Ashland, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick to address unmet mental health needs related to the 2019 novel coronavirus; and provided further, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services..................... $501,097,324

 

5046-2000   For homelessness services............................. $22,734,301

 

5046-4000   For the department of mental health, which may expend not more than $125,000 in retained revenues collected from occupancy fees charged to the tenants in the creative housing option in community environments, or CHOICE, program under chapter 167 of the acts of 1987; provided, that all fees collected under said program shall be expended for the routine maintenance and repair of facilities in the CHOICE program.................................... $125,000

 

5047-0001   For emergency service programs and acute inpatient mental health care services; provided, that the department of mental health shall require a performance specification to be developed for safe aftercare options for adults upon release from acute inpatient mental health care services; provided further, that the emergency service programs shall take all reasonable steps to identify and invoice the third-party insurer of all persons serviced by the programs; and provided further, that funds may support program and service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services... $22,139,598

 

5055-0000   For forensic services provided by the department of mental health; provided, that funds shall be expended for juvenile court clinics...................................................... $11,066,817

 

5095-0015   For the operation of hospital facilities and community-based mental health services; provided, that in order to comply with the decision in Olmstead v. L.C. ex rel. Zimring, 527 U.S. 581 (1999) and to enhance care for clients, the department of mental health shall discharge clients residing in the inpatient facilities to residential services in the community if the following criteria are met: (i) the client is deemed clinically suited for a more integrated setting; (ii) the community residential service capacity and resources available are sufficient to provide each client with an equal or improved level of service; and (iii) the cost to the commonwealth of serving the client in the community is less than or equal to the cost of serving the client in inpatient care; provided further, that any client transferred to another inpatient facility as the result of a facility closure shall receive a level of care that is equal to or greater than the care that had been provided at the closed facility; provided further, that the department may allocate funds of not more than $5,000,000 from this item to item 5046-0000, as necessary, under allocation plans submitted to the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days before any transfer for residential and day services for clients formerly receiving inpatient care at the centers and facilities; provided further, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services; provided further, that the department shall maintain not less than 671 inpatient beds in its system in fiscal year 2021; provided further, that of said 671 beds, 45 beds shall be continuing care inpatient beds on the campus of Taunton State Hospital; provided further, that within the existing appropriation, the department may operate more beds at Taunton state hospital; provided further, that the department shall operate not less than 260 adult continuing care inpatient beds at Worcester recovery center and hospital; provided further, that the department shall not take action in fiscal year 2021 to reduce the number of state-operated continuing care inpatient beds or other state-operated programs at the Taunton state hospital campus or relocate administrative hospital services associated with the operation of the hospital off campus; provided further, that the department shall not enter into new vendor-operated lease agreements or expand existing vendor-operated programs; provided further, that the department shall not enter into new interagency agreements or expand existing interagency agreements, programs or facilities until the department, in conjunction with the division of capital asset management and maintenance, develops a comprehensive long-term use master plan for the campus, which shall be developed not later than March 2, 2021, with appropriate community input that is consistent with maintaining the publicly-provided mental health services that are currently delivered on-campus at Taunton state hospital; provided further, that the plan shall include maintenance of existing affiliations with institutions of higher education and possible future relationships with those institutions and others to maintain the sustainability of Taunton state hospital; provided further, that the plan shall be consistent with maintenance of the Taunton state hospital campus as a publicly-run mental health facility and shall not prohibit the inclusion of behavioral health programs or publicly-run pilot programs to meet the needs of individuals with mental health diagnoses, behavioral health diagnoses and those dual-diagnosed on the campus as part of the comprehensive long-term use master plan; provided further, that the comprehensive long-term use master plan shall be submitted to the executive office for administration and finance, the executive office of health and human services, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery and the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided further, that the department may authorize on the campus of Taunton state hospital, a behavioral health emergency department relief pilot program to accept medically-stable individuals with high acuity behavioral health and dual diagnoses from emergency departments in the southeast region; provided further, that medically-stable patients presenting in an emergency department with a high acuity behavioral health condition or who have a dual diagnosis shall be transferred to the pilot program if another appropriate setting cannot be located within 4 hours of admission to the emergency department; provided further, that the pilot program shall care for patients either for 14 days following admission or until an appropriate placement is found that meets the patient’s needs, whichever is sooner; provided further, that the pilot program may be operated by the department and staffed by department registered nurses, psychiatrists and other staff as needed; provided further, that within the first 6 months following the authorization of the program by the department, in consultation with the department of public health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Massachusetts Nurses Association and the Emergency Nurses Association shall establish a staffing plan and program protocols; provided further, that for the purposes of the pilot program, Taunton state hospital may accept patients classified under section 12 of chapter 123 of the General Laws; provided further, that the pilot program may be authorized to operate for not more than 2 years; provided further, that the department shall file a report with the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery within 6 months after the conclusion date of the program; provided further, that the report shall evaluate the success of the program in decreasing emergency department overcrowding in the southeast region and the quality of care provided in the program; and provided further, that the report may be drafted by an independent entity, utilizing data from the department and the local hospitals in the southeast region $229,635,223

 

5095-1016   For the department of mental health, which may expend not more than $500,000 in retained revenues collected from occupancy fees charged to the tenants of the state hospitals; provided, that all collected fees shall be expended to support the costs to sustain operations of the state hospital facilities; and provided further, that for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system........................................ $500,000

 

Department of Developmental Services.

 

5911-1003   For the administration and operation of the department of developmental services; provided, that the department shall not charge user fees for transportation or community day services; provided further, that the department shall not charge fees for eligibility determination for services provided by the department or for applications or requests for transfer of guardianship; provided further, that regional employment collaboratives shall be funded at not less than the amount funded in fiscal year 2020; provided further, that the department shall issue a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than February 22, 2021 detailing: (i) significant expense increases incurred by the department; (ii) measures implemented by the department to reduce costs; and (iii) improved outcomes in programs and services funded by the department; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, Inc.; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Massachusetts memorial medical center and the University of Massachusetts medical school based on the patient-centered medical home concept...................................................... $80,431,659

 

5911-2000   For transportation costs associated with community-based day and work programs; provided, that the department shall provide transportation which shall be prioritized by need..... $33,287,751

 

5920-2000   For vendor-operated, community-based residential adult services, including intensive individual supports; provided, that annualized funding shall be expended for turning 22 clients who began receiving services in fiscal year 2020 under item 5920-5000 of section 2 of chapter 154 of the acts of 2018; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the use of shared-living services in the commonwealth, which shall include, but not be limited to, the: (i) number of clients living in shared-living placements, broken down by age and location; (ii) average cost of shared-living services; (iii) number of clients living in a shared-living placement with individuals they knew prior to the arrangement; (iv) department’s oversight of the application and placement process; (v) safeguards in place for clients receiving these services; and (vi) potential for growth of the program; provided further, that the commissioner of developmental services may transfer funds from this item to item 5920-2010, as necessary, under an allocation plan which shall detail, by object class, the distribution of the funds to be transferred and which shall be filed with the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days before any such transfer; provided further, that not more than $5,000,000 shall be transferred from this item in fiscal year 2021; and provided further, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services................................ $1,287,631,748

 

5920-2003   For supportive technology and remote services for individuals served by the department of developmental services....... $500,000

 

5920-2010   For state-operated, community-based residential services for adults, including community-based health services; provided, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services............................................. $237,801,317

 

5920-2025   For community-based day and work programs and associated transportation costs for adults; provided, that the department of developmental services shall provide transportation which shall be prioritized by need; provided further, that the department shall support individuals with disabilities who transitioned from employment services offered at sheltered workshops to community-based employment as part of the commonwealth’s employment first initiative; provided further, that any public-private partnerships with employers and nonprofits shall encourage the highest level of independence among individuals with disabilities and shall provide options to maximize community involvement and participation; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021, the department shall issue a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities detailing: (i) the number of eligible individuals employed in community-based employment in fiscal year 2020 and the number estimated for fiscal year 2021; (ii) the number and types of community-based employment partners; (iv) the outcomes measured; and (v) recommendations for expansion; provided further, that funds may support adaptations to programs necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to maintain continued services; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Community Access to the Arts, Inc. in the town of Great Barrington................. $239,563,699

