Budget & Taxes

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 10, 2025

H 53: An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges

This bill allocates $1.5 billion in state funds for municipal road and bridge improvements, directly affecting Massachusetts cities and towns. It provides reimbursement for eligible projects (like road reconstruction and bridge repairs) after completion, with funds distributed based on local road mileage. The bill also includes $500 million for bridge/pavement programs, $200 million for small bridge/culvert upgrades, and $185 million for congestion-reduction projects like bike lanes and pedestrian paths. Funding will be issued via state bonds, repayable from the General Fund by 2065, with municipalities required to submit project completion certifications.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $1.5B for municipal infrastructure, increasing state budget spending on public works.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $1.5B for municipal road/bridge improvements, including specific funding for infrastructure projects, bridge repairs, and congestion-reduction initiatives like bike lanes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4954: An Act authorizing the town of Brookline to levy a real estate transfer fee on certain real property transfers

This bill allows the Town of Brookline to impose a real estate transfer fee on property sales within the town. The fee, ranging from 0.5% to 2% of the sale price above a set threshold, is paid by the seller (not the buyer) at closing. Proceeds fund the Brookline Affordable Housing Trust Fund, supporting the acquisition, construction, and preservation of housing for low- and moderate-income households. The fee applies to most property transfers, with exemptions possible but not specified in the bill text.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new real estate transfer tax (0.5%-2%) to fund affordable housing trust, directly increasing public service funding via targeted taxation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a seller-paid fee funding Brookline's Affordable Housing Trust Fund for low/moderate-income housing acquisition, construction, and preservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 3047: An Act restoring the harbors and inland waters maintenance fund

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3047) of Tackey Chan relative to restoring the harbors and inland waters maintenance fund. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRestores harbors/inland waters maintenance fund, directly increasing budget allocation for public infrastructure maintenance.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 2019: An Act relative to the sustainability of the family childcare sector

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2019) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to certain child-care deductions for taxable purposes. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deductions for childcare, offering tax relief to families, aligning with support for fiscal policies that reduce taxable income.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 21, 2026

H 3049: An Act to exempt certain personal protection equipment from sales tax

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3049) of Tackey Chan for legislation to exempt certain personal protection equipment from sales tax. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts PPE from sales tax, providing direct tax relief. Aligns with 'tax relief for middle/lower income' indicator as PPE is essential for all income levels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 13, 2026

H 3086: An Act providing tax credits to certain employers that provide affordable, on-site child-care for employees

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3086) of Michelle M. DuBois relative to providing tax credits to certain employers that provide on-site child-care for employees. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits to employers offering on-site childcare, reducing tax burden and supporting family affordability through fiscal incentives.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1999: An Act ending large investor control of homes in Massachusetts

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1999) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts and create a down payment trust fund. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates down payment trust fund and references revenue, indicating fiscal funding for housing affordability program.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnds large investor control to increase affordability; creates down payment trust fund for housing access.95% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Sep 4, 2025

H 4451: An Act expanding access to commuter transit benefits offered by employers

This bill requires Massachusetts employers with 500 or more employees to offer pre-tax transit benefits to non-union workers. It mandates that employers provide this benefit or face fines ($100 for first violation, $250 for each subsequent month of non-compliance). The state will run a public awareness campaign with MBTA and other transit agencies to inform workers about these benefits. Employers must also provide multilingual written notices to employees about the available benefits. The law takes effect one year after passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates pre-tax transit benefits, providing tax relief to employees by reducing taxable income for transit costs.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates employer-provided commuter transit benefits for workers, expanding access to transportation assistance and strengthening worker benefits under employment standards.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates employer transit benefits to expand public transit access, promoting sustainable commuting and reducing car dependency through enforcement and public awareness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 4350: An Act authorizing the town of Brookline to levy a real estate transfer fee on certain real property transfers

By Representative Vitolo of Brookline, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4350) of Tommy Vitolo (by vote of the town) that the town of Brookline be authorized to levy a real estate transfer fee on certain real property transfers in said town. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes a real estate transfer fee to generate local revenue, directly advancing town budget management through new taxation.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 27, 2026

S 2085: An Act to improve long-term care staffing and dignity for caregivers

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2085) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to improve long-term care staffing and dignity for caregivers through training, tuition reimbursements, tax credits and other programs. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill includes tax credits as a funding mechanism for caregiver programs, aligning with fiscal support for public services per indicators.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves long-term care staffing through training, tuition reimbursements, and tax credits, directly strengthening healthcare service quality and caregiver support systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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