Press Room

The Massachusetts House of Representatives today passed An Act to provide for the future information technology needs of Massachusetts, also known as the FutureTech Act. This bill authorizes $1.23 billion in bonded spending and utilizes an additional $400 million in anticipated federal funding to bolster critical information technology projects across the Commonwealth. The initiatives included in the bill aim to modernize the Commonwealth’s information technology infrastructure, enabling agencies to operate with enhanced efficiency while also upgrading cybersecurity efforts. By investing in these advancements, Massachusetts seeks to broaden access to vital services and information, ultimately enhancing the digital landscape and user experience for all residents.

 “Ensuring that the Commonwealth is investing heavily in our technology infrastructure is critical, as protecting against cybersecurity threats, and enabling state agencies to operate with an increased level of efficiency, are vital aspects of our effort to make Massachusetts more safe, effective, and prepared in a world dominated by increasingly sophisticated technologies,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for filing this legislation, as well as Chairs Michlewitz and Finn for their critical input, and for guiding this bill through the legislative process. I am grateful to all of my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of this bill, and for voting to pass it.”

“The FutureTech Bond Bill will make state government more accessible and more effective for everyone in Massachusetts by ensuring our IT systems are up-to-date, safe and secure, and easy to use. This will put Massachusetts in a stronger position to take advantage of new innovations, like applied AI, in ways that benefit our residents, businesses and economy. We are grateful to Speaker Mariano and the House for moving this bill forward,” said Governor Maura T. Healey.

“The passage of the FutureTech Act of 2024 marks a significant milestone in Massachusetts' journey towards technological advancement and growth, promising a safer, more connected future for all residents,” said Representative Michael J. Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets.

The FutureTech Act not only ensures the seamless operation of essential government functions but also lays a foundation for future innovation. Key initiatives include the implementation of transformative projects like the Business Enterprise Systems Transformation (BEST) and the Commonwealth Digital Roadmap, both aimed at enhancing administrative workflow efficiency and streamlining state operations.

The bill also supports a new project to consolidate and modernize the Division Occupational Licensing (DOL)’s licensing database. This project will replace the current outdated infrastructure, which relies on paper files as well as manual data entry and review, resulting in delayed application and renewal processing.

The bill also includes authorizations for the continued rollout of the Employment Modernization Transformation (EMT), a project which will provide both employers and those seeking unemployment insurance with a new portal to conduct state-facing employment activities, facilitating a streamlined claims process for uploading information with a mobile-friendly design and increased accessibility features.

In addition to addressing the Commonwealth’s immediate needs, the FutureTech Act embraces a forward-looking strategy to position Massachusetts as a leader in current and emerging technologies. By allocating funds for future AI projects and supporting initiatives like the Municipal Fiber Grant Program, the bill not only ensures our state's technological competitiveness today, but also supports innovation at the local level, ultimately saving towns and cities money through enhancements to their networks.

Investments include:

·       $750 million to improve service delivery to the public, including:

o   $120 million for Business Enterprise Systems Transformation (BEST)

o   $100 million for Commonwealth Digital Roadmap

o   $240 million for Health Insurance Exchange

o   $90 million for One Health

·       $200 million for technology or telecommunications infrastructure improvements or maintenance, including:

o   $52 million for Employment Modernization Transformation (EMT)

o   $10 million for Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment Program

o   $12 million for Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) Modernization

o   $30 million for Electronic Health Records Modernization

·       $200 million to support the security of the Commonwealth’s IT Infrastructure, including:

o   $3 million for Criminal Justice 360 System

o   $5 million DOC Radio Modernization Initiative

o   $17 million Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Technology System

·       $250 million for various strategic initiatives, improvements to business intelligence, and modernization of governmental functions, including:

o   $15 million for Integrated Digital Data Services (IDDS)

o   $13 million for Enhanced Student Financial Aid Access

o   $33 million for Licensing Platform modernization

·       Other projects and items included in the bill:

o   $25 million for AI projects

o   $30 million for Muni Fiber Grants

o   $150 million for local and regional IT security improvements

o   $25 million for Community Compact IT Grants

o   Establishes a new Information Technology Federal Reimbursement Fund to facilitate the use of funds to support health and human services related IT improvements. 

The bill passed the House of Representatives 152-2 vote. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.