 

5920-3000   For respite services and intensive family supports.... $77,853,898

 

5920-3010   For contracted support services for families of children with autism through the autism division at the department of developmental services; provided, that the department shall expend not less than $5,500,000 to provide services under the children’s autism spectrum disorder waiver under section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396n(c); provided further, that the waiver shall include children with autism spectrum disorder ages 0 to 8, inclusive, including children with autism spectrum disorder ages 0 to 3, inclusive, who are receiving services through the department of public health’s early intervention program; provided further, that the department shall take all steps necessary to ensure that the waiver program is fully enrolled and that eligible children with autism immediately begin to receive services under said waiver; provided further, that the department shall immediately file any waiver amendment necessary with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to comply with the requirements of this item; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on education and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities on the: (i) number of contracted support services provided for families with children with autism under this item; (ii) the costs associated with such services; (iii) the services provided by the children’s autism spectrum disorder waiver, with information regarding the number of children enrolled in the waiver and receiving services; (iv) linguistic and cultural diversity, age, gender and geographic representation of the applicants and the children enrolled in the program; (v) department plans to continue to assess the demand for waiver services; (vi) any executive office of health and human services plans to expand the waiver for children on the autism spectrum of all ages in the future; and (vii) other information determined relevant by the department; provided further, that the department shall submit copies of amended waivers to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on education and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities upon submission of the amendment; and provided further, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services.................................... $7,429,571

 

5920-3020   For the implementation of chapter 226 of the acts of 2014, including services and supports for individuals with a developmental disability attributable to autism spectrum disorder, Smith-Magenis syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome; provided, that the department shall submit quarterly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) the number of individuals eligible for services; (ii) the number of eligible individuals served; (iii) the type of services provided; (iv) the cost per service; and (v) the cost per individual; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the commission on autism established under said chapter 226; and provided further, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services...................... $38,586,296

 

5920-3025   For funding to support initiatives to address the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities who are aging including, but not limited to, individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, through the identification of best practices for services for affected individuals, including: (i) medical care coordination models that address conditions common to individuals with developmental disabilities who are aging; (ii) training for direct care and other staff in the identification of dementia or other age-related conditions; and (iii) the collection of data regarding the effectiveness of the initiatives included in this item; provided, that not later than April 1, 2021, the department of developmental services shall report to the executive office for administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means on the status of these initiatives including, but not limited to: (a) the number of participants served by each initiative; (b) the participant outcomes, including impacts on the physical and cognitive health of participants; (c) the cost of each initiative and the cost per participant; (d) the implementation plans for these initiatives in fiscal years 2022 and 2023; and (e) recommendations for enhancing the care of individuals with developmental disabilities who are aging $100,000

 

5920-5000   For services to clients of the department who turn 22 years of age during fiscal year 2021; provided, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services; and provided further, that not later than January 8, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the use of any funds encumbered or expended from this item including, but not limited to, the number of clients served in each region and the types of services purchased in each region $25,051,713

 

5930-1000   For the operation of facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities; provided, that in order to comply with the decision in Olmstead v. L.C. ex rel. Zimring, 527 U.S. 581 (1999) and to enhance care for clients, the department of developmental services shall discharge clients residing in intermittent care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, or an ICF/IID, to residential services in the community if: (i) the client is deemed clinically suited for a more integrated setting; (ii) community residential service capacity and resources available are sufficient to provide each client with an equal or improved level of service; and (iii) the cost to the commonwealth of serving the client in the community is less than or equal to the cost of serving the client in an ICF/IID; provided further, that any client transferred to another ICF/IID as the result of a facility closure shall receive a level of care that is equal to or greater than the level of care that had been received at the closed ICF/IID; provided further, that the department may allocate funds from this item to items 5920-2000, 5920-2010 and 5920-2025, as necessary, under allocation plans which shall be submitted to the house and senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days before any transfer for residential and day services for clients formerly receiving inpatient care at an ICF/IID; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, on: (a) all efforts to comply with the decision in Olmstead v. L.C. ex rel. Zimring, 527 U.S. 581 (1999); (b) the enhancement of care within available resources to clients served by the department; and (c) the steps taken to consolidate or close an ICF/IID; and provided further, that funds may support service adaptations necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services............................................. $104,291,771

 

Board of Library Commissioners.

 

7000-9101   For the operation of the board of library commissioners $1,579,876

 

7000-9401   For state aid to regional public libraries; provided, that the board of library commissioners may provide quarterly advances of funds as it deems appropriate under clauses (1) and (3) of section 19C of chapter 78 of the General Laws to regional public library systems throughout each fiscal year, in compliance with the office of the comptroller’s regulations on state grants, 815 C.M.R. 2.00; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, in calculating the fiscal year 2021 distribution of funds appropriated in this item, the board shall employ the population figures used to calculate the fiscal year 2020 distribution; provided further, that the board shall provide funds for the continued operation of a single regional library system to serve the different geographic regions of the commonwealth in both eastern and western Massachusetts and their residents; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the library of the commonwealth shall receive not less than 42.4 cents for each resident of the commonwealth $12,516,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto. 
7000-9402   For the talking book library at the Worcester public library $482,264

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
7000-9406   For the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library in the city known as the town of Watertown, including the operation of the machine lending agency......................................... $2,745,774

 

7000-9501   For state aid to public libraries; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, no city or town shall receive funds from this item in any year when the appropriation of the city or town for free public library service is below an amount equal to 102.5 per cent of the average of the appropriations for free public library services for the 3 years immediately preceding; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the board of library commissioners may grant waivers in excess of the waiver limit set forth under the second paragraph of section 19A of chapter 78 of the General Laws for fiscal year 2021 for not more than 1 year; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, of the amount by which this item exceeds the amount appropriated under item 7000-9501 of section 2 of chapter 194 of the acts of 1998, funds shall be distributed under the guidelines of the municipal equalization grant program, the library incentive grant program and the nonresident circulation offset program; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any payment made under this item shall be deposited with the treasurer of the city or town and held in a separate account and shall be expended by the public library of that city or town without appropriation............... $12,000,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
7000-9506   For the technology and automated resource sharing networks $4,386,770

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
7000-9508   For the Massachusetts Center for the Book, Inc., chartered as the Commonwealth Affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress; provided, that the Massachusetts Center for the Book, Inc. shall continue its work as a public-private partnership $225,000

 

executive office of housing and economic development.

 

Office of the Secretary.

 

7002-0010   For the operation of the office of the secretary of housing and economic development, including the operation of the Massachusetts permit regulatory office and the operation of the office of the director of wireless and broadband affairs; provided, that agencies within the executive office may, with the prior approval of the secretary, streamline and improve administrative operations pursuant to interdepartmental service agreements provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the New England Center for Arts & Technology, Inc; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Plymouth County Outreach, Inc., to provide temporary housing and harm reduction services for those located in HUB A; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the SouthCoast Community Foundation, Inc., to provide supports to local or regional community-based organizations assisting individuals and families in need; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended equally to the towns of Auburn, Grafton, Leicester, Millbury, Northbridge, Shrewsbury and Upton for technology, health and safety improvements related to the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended to additional resources to the North Andover Merchants Association Foundation, Inc. located in the town of North Andover necessitated by a decrease in funding attributable to the economic impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Pal Pueblo Inc. to identify train, prepare and position Latinos for economic development strategies in the classroom, community, and workforce and provide culturally relevant programs that engage, educate and empower Latinos to be agents of change to build a stronger and more inclusive community; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for a grant program for St. Mary's Center for Women and Children, Inc. in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston for workforce development and educational programming for women impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that not less than $220,000 shall be expended to the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Inc., for projects and improvements related to the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc. to increase and enhance entrepreneurial opportunities, neighborhood investment, revitalization activities, and self-sufficiency of low and moderate income residents of the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, Inc. to support community development services in the Roxbury and Dorchester areas of Boston; and provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended to the Innovation Venture Fund at University of Massachusetts at Lowell for the continued implementation of a business development grant program.......................................... $3,456,480

