An Act advancing equity for rural communities receiving state grants

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to require government agencies administering grants to prioritize rural communities, defined as areas with fewer than 500 people per square mile. It specifically directs these agencies to favor applicants that intend to regionalize or share services and mandates that the secretary actively inform rural areas about available funding opportunities. Additionally, the bill establishes an annual reporting requirement where the secretary must update legislative committees and rural representatives on how these preferences are being implemented.