Budget & Taxes

This bill appropriates $1 million in state funds to cover technology, records management, and personnel costs for the governor's office, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and joint legislative operations. It amends state law to allow the state auditor to review specific administrative functions of the legislature, such as official budgets, audits, and financial settlements, while explicitly excluding legislative deliberations and other constitutional duties from such reviews. The legislation defines these administrative functions and audit procedures to ensure transparency in how legislative branches manage their finances and operations.

This bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2027 to support various state departments, boards, and institutions, including specific allocations for education, healthcare, and social services. It authorizes the lottery commission to enter into new contracts for games not previously authorized, allowing contractors to receive a percentage of revenues without those payments being subject to future appropriation. The legislation also adjusts the percentage of lottery proceeds distributed to specific trust funds, such as the Youth Development and Achievement Fund and the Public Health Trust Fund, while modifying the authority of the inspector general regarding report submissions. Additionally, the bill sets spending limits and reporting requirements for programs addressing homelessness, child welfare, and special education.

This bill appropriates $425 million from the General Fund for supportive services and safe shelter for unhoused families in Massachusetts, supplementing existing housing programs. It requires emergency housing applicants to disclose unsealed criminal convictions (excluding sealed/expunged records) and mandates criminal background checks before program placement. The bill limits eligibility for families with no other children to six consecutive months of benefits, with extensions possible for documented hardships like domestic violence, veteran status, or disabilities. It also requires translated informational handouts about resources and benefit duration for recipients, applying to the emergency housing assistance program.