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
7002-0017   For the provision of information technology services within the executive office of housing and economic development, including the homeless management information system............. $3,241,089

 

7002-0020   For a precision manufacturing program administered by the executive office of housing and economic development that provides training to unemployed and underemployed individuals, including veterans; provided, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the E-Team Machinist program in the city of Lynn... $2,600,000

 

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; 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; and provided further, that funds appropriated for this item shall not revert but shall be made available for this item in fiscal year 2022.... $5,000,000

 

7002-0032   For a transfer to the John Adams Innovation Institute Fund established under section 6A of chapter 40J of the General Laws $2,500,000

 

7002-0036   For a competitive grant program to work with urban entrepreneurs to promote small businesses, create new jobs and support workforce development and training initiatives in urban communities; provided, that the program shall be administered by the executive office of housing and economic development; and provided further, that funds may be used for planning grants to local housing authorities and municipalities in urban areas to develop new affordable rental or homeownership housing............. $2,500,000

 

7002-0040   For a transfer to the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation for the small business technical assistance grant program; provided, that not less than $5,000,000 shall be disbursed as grants to community development corporations certified under chapter 40H of the General Laws, nonprofit community development financial institutions certified by the United States Department of the Treasury or nonprofit community-based organizations for the purpose of providing technical assistance or training programs to businesses with not more than 20 employees; provided further, that priority shall be given to those organizations that focus on reaching underserved markets; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on community development and small businesses detailing the: (i) community development corporations that received grants in fiscal year 2020; (ii) community development corporations that received or are expected to receive grants in fiscal year 2021; and (iii) criteria that were considered in the distribution of these grants; and provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended to the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, Inc. for small business support to businesses disproportionately impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic........................ $5,125,000

 

7002-1502   For the Transformative Development Fund established under section 46 of chapter 23G of the General Laws; provided, that $750,000 shall be expended on a neighborhood stabilization initiative to assist local governments and their nonprofit partners to implement strategic neighborhood revitalization initiatives; provided further, that the Initiative shall be developed in consultation with the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations and The Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth, Inc. and shall focus on identifying and implementing strategies for reclaiming vacant, abandoned and blighted properties and restoring them to productive use as homeownership opportunities or rental housing, as well as on capacity-building at the local level to address this need................ $1,000,000

 

7002-1503   For the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Innovation Fund established under section 4H of chapter 40J of the General Laws...... $950,000

 

7002-1508   For the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation established under section 3 of chapter 40J of the General Laws and doing business as the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, to establish programs that provide advice and training from successful, experienced entrepreneurs for startup enterprises and that create a talent pipeline to technology startups and innovation companies; provided, that an entrepreneur and startup mentoring program shall be established, in consultation with the Massachusetts Technology Development Corporation established under section 2 of chapter 40G and doing business as MassVentures, to provide assistance, mentoring and advice to startups and innovation companies by connecting early-stage entrepreneurs, technology startups and small businesses with successful, experienced business enterprises and capital financing; provided further, that said entrepreneur and startup mentoring program shall make every reasonable effort to encourage diversity among participants; provided further, that all funds shall be expended for paid internships for students seeking careers in technology and innovation industries to work with companies competing actively in those fields; provided further, that the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative shall seek private funds necessary to match contributions equal to $1 for every $1 contributed by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative through the internship program; provided further, that as a condition of such grants being awarded, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative shall reach an agreement with the grant recipient on performance measures and indicators that shall be used to evaluate the performance of the grant recipient in carrying out the activities described in the recipient’s application; provided further, that the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative shall file annual reports for the duration of the programs with the house and senate committees on ways and means and the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies, not later than June 15, 2021; provided further, that the paid internship program report shall include the number of placements of students in paid internships during the academic year and an analysis of the impact of the program on the ability of its participants to enter the full-time job market in the technology and innovation industries after graduation; provided further, that the entrepreneurship program report shall include an overview of the activities of the programs, the number of participants in the programs and an analysis of the impact of the programs on the success of the participants’ startup business ventures; and provided further, that the funds appropriated in this item shall not revert but shall be made available for these purposes through June 30, 2022......................... $1,500,000

 

7002-1509   For the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation doing business as the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in collaboration with the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center and the Innovation Hub at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and the Venture Development Center at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, established pursuant to item 7007-0932 of section 2A of chapter 123 of the acts of 2006, as amended by section 36 of chapter 112 of the acts of 2010, to offer candidates on nonimmigrant visas the opportunity to remain in the commonwealth to pursue practical training in entrepreneurship.......... $50,000

 

7002-1512   For the Big Data Innovation and Workforce Fund established in section 6H of chapter 40J of the General Laws............ $500,000

 

7002-2020   For a transfer to the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation established under section 2 of chapter 40W of the General Laws for economic recovery programs with a focus on main streets, small businesses and jobs; provided, that not less than $17,500,000 shall be expended for grants to support small businesses negatively impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that eligible grant applicants shall have no more than 50 employees; provided further, that grants may be used for employee payroll and benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations; provided further, that priority in awarding grants shall be given to: (i) businesses that focus on reaching underserved markets; (ii) businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and (iii) businesses that have not received aid from federal programs related to the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that not less than $3,850,000 shall be expended for small business technical assistance and grants that focus on the needs of business enterprises owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including the extension of online and digital tools for small businesses; provided further, that not less than $17,500,000 shall be expended for a program to provide matching grants to community development financial institutions certified by the United States Department of the Treasury or community development corporations certified under chapter 40H of the General Laws to enable the community development financial institution or community development corporation to leverage federal or private investments for the purpose of making grants or loans to small businesses including, but not limited to, businesses owned by socially and economically-disadvantaged individuals; provided further, that not less than $7,500,000 shall be expended for matching grants to low-income and moderate-income entrepreneurs to acquire, expand, improve or lease a facility, to purchase or lease equipment or to meet other capital needs of a business with not more than 20 employees and annual revenues not exceeding $2,500,000; and provided further, that preference for said matching grants shall be given to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals............ $46,350,000

 

7002-2021   For a community empowerment and reinvestment grant program to be administered by the executive office of housing and economic development for the purpose of developing, strengthening and investing in communities: (i) that are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system; (ii) where a high percentage of individuals’ incomes fall below 250 per cent of the federal poverty level; and (iii) with a large population of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; provided, that there shall be a board consisting of individuals from and with experience advocating on behalf of said communities; provided further, that the board shall be comprised entirely of individuals who belong to a demographic of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; provided further, that the board shall consist of: 3 persons appointed by the governor; 2 persons appointed by the senate president; and 2 persons appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; provided further, that the board shall make recommendations to the executive office on the criteria for making grants available to communities and organizations; provided further, that eligible uses shall include, but not be limited to, for socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups: (a) job training, job creation and job placement for those who face high barriers to employment in said communities; (b) transitional employment programs, social enterprise, pre-apprenticeship or other training programs; (c) school-based or community-based high school dropout prevention and re-engagement programs; (d) cooperative and small business development programs and community-based workforce development programs; and (e) programs focused on housing stabilization services, addiction treatment and trauma-informed mental health care; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021, the executive office shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the criteria established for creating grants, as well as approved and expected grants distributed under this item, delineated by municipality and organization; and provided further, that any unexpended funds in this item shall not revert but shall be made available for the purpose of this item until June 30, 2022.............. $15,000,000

 

General Fund....................... 55.00%

Marijuana Regulation Fund.......... 45.00%

 

7002-2022   For grants to community foundations to provide support to individuals and households throughout the commonwealth who are experiencing severe economic hardship due to the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided, that grants shall be administered by the executive office of housing and economic development and distributed equitably among the community foundations based on the following factors: (i) population of individuals living in poverty in the area served by the foundation; (ii) limited availability of federal pandemic-related relief funds that provide direct emergency financial assistance to individuals or households served by the foundation; (iii) pandemic-related public health impact on the region served by the foundation; (iv) population of individuals with unmet economic needs resulting from the pandemic; and (v) geographic area and the number of gateway municipalities or cities with high proportions of low-income and non-English or limited English speaking populations served by the foundation; provided further, that community foundations receiving grants shall issue a request for proposals to community organizations to provide direct economic support for costs related to meeting basic human needs, such as housing, utility support and food security, to low-income impacted individuals and households with no, or very limited, access to sources of economic relief; provided further, that community foundations receiving grants shall evaluate community organizations applying based on their: (a) history of serving low-income and non-English or limited English speaking and historically underserved communities; (b) history of serving populations whose economic hardship has been exacerbated by the pandemic; (c) ability to conduct outreach to identify individuals and households that qualify for assistance; and (d) ability to establish a simplified application process; provided further, that community foundations receiving grants shall work with the executive office and subgrantees to develop and implement a reporting process to ensure that financial assistance is directed to the individuals and households most impacted by the pandemic; provided further, that if an area, city or town is determined to be unserved by a community foundation, the executive office shall work directly with community organizations to distribute grants providing direct aid to individuals and households; and provided further, that the executive office shall, to the extent feasible, seek out philanthropic and other private funds necessary to match contributions equal to $1 for every $1 contributed by this item $5,000,000

 

Department of Housing and Community Development.


