An Act creating the Preservation of Historic Buildings Trust Fund

This bill creates the Historic Public Buildings Trust Fund to finance the repair and preservation of state-owned historic structures, such as the Massachusetts State House. The fund will be managed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and will be financed through federal grants, private donations, and a voluntary tax credit program that allows taxpayers to contribute a portion of their tax refunds. For every dollar the public contributes through this voluntary program, the state will match it with one dollar from the General Fund, provided an appropriation is made. The legislation also requires the State Treasurer to invest the fund's money to earn interest, with all earnings returned to the fund to support ongoing preservation efforts.