MassachusettsH 4761194th General Court (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

Sponsored By: FY25 Supplemental Appropriations

Signed by Governor

House Steering, Policy and Scheduling

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

64 provisions identified: 36 benefits, 9 costs, 19 mixed.

Tax breaks for South Weymouth projects

The redevelopment area and the three towns are treated as priority economic areas. The authority can seek enterprise zone status. Qualifying projects can get state tax credits, deductions, abatements, and other incentives if they meet the usual rules.

Hundreds of millions for behavioral health care

The state authorizes big annual spending from the behavioral health fund. Up to $160 million goes to expand residential treatment. Up to $135 million pays for medications for substance use disorder. Up to $35 million supports peer recovery and workforce development. Up to $85 million supports care assessments and integration. The fund can spend up to the latest revenue estimate to handle timing gaps.

More money for MassHealth and clinics

The law provides $2.046 billion for MassHealth fee‑for‑service payments in FY2025, available through FY2026. It adds $18.5 million for public health hospitals through FY2026. It directs $5 million to help reproductive health providers keep services when federal funds drop, through FY2026. It also updates which state primary care association qualifies under a cited item.

Tax-free bonds for redevelopment authority

The authority’s property and activities are tax‑exempt. Its bonds, and the income from them, are free from state and local taxes as federal law allows. Bonds remain under municipal‑style reporting and oversight. This can raise after‑tax returns for investors and lower borrowing costs for projects.

Eminent domain power in Southfield area

The authority can take private property inside the redevelopment area using eminent domain under state law. Owners are subject to the legal taking process and compensation rules in those statutes.

New taxes and 40-year assessments in Southfield

If your property is in the NAS South Weymouth area, the authority can bill special taxes, fees, and betterments, with payment plans up to 40 years. It can set how assessments are split (by frontage, unit, value, or square feet), cap a parcel’s total, allow prepayment, and raise charges for delinquency under set rules. These bills are collected like property taxes and carry the same penalties and lien priority if unpaid. Towns now collect a rate equal to the base rate plus the Southfield rate. You can appeal to the Appellate Tax Board, and the authority must pay any reimbursements tied to its pre‑transition abatements.

Big changes to hospital and Medicaid funding

The law resets how hospitals and managed care plans are charged and paid. Hospitals now pay assessments using 2023 charges with set inpatient and outpatient rates by hospital type. The state makes the managed‑care assessment broad‑based and uniform, and defines how to split revenue between Medicaid and non‑Medicaid plans. The Health Safety Net must send $1,041,170,000 each year to the Hospital Investment and Performance Trust Fund, $149,300,000 to the Safety Net Provider Trust Fund, and $115,500,000 to the Population Health Investment Trust Fund. From October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2027, hospital investments must average at least $2,264,500,000 per year, including at least $1,280,000,000 for rate payments and minimums for safety‑net hospitals. The state also sets a floor so annual payments to Medicaid managed‑care plans are not less than the defined Medicaid MCO revenue amount.

Town services guaranteed in South Weymouth

If you live in the South Weymouth redevelopment area, your town must provide police, fire, schools, and other services like elsewhere in town. Each school‑age child living there counts toward state school aid for that town. The authority or master developer can turn over finished streets to the town. Towns must accept them if the board approved the layout and work. Accepted streets count for state Chapter 90 road aid.

Updated vaccine rules; teens covered to 19

The state commissioner, advised by a new expert committee, now sets routine vaccine choices and funding needs. The commissioner may set standards even when past law pointed to CDC advisors. Routine childhood immunizations cover kids until their 19th birthday. Recommendations must weigh provider choice, cost, availability, and program needs.

Renter protections during federal shutdowns

If a non‑essential eviction starts during a federal shutdown and you are an impacted federal worker with proof of major income loss, your court deadlines are paused. These protections last during the shutdown and 30 days after; the Governor may extend up to 75 days. Landlords may use last‑month’s rent you prepaid to cover expenses, but it must still count as your last month’s rent and they must notify you; no extra deduction for missed rent is allowed. The housing office must issue rules to run these protections.

Boston hires can buy EDIC service credit

If you joined the City of Boston on or after June 29, 2024 with no break in service and used to work for EDIC, you can buy that time as creditable service. You must pay the missed deductions plus interest before retirement. You may request a cost estimate up front.

More aid for students and colleges

The state moves $100 million in FY2025 into the Student Opportunity Act Investment Fund. It sets a $18.3 million reserve to restore FY2026 financial aid to at least FY2025 and keep MassGrant and Pell allowances at least at FY2025 levels. Eligible community college students with income at or below 125% of the standard median income can get up to $1,200 per academic year. A new Public Higher Education Student Support Fund prevents aid cuts and helps maintain no‑cost community college. At least $75,000 supports the Skill Surge program at Holyoke Community College.

Stronger pensions after violent attacks

The law defines a violent act injury as a catastrophic or life‑threatening permanent injury from a violent attack with a dangerous weapon. If a public employee cannot perform their job because of such an injury, a limiting retirement rule no longer applies. This can help injured workers qualify for disability or retirement benefits.

Tax penalty waiver for hardship cases