7004-0001   For the operation of the commission on Indian affairs.... $136,394

 

7004-0099   For the operation of the department of housing and community development; provided, that the department may make expenditures against federal grants for certain direct and indirect costs under a cost overhead allocation plan approved by the comptroller; provided further, that the comptroller shall maintain an account on the state accounting and reporting system to make these expenditures; provided further, that expenditures made against the account shall not be subject to appropriation and may include the cost of personnel; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department may conduct annual verifications of household income levels based upon state tax returns to administer the state and federal housing subsidy programs funded by items 7004-0108, 7004-9005, 7004-9024, 7004-9030, 7004-9033 and 7004-9316 of this section and items 7004-9009, 7004-9014, 7004-9019 and 7004-9020 of section 2D; provided further, that as a condition of eligibility or continued occupancy by an applicant or tenant, the department may require disclosure of the social security numbers of the applicant or tenant and members of the applicant’s or tenant’s household solely for use in verification of income eligibility; provided further, that the department may deny or terminate participation in subsidy programs for failure by an applicant or tenant to provide a social security number for use in verification of income eligibility; provided further, that the department may consult with the department of revenue, the department of transitional assistance or any other state or federal agency to conduct such income verification; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, these state agencies shall consult and cooperate with the department of housing and community development and furnish any information in the possession of the agencies including, but not limited to, tax returns and applications for public assistance or financial aid; provided further, that in conducting income verifications, the director of housing and community development may enter into an interdepartmental service agreement with the commissioner of revenue to utilize the department of revenue’s wage reporting and bank match system to verify the income and eligibility of participants in federally-assisted housing programs and that of members of the participants’ households; provided further, that notwithstanding section 12 of chapter 490 of the acts of 1980, the department may authorize neighborhood housing services corporations to retain, reassign and reloan funds received in repayment of loans made under the neighborhood housing services rehabilitation program; provided further, that not later than December 30, 2020, the department shall promulgate and uniformly enforce regulations clarifying that a household that otherwise qualifies for any preference or priority for state-subsidized housing based on homeless or at-risk status shall retain that preference or priority notwithstanding receipt of assistance that is intended to be temporary including, but not limited to, any temporary or bridge subsidies provided with state or federal funds, which shall include households receiving assistance under item 7004-0108 after July 1, 2013; provided further, that the department shall operate local offices in the 10 cities and towns in which the department maintained office locations as of January 1, 2020 in order to continue to accept in-person applications and provide other services related to the emergency assistance housing program funded by item 7004-0101; provided further, that such offices shall have sufficient staffing to determine eligibility promptly and provide other program services to families; provided further, that the department may operate additional local offices in other cities or towns that are geographically convenient to those families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness; provided further, that the department may operate additional local offices in other cities or towns that are geographically convenient to those families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness; provided further, that not later than February 1, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means which shall include, but not be limited to, a spending and operational plan for maintaining in-person offices and shall detail any plans the department may have to make greater use of telephonic service delivery to supplement in-person services; provided further, that at least annually, the department shall conduct staff trainings which shall include, but not be limited to, notice of changes in laws related to items of appropriation under the administration of the department; provided further, that the department shall provide the caseload forecasting office with enrollment data and any other information pertinent to caseload forecasting that is requested by the office on a monthly basis; provided further, that such information shall be provided in a manner that meets all applicable federal and state privacy and security requirements; provided further, that such information shall be provided in a manner that meets all applicable federal and state privacy and security requirements; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the construction of a multi-floor transitional operation facility servicing all of Northern Bristol county; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the provision of emergency services that provide domestic violence intervention, workforce development, housing assistance, operation of food vouchers, winter coats for kids and holiday dinners operated by Community Action Programs-Inter City, Incorporated for the communities specified in item 7004-0099 of section 2 of chapter 68 of the acts of 2011; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Homeless Prevention Council, Inc. of Cape Cod; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for Horizons for Homeless Children, Inc; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to Lazarus House, Inc. for its Holly street shelter and its soup kitchen for the costs incurred to provide extra support to the city of Lawrence during the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts, Inc., for 2019 novel coronavirus response efforts and programming including, but not limited to, supports for housing insecure and homeless individuals; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the Community Day Center of Waltham, Inc.; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for W.A.T.C.H., Inc. in the city of Waltham; provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended for housing relief to the city of Chelsea to address housing instability brought about by the 2019 novel coronavirus; and provided further, that not less than $125,000 shall be expended to the Cape Verdean Association of Boston Inc. for programs and services that support an equitable economic recovery... $8,553,502

 

7004-0100   For the operations of the homeless shelter and services unit, including the compensation of caseworkers and support personnel $6,098,712

