An Act empowering municipalities and local governments

This bill empowers Massachusetts municipalities by giving them greater control over local finances and operations. It allows communities to adopt new revenue options like a vehicle excise surcharge and expanded local meal/hotel taxes, while raising procurement bid thresholds to reduce administrative burdens. The bill also codifies pandemic-era hybrid meeting rules and establishes a commission to address unfunded pension liabilities (OPEB). These provisions directly affect all 351 cities and towns across Massachusetts.