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
7004-0101   For certain expenses of the emergency housing assistance program under section 30 of chapter 23B of the General Laws including homelessness prevention, diversion and strategic re-housing and contracted family shelters; provided, that eligibility shall be limited to families with incomes at or below 115 per cent of the 2018 or a later-issued higher federal poverty level; provided further, that any family whose income exceeds 200 per cent of the federal poverty level for a sustained and consecutive period of 90 days while the family is receiving assistance funded by this item shall not become ineligible for assistance due to exceeding the income limit for a period of 6 months from the date that the income level was exceeded; provided further, that families who are eligible for assistance through a temporary emergency family shelter shall include families who: (i) are at risk of domestic abuse in their current housing situation or who are homeless because they fled domestic violence and have not had access to safe, permanent housing since leaving the housing situation that they fled; (ii) through no fault of their own, are homeless due to fire, flood or natural disaster; (iii) through no fault of their own, have been subject to eviction from their most recent housing due to: (a) foreclosure; (b) condemnation; (c) conduct by a guest or former household member who is not part of the household seeking emergency shelter and over whose conduct the remaining household members had no control; or (d) nonpayment of rent caused by a documented medical condition or diagnosed disability or caused by a documented loss of income within the last 12 months directly as a result of a change in household composition or a loss of income source through no fault of the family; and (iv) are in a housing situation where they are not the primary leaseholder or are in a housing situation not meant for human habitation and where there is a substantial health and safety risk to the family that is likely to result in significant harm should the family remain in the housing situation; provided further, that temporary emergency assistance shall be provided to families who, on the date of application for emergency assistance, have no other feasible alternative housing as defined under 760 CMR 67.06(1)(b) and who, but for not having spent 1 night in a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including, but not limited to, a car, park, abandoned building, medical facility, bus or train station, airport or campground, would be eligible for emergency assistance under clauses (i) to (iv), inclusive; provided further, that the department of housing and community development shall submit biannual reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing expenditures under the preceding proviso, including: (1) the number of families who received emergency assistance under the preceding proviso; (2) the number of families entering the emergency assistance system after having already stayed in a place not meant for human habitation; and (3) the number of families entering the emergency assistance system having stayed in a place not meant for human habitation after having requested services provided for in this item within the preceding 6 months; provided further, that the department shall submit the first report not later than March 15, 2021 and the second report not later than October 15, 2021; provided further, that nothing herein contained shall require that emergency assistance be provided to a family that, on the date of application for emergency assistance, has other feasible housing as defined in said 760 CMR 67.06(1)(b) and that said housing adequately accommodates the size and disabilities of the family; provided further, that at least annually, the department shall provide training to relevant staff to ensure compliance with legal requirements related to eligibility for the emergency housing assistance program, including eligibility based on a family having no other feasible alternative housing as defined under said 760 CMR 67.06(1)(b); provided further, that the department of housing and community development shall collaborate with the executive office of health and human services, the Massachusetts interagency council on housing and homelessness and family homelessness service providers on strategies and best practices for prevention of family homelessness; provided further, that the health and safety risk shall be determined by the department of children and families or a department-approved entity through risk assessments; provided further, that a family who receives emergency housing assistance due to domestic abuse shall be connected to the appropriate social service agency; provided further, that temporary assistance under this item shall be terminated upon the offer of available housing or other assistance sufficient to maintain or stabilize housing; provided further, that a family may not decline an offer for available housing if the offer adequately accommodates the size and disabilities of the family and the new housing placement would not result in a job loss for the client; provided further, that any family who declines an adequate offer of available housing or other assistance sufficient to maintain or stabilize housing shall become ineligible for assistance from this item; provided further, that families receiving benefits under this item shall have 30 per cent of their income set aside in a savings account, subject to reasonable exceptions as set forth under departmental regulations in effect in fiscal year 2021; provided further, that the amount saved shall be exempt from otherwise applicable asset limits; provided further, that the family may withdraw the amount placed in savings upon transition to permanent housing or losing eligibility for shelter services; provided further, that families receiving emergency assistance shall receive housing search assistance that attempts to facilitate a sustainable housing placement within 4 weeks of entry into the emergency assistance shelter, motel or hotel; provided further, that families receiving assistance for longer than 32 weeks shall have an executable shelter exit plan that facilitates a housing placement in a new sustainable tenancy or a safe residence including, but not limited to, a placement for which the family is not the primary leaseholder, as soon as possible; provided further, that benefits under this item shall be provided only to residents of the commonwealth who are citizens of the United States or persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing under the color of the law in the United States; provided further, that as part of departmental efforts to prevent abuse of the emergency assistance program, the department of housing and community development shall enter into a wage match agreement with the department of revenue; provided further, that eligibility for shelter by an otherwise eligible family shall not be impaired by prior receipt of any non-shelter benefit; provided further, that an eligible household that is approved for shelter placement shall be placed in a shelter as close as possible to the household’s home community, unless a household requests otherwise; provided further, that if the closest available placement is not within 20 miles of the household’s home community, the household shall be transferred to an appropriate shelter within 20 miles of its home community at the earliest possible date, unless the household requests otherwise; provided further, that the department shall notify local school departments of the placement of a family in its district within 5 days of placement; provided further, that the department shall make every effort to ensure that children receiving services from this item shall continue attending school in the community in which they lived before receiving services funded from this item; provided further, that the department shall use its best efforts to ensure that a family placed by the emergency housing assistance program shall be provided with access to refrigeration and basic cooking facilities; provided further, that if a family with a child under 3 years of age is placed in a hotel or motel, the department shall ensure that the hotel or motel provides a crib that meets all state and federal safety codes for each child under 3 years of age; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department shall immediately provide shelter for up to 30 days to families who appear to be eligible for shelter based on statements provided by the family and any other information in the possession of the department but who need additional time to obtain any third-party verifications reasonably required by the department; provided further, that shelter benefits received under the preceding proviso shall not render a family ineligible under any regulation which provides that a family who previously received shelter is ineligible for shelter benefits for a period of 12 months; provided further, that families receiving shelter benefits who are found ineligible for continuing shelter benefits shall be eligible for aid pending a timely appeal under said chapter 23B of the General Laws; provided further, that the department shall not impose unreasonable requirements for third-party verifications and shall accept verifications from a family whenever reasonable; provided further, that this item shall be subject to appropriation and, in the event of a deficiency, nothing in this item shall give rise to or shall be construed as giving rise to any enforceable right or entitlement to services in excess of the amounts appropriated in this item; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, not less than 90 days before promulgating or amending any regulations, administrative practice or policy that would alter eligibility for or the level of benefits under this program, other than that which would benefit the clients, the department shall file with the house and senate committees on ways and means, the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities a written report setting forth justification for such changes including, but not limited to, any determination by the secretary of housing and economic development that available appropriations will be insufficient to meet projected expenses and the projected savings from any proposed changes; provided further, that no funds shall be expended for costs associated with the homeless management information system; provided further, that no funds from this item shall be expended for personnel or administrative costs; provided further, that funds may support service adaptions necessitated by the 2019 novel coronavirus in order to ensure adequate and accessible services; provided further, that for the duration of the state of emergency declared by the governor on March 10, 2020, the department of housing and community development shall submit monthly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means containing the most recently available monthly data on the number of families in congregate or other shared shelter placements and the number of families on extended leave from congregate or other shared shelter placements for purposes of social distancing, isolation, quarantine or care of self or another family member related to the 2019 novel coronavirus; provided further, that not later than February 3, 2021, the department shall provide to the house and senate committees on ways and means a report of the most recently available monthly data on: (A) applications for services provided for in this item and in item 7004-0108; (B) front-door entries into the emergency assistance system, with data on the race and ethnicity of all families approved for services; (C) applications for services provided in this item and in item 7004-0108 that are denied, the bases of all such denials and data on the race and ethnicity of all families denied; (D) applications for services provided for in this item and in item 7004-0108 that do not result in a formal denial, a front-door entry into the emergency assistance system or verified diversion as a result of HomeBASE household assistance, including available demographic information; (E) the number of households submitting multiple applications for services provided for in this item and in item 7004-0108 within the previous 1-month period and within the previous 6-month period; (F) diversions as a result of HomeBASE household assistance; (G) exits through at-fault termination; (H) exits because the household is no longer income eligible; (I) exits through HomeBASE household assistance; (J) exits to another subsidized housing program; and (K) the number of applications that do not result in the household entering emergency assistance shelter within 48 hours and for which such non-entry is attributable to each of the following: written denial, pending documentation or verifications, no imminent homelessness and household withdrew the application; provided further, that the department shall report quarterly to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (I) the number of families transitioned from shelter benefits to affordable, subsidized or otherwise assisted housing through this program; (II) the average, minimum and maximum cost per family of such assistance; (III) the number of families served who required further assistance at a later date; (IV) the type of assistance later required and provided; (V) the total number of families receiving benefits under 7004-0101 that have received assistance under 7004-1018 during each of the previous 3 years; (VI) the number of children served broken down by age; (VII) the number of applications from households that became homeless within 12 months of depleting their HomeBASE assistance under item 7004-0108; (VIII) the reasons for homelessness in the applications received under clause (VII); and (IX) the number of applications received under said clause (VII) that are denied; provided further, that the report shall also include the following information from the department of children and families: (i) the number of families assessed in the previous quarter; (ii) the number of families determined to be at a substantial health and safety risk; (iii) the number of families receiving multiple health and safety assessments within the previous 6-month period; and (iv) the standards used to determine a substantial health and safety risk; provided further, that the department shall report quarterly to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (a) the number of families that applied for a transfer from their current shelter placement to a unit that can accommodate their disability-related needs, delineated by reason for the application; (b) the number of families whose applications for reasonable accommodation have been approved but that are waiting for transfer due to lack of available units able to accommodate their disability-related needs, delineated by category of accommodation, including, but not limited to, access to cooking facilities, first-floor or elevator access, non-carpeted unit, physical modification to unit, scattered site unit, geographic proximity to service providers and wheelchair accessibility; (c) the number of families currently in shelter units located more than 20 miles away from their home community; (d) the number of families with at least 1 child who attends a school other than the child’s school of origin as a result of placement in a shelter unit outside of their home community; and (e) both the average number of days and the maximum number of days that families spend in placements under the circumstances described in clauses (b) to (d), inclusive, before being transferred to a shelter unit for which none of the circumstances in said clauses (b) to (d), inclusive, apply; provided further, that funds shall be expended for expenses incurred as a result of families being housed in hotels due to the unavailability of contracted shelter beds; provided further, that funds shall be expended to modify or create shelter units suitable to meet the needs of households with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation; provided further, that not less than $125,000 may be expended for technical assistance by Homes for Families, Inc.; provided further, that up to $4,880,995 appropriated for this item in fiscal year 2020 shall not revert but shall be made available for the purposes of this item in fiscal year 2021; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the operation of the Portal to Hope Corp. servicing the cities of Everett, Malden and Medford provided further, that not less than $800,000 shall be expended to establish the home works program to provide opportunities for children in emergency housing assistance programs to attend out-of-school time and summer programming run by youth-serving organizations; provided further, that a youth-serving organization shall apply to contract with the department of housing and community development to receive contract slots to serve children in the program; provided further, that youth-serving organizations shall obtain criminal offender record information for each staff member employed by the program with responsibilities that include direct care for children pursuant to section 172H of chapter 6 of the General Laws and sex offender registry information pursuant to section 178I of said chapter 6, and information that is publicly available from a registry of sex offender information that is operated or coordinated by the federal government; and provided further, that the department may expend funds for the administration and implementation of the home works program. $180,904,755

 

7004-0102   For the homelessness program to assist individuals who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, including assistance to organizations which provide shelter, transitional housing and services that help individuals avoid entry into shelters or who successfully exit shelters; provided, that no organization providing services to the homeless shall receive less than an average per bed, per night rate of $25; provided further, that the department may allocate funds to other agencies for the program; provided further, that no funds shall be expended for costs associated with the homeless management information system; provided further, that the department shall submit quarterly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the contracts awarded to service providers; provided further, that the report shall include, but not be limited to: (i) each contracted service provider; (ii) the amount of the contracts; (iii) a description of the services to be provided; and (iv) the date upon which each contract was executed; provided further, that the full amount appropriated in this item shall be allocated to contracted service providers; provided further, that programs currently providing shelter may renegotiate how to use such program’s shelter fund, with the agreement of the department and the host municipality, to provide alternative services proven to be effective, including housing first models, transitional housing and diversion away from shelters; provided further, that not less than $35,000 shall be expended for the Friendly House, Inc. in the city of Worcester; and provided further, that not less than $35,000 shall be expended as enhanced funding for Mitch’s Place shelter, a program of Emmaus, Inc. in the city of Haverhill $56,425,000

 

7004-0104   For the home and healthy for good program operated by Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Inc. to reduce the incidence of chronic and long-term homelessness in the commonwealth; provided, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to continue a supportive housing initiative for unaccompanied homeless young adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning; provided further, that Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Inc. shall be solely responsible for the administration of this program; provided further, that not later than February 8, 2021, the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Inc. shall file a report with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the department of housing and community development and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) the number of people served, including available demographic information; (ii) the average cost per participant; (iii) whether participants have previously received services from the department; and (iv) any projected cost-savings to the commonwealth associated with this program; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for a statewide permanent supportive housing program to serve people experiencing long-term homelessness and who have complex medical and behavioral health needs for the purpose of ending homelessness, promoting housing stability and reducing costly utilization of emergency and acute care; provided further, that the Massachusetts Alliance for Supportive Housing LLC shall be solely responsible for the administration of this program; and provided further, that not later than February 8, 2021, the Massachusetts Alliance for Supportive Housing LLC shall file a report with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the department of housing and community development and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (a) the number of people served, including available demographic information; (b) the average cost per participant; (c) whether participants have previously received services from the department; and (d) any projected cost-savings associated with the program for the department or in the utilization of emergency and acute care......................................... $3,890,000

 

7004-0106   For the continued implementation and evaluation of the homeless family preference in private multi-family housing program established by New Lease for Homeless Families, Inc...... $250,000

The Governor disapproved the following item [for message, see House, No. 5190]
The Legislature overrode the Governor's veto.
7004-0108   For a program of short-term housing assistance to help families eligible for temporary emergency shelter under item 7004-0101 in addressing obstacles to maintaining or securing housing; provided, that the assistance shall include not less than 12 months of housing stabilization and economic self-sufficiency case management services for each family receiving benefits under this item; provided further, that a family shall not receive more than a combined sum of $10,000 in a 12-month period from this item and item 7004-9316; provided further, that from the passage of this act until the termination of the state of emergency concerning the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease declared by the governor on March 10, 2020, the preceding proviso shall not apply; provided further, that so long as they meet the requirements of their housing stabilization plan, a family that received household assistance under this item whose income exceeds 50 per cent of area median income shall not become ineligible for assistance due to exceeding the income limit for a period of 6 months from the date that the 50 per cent level was exceeded; provided further, that a family shall not be deemed ineligible as a result of any single violation of a self-sufficiency plan; provided further, that the department of housing and community development shall take all steps necessary to enforce regulations to prevent abuse in the short-term housing transition program, including a wage match agreement with the department of revenue; provided further, that a family that was terminated from the program or did not make a good faith effort to follow its housing stabilization plan during the term of its assistance shall be ineligible for benefits under said item 7004-0101 and this item for 12 months from the last date the family received assistance under said item 7004-0101 and this item including housing stabilization and economic self- sufficiency case management services; provided further, that a family’s housing stabilization plan shall adequately accommodate the ages and disabilities of the family members; provided further, that families receiving benefits under this program who are found ineligible for continuing benefits shall be eligible for aid pending a timely appeal under chapter 23B of the General Laws; provided further, that families who are denied assistance under this item may appeal that denial under said chapter 23B, including subsection (F) of section 30 of said chapter 23B and regulations adopted to implement said chapter 23B; provided further, that benefits under this item shall only be provided to residents of the commonwealth who are citizens of the United States or persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing under the color of law in the United States; provided further, that the department, as a condition of continued eligibility for assistance under this program, may require disclosure of social security numbers by all members of a family receiving assistance under this item for use in verification of income with other agencies, departments and executive offices; provided further, that if a family member fails to provide a social security number for use in verifying the family's income and eligibility, then the family shall no longer be eligible to receive benefits from this program; provided further, that the department shall administer this program through the following agencies, unless administering agencies are otherwise procured by the department: the Berkshire Housing Development Corporation, Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Inc., Community Teamwork Inc., the Housing Assistance Corporation; the Franklin County regional housing and redevelopment authority; Way Finders, Inc.; Metro Housing Boston; the Lynn housing authority and neighborhood development; the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc.; NeighborWorks LLC; and RCAP Solutions, Inc.; provided further, that the department shall reallocate financing based on performance-based statistics from underperforming service providers to above average service providers in order to move as many families from hotels, motels or shelters into more sustainable housing; provided further, that the department shall use funds provided under this program for stabilization workers to focus efforts on housing retention and to link households to supports, including job training, education, job search and child care opportunities available, and may enter into agreements with other public and private agencies for the provision of such services; provided further, that a stabilization worker shall be assigned to each household; provided further, that funds shall be used to more rapidly transition families served by the program into temporary or permanent sustainable housing; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, not less than 90 days before promulgating or amending any regulation, administrative practice or policy that would alter eligibility for or the level of benefits under this program to less than the benefit level available on June 30, 2020, the department shall file a report with the house and senate committees on ways and means and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate setting forth the justification for such changes including, but not limited to, any determination by the secretary of housing and economic development that available appropriations will be insufficient to meet projected expenses; provided further, that the department shall submit quarterly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means, which shall include, but not be limited to, the: (i) number of families served, including available demographic information, as well as the number of families with dependents 0 to 17 years of age, the number of families with dependents 18 to 20 years of age and non-dependent adult household members 18 years of age and older served; (ii) type of assistance given; (iii) number of families assisted through this program (iv) average, minimum and maximum cost per family of such assistance; and (v) total number of families receiving benefits under 7004-0101 that have received assistance under 7004-0108 during the previous 1, 2, and 3 years, including available demographic information; provided further, that the department shall expend funds under item 7004-0108 on families residing in temporary emergency shelters and family residential treatment or sober living programs under items 4512-0200 and 4513-1130 if such families otherwise meet all eligibility requirements applicable to emergency shelter under item 7004-0101, except that, solely for the purpose of this item, the fact that a family is residing in a temporary emergency domestic violence shelter under item 4513-1130 or in a family residential treatment or sober living program under item 4512-0200 shall not preclude such family from receiving assistance; provided further, that this item shall be subject to appropriation and, in the event of a deficiency, nothing in this item shall give rise to, or shall be construed as giving rise to, any enforceable right or entitlement to services in excess of the amounts appropriated in this item; provided further, that household assistance funds shall be advanced to the administering agencies at the end of each month and before the next month's disbursement, the amount of which shall be estimated based on the prior month’s expenditure with a reconciliation not less than annually; and provided further, that up to $1,900,440 appropriated for this item in fiscal year 2020 shall not revert but shall be made available for the purposes of this item in fiscal year 2021......................... $27,158,178

 

7004-0202   For the rapid transition of homeless individuals into sustainable permanent housing; provided, that these programs shall be administered by direct service providers contracted under item 7004-0102; provided further, that these programs may include, but shall not be limited to, vocational training, temporary assistance and permanent supportive housing; provided further, that not later than January 1, 2021, the department shall file a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the: (i) total number of people served; (ii) total number of people transitioned into permanent housing; and (iii) types of programs implemented; and provided further, that the department may, for the duration of the response to the 2019 novel coronavirus health crisis, expend unused funds to support line item 7004-0102 in providing temporary emergency shelter to homeless individuals.............. $5,000,000

 

7004-1010   For the down payment assistance program administered by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency................... $5,000,000

 

7004-3036   For housing services and counseling; provided, that funds shall be expended as grants to 9 regional housing consumer education centers operated by the regional nonprofit housing authorities; provided further, that the grants shall be awarded through a competitive application process under criteria established by the department; provided further, that the department shall submit annual reports to the secretary of administration and finance, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on housing detailing all expenditures of the program, including each regional housing consumer education center, the total number of persons who received information and referral services, the costs for such services rendered per consumer and the identification of consumer issues and trends; and provided further, that not later than January 1, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on possible savings and efficiencies that may be realized through the consolidation of said services..................... $4,750,000

 

7004-3045   For a tenancy preservation program for neutral party consultation services in eviction cases before the housing court department of the trial court for individuals with disabilities and for families with individuals with disabilities; provided, that the disability of the program participant or family member must be directly related to the reason for eviction to be eligible for the program....................................................... $1,500,000

 

7004-4314   For the expenses of a service coordinators program established by the department to assist tenants residing in housing developed under sections 39 and 40 of chapter 121B of the General Laws; provided, that any unexpended funds in this item shall not revert but shall be made available for this item until June 30, 2022 $3,000,000

 

7004-9005   For subsidies to housing authorities and nonprofit organizations, including funds for deficiencies caused by certain reduced rentals in housing for the elderly, handicapped, veterans, families and relocated persons under sections 32 and 40 of chapter 121B of the General Laws; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all housing authorities operating elderly public housing shall offer first preference for elderly public housing units that are vacant on the effective date of this act, and thereafter, to those persons 60 years of age or older as of June 30, 2020 receiving rental assistance from the Massachusetts rental voucher program; provided further, that the department may expend funds appropriated under this item for deficiencies caused by certain reduced rentals which may be anticipated in the operation of housing authorities for the first quarter of the subsequent fiscal year; provided further, that no funds shall be expended from this item to reimburse the debt service reserve included in the budgets of housing authorities; provided further, that no funds shall be expended from this item in the AA object class for the compensation of state employees; provided further, that the amount appropriated in this item shall be considered to meet all obligations under said sections 32 and 40 of said chapter 121B; provided further, that new reduced rental units developed in fiscal year 2021 eligible for subsidies under this item shall not cause any annualization that results in an amount exceeding the amount appropriated in this item; provided further, that all funds in excess of normal utilities, operations and maintenance costs may be expended for capital repairs; and provided further, that the administration shall make every attempt to direct efforts toward rehabilitating local housing authority family units requiring $10,000 or less in repairs..... $80,000,000

 

General Fund....................... 90.38%

Local Capital Projects Fund......... 9.62%

 

7004-9007   For costs associated with the implementation of the department of housing and community development’s duties under chapter 235 of the acts of 2014; provided, that in conjunction with said duties, funds may be expended on the creation and implementation of an information technology platform for state-aided public housing to be administered by the department...................... $1,000,000

 

7004-9024   For a program of rental assistance for low-income families and elderly persons through mobile and project-based vouchers; provided, that such assistance shall only be paid under the Massachusetts rental voucher program; provided further, that the income of eligible households shall not exceed 80 per cent of the area median income; provided further, that the department of housing and community development may require that not less than 75 per cent of newly issued vouchers be targeted to households whose income at initial occupancy does not exceed 30 per cent of the area median income; provided further, that the department may award mobile vouchers to eligible households currently occupying project-based units that shall expire due to the non-renewal of project-based rental assistance contracts; provided further, that the department, as a condition of continued eligibility for vouchers and voucher payments, may require disclosure of social security numbers by participants and members of a participant’s household in the Massachusetts rental voucher program for use in verification of income with other agencies, departments and executive offices; provided further, that if a participant or member of a participant’s household fails to provide a social security number for use in verifying the household’s income and eligibility, then that household shall no longer be eligible for a voucher or to receive benefits from the voucher program; provided further, that the monthly dollar amount of each voucher shall be the department-approved monthly rent of the unit less the monthly amount paid for rent by the household; provided further, that any household that is proven to have caused intentional damage to its rental unit in an amount exceeding 2 months of rent during any 1-year period shall be terminated from the program; provided further, that if the use of a mobile voucher is or has been discontinued, then the mobile voucher shall be reassigned; provided further, that the department shall pay regional administering agencies not less than $50 per voucher per month for the costs of administering the program; provided further, that subsidies shall not be reduced due to the cost of inspections; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, each household holding a voucher shall pay at least 30 per cent, but not more than 40 per cent, of its income as rent; provided further, that the department shall establish the amounts of the mobile and project-based vouchers so that the appropriation in this item shall not be exceeded by payments for rental assistance and administration; provided further, that the department shall not enter into commitments which shall cause it to exceed the appropriation set forth in this item; provided further, that the department may impose certain obligations for each participant in the Massachusetts rental voucher program through a 12-month contract which shall be executed by the participant and the department; provided further, that such obligations shall include, but shall not be limited to, job training, counseling, household budgeting and education, as defined under regulations promulgated by the department and to the extent said programs are available; provided further, that each participant shall be required to undertake and meet these contractually established obligations as a condition for continued eligibility in said program; provided further, that for continued eligibility, each participant shall execute such 12-month contract not later than September 1, 2020 if said participant’s annual eligibility recertification date occurs between June 30, 2020 and September 1, 2020 and otherwise not later than the annual eligibility recertification date; provided further, that any participant who is over 60 years of age or who is disabled may be exempt from any obligations unsuitable under particular circumstances; provided further, that participating local housing authorities may take all steps necessary to enable them to transfer mobile voucher program participants from the Massachusetts rental voucher program into another housing subsidy program; provided further, that the department's approved monthly rent limits for mobile vouchers shall not be less than the current area-wide fair market rent based on unit size as established annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; provided further, that the requested rent level for mobile vouchers shall be determined reasonable by the administering agency; provided further, that the department may assist housing authorities at their written request in the immediate implementation of a homeless prevention program utilizing alternative housing resources available to them for low-income families and the elderly by designating participants in the Massachusetts rental voucher program as at risk of displacement by public action through no fault of their own; provided further, that not later than January 15, 2021, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and joint committee on housing on the utilization of rental vouchers during the last 3 fiscal years under this item and item 7004-9030; provided further, that the report shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the number and average value of rental vouchers currently distributed in the commonwealth, in each county and in each municipality (ii) the number of distributed vouchers available to be utilized; (iii) the average number of days that it takes for a household to utilize a voucher after receiving it from the administering agency; (iv) the average number of days that it takes for project-based vouchers awarded by the department to be utilized after the award is made; (v) the number and type of new vouchers issued after July 1, 2020; (vi) the number of households on a waitlist for an available rental voucher; (vii) the number of households that reach the date by which they must lease up their voucher without having found an available unit; (viii) the number of households that apply for an extension by the deadline to lease up their voucher and the number of extensions granted; (ix) any actions taken by the department to reduce the wait time for households to lease up their voucher; provided further, that the report shall comply with state and federal privacy standards; provided further, that the department shall expend funds from this item for costs related to the completion of the voucher management system; provided further, that the department shall complete and implement the voucher management system not later than June 30, 2021; and provided further, that up to $9,498,706 appropriated for this item in fiscal year 2020 shall not revert but shall be made available for the purposes of this item in fiscal year 2021 $125,501,294

 

7004-9030   For the rental assistance program established under section 16 of chapter 179 of the acts of 1995; provided, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the rental assistance program shall be in the form of mobile vouchers; provided further, that the vouchers shall be in varying dollar amounts set by the department of housing and community development based on considerations including, but not limited to, household size, composition, household income and geographic location; provided further, that any household that is proven to have caused intentional damage to its rental unit in an amount exceeding 2 months of rent during any 1-year period shall be terminated from the program; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be no maximum percentage applicable to the amount of income paid for rent by each household holding a mobile voucher; provided further, that each household shall be required to pay not less than 25 per cent of its net income as defined under regulations promulgated by the department for units if payment of utilities is not provided by the unit owner or not less than 30 per cent of its income for units if payment of utilities is provided by the unit owner; provided further, that payments for the rental assistance program may be provided in advance; provided further, that the department shall establish the amounts of the mobile vouchers so that the appropriation in this item is not exceeded by payments for rental assistance and administration; provided further, that the department shall not enter into commitments which shall cause it to exceed the appropriation set forth in this item; provided further, that the amount of a rental assistance voucher payment for an eligible household shall not exceed the rent less the household’s minimum rent obligation; provided further, that not later than February 15, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the secretary of administration and finance and the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing: (i) expenditures; (ii) the number of outstanding rental vouchers; and (iii) the number and types of units leased; provided further, that the word “rent”, as used in this item, shall mean payments to the landlord or owner of a dwelling unit under a lease or other agreement for a tenant’s occupancy of the dwelling unit, but shall not include payments made by the tenant separately for the cost of heat, cooking fuel or electricity; and provided further, that up to $1,904,995 appropriated for this item in fiscal year 2020 shall not revert but shall be made available for the purposes of this item in fiscal year 2021.............................. $10,621,601

 

7004-9031   For capital grants to improve or create accessible affordable housing units for persons with disabilities; provided, that grants shall be administered by the department of housing and community development in consultation with the executive office of health and human services; provided further, that the department shall prioritize capital projects that include units that accommodate or will accommodate voucher recipients under the alternative housing voucher program, established under chapter 179 of the acts of 1995; provided further, that the projects shall be for the purpose of improved accessibility and may include, but not be limited to, the widening of entrance ways, the installation of ramps, the renovation of kitchen or bathing facilities, the installation of signage in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and the implementation of assistive technologies; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the joint committee on housing and the house and senate committees on ways and means; and provided further, that the report shall include, but not be limited to, the number of eligible units created or modified, the types of capital projects funded and the costs associated with these projects......................................... $2,500,000

 

7004-9033   For rental subsidies to eligible clients of the department of mental health; provided, that the department of housing and community development shall establish the amounts of such subsidies so that payment of the rental subsidies and of any other commitments from this item shall not exceed the amount appropriated in this item............................. $10,548,125

 

7004-9315   For the department of housing and community development, which may expend for the administration and monitoring of the low-income housing tax credit and local administration programs not more than $2,598,163 from fees collected under these programs; provided, that funds may be expended for the costs of administering and monitoring the programs, including the costs of personnel, subject to the approval of the undersecretary of the department; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, the department may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower of this authorization or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system............. $2,598,163

 

7004-9316   For a program to provide assistance in addressing obstacles to maintaining or securing housing for families with a household income: (i) not greater than 30 per cent of area median income who are homeless and moving into subsidized or private housing or are at risk of becoming homeless; or (ii) greater than 30 per cent but not more than 50 per cent of area median income who are homeless and moving into subsidized or private housing or are at risk of becoming homeless due to a significant reduction of income or increased expenses; provided, that assistance shall be administered by the department of housing and community development through contracts with the regional HomeBASE agencies; provided further, that not less than 50 per cent of the funds shall be provided to households with an income not greater than 30 per cent of area median income, subject to the department’s discretion based on data reflecting program demand and usage; provided further, that in distributing 50 per cent of the funds, the department shall prioritize those families most likely to otherwise require shelter services under item 7004-0101; provided further, that, from the passage of this act until the termination of the state of emergency concerning the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease declared by the governor on March 10, 2020, the amount of financial assistance shall not exceed $10,000 in any 12-month period; provided further, that for a period of 6 months beginning at the termination of the state of emergency declared by the governor on March 10, 2020, the amount of financial assistance shall not exceed $7,000 in the 12-month period thereafter; provided further, that the combined sum of benefits received by a family in a 12-month period from this item and item 7004-0108 shall not be more than the maximum level of short-term housing assistance in said item 7004-0108; provided further, that from the passage of this act until the termination of the state of emergency concerning the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease declared by the governor on March 10, 2020, the preceding proviso shall not apply; provided further, that residential assistance payments may be made through direct vendor payments according to standards to be established by the department; provided further, that the agencies shall establish a system for referring families approved for residential assistance payments, who the agencies determine would benefit from these services, to existing community-based programs that provide additional housing stabilization supports, including assistance in obtaining housing subsidies and locating alternative housing that is safe and affordable for those families; provided further, that the program shall be administered under guidelines established by the department; provided further, that income verification shall be conducted by using: (a) documentation provided by the household, requiring the same documentation and process used to conduct income verification under this item in fiscal year 2020 or fewer documents as directed by the department; or (b) third-party income verification; provided further, that the manner in which income verification is conducted shall be at the discretion of the department but that the department shall not discontinue the use of either option for income verification listed in the preceding proviso; provided further, that from the passage of this act until the termination of the state of emergency concerning the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus declared by the governor on March 10, 2020, the department shall allow a short, simple application requiring minimal processing time provided further, that the department shall submit quarterly reports to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the: (1) number of families who applied for assistance; (2) number of families approved for assistance; (3) minimum, median and average amount of financial assistance awarded; (4) total amount of assistance awarded to date, including a breakdown by income category; and (5) number of families falling into each income category; provided further, that the department shall track a family’s reason for assistance by the same categories used in item 7004-0101; provided further, that not less than $3,000,000 shall be expended to provide assistance to households of all sizes and configurations including, but not limited to, elders, persons with disabilities and unaccompanied youths; provided further, that funds may be expended to continue funding a rental and mortgage arrearage assistance program for households whose incomes are at or below 50 per cent of the area median income and who are at risk of eviction or foreclosure within the next 12 months; provided further, that for the purposes of any funds spent through this program, to receive cash benefits or other services, it is not necessary for a household to be subject to summary process under chapter 239 of the General Laws, and risk of eviction or foreclosure may be determined by documentation from the landlord or mortgage lender verifying outstanding rent or mortgage, including any interest, fees, or penalties, and documentation from the head of household demonstrating the household’s current inability to pay said amounts; provided further, that the department shall ensure that not less than 50 per cent of any funds so issued be provided to households with incomes not greater than 30 per cent of area median income; provided further, that eligible households shall include, but not be limited to, families with children under the age of 21, elders, persons with disabilities and unaccompanied youth; provided further, that services and cash benefits under the arrearage program shall be made available to households for the prevention of the loss of subsidized or unsubsidized housing; provided further, that cash benefits for any recipients approved shall not exceed the actual liability or four times the monthly rental or mortgage liability, whichever is less; provided further, that any such benefits provided shall be paid directly to the landlord or mortgage lender; provided further, that should the department administer the program in fiscal year 2021, the department shall coordinate with the department of transitional assistance, member agencies and offices of the Massachusetts interagency council on housing and homelessness and the agencies contracted to administer the residential assistance for families in transition program on behalf of eligible households served by those agencies and offices so as to streamline the application process, provide additional support services and better promote upstream homelessness prevention and housing stability; provided further, that not later than March 1 2021, the department shall issue a report on the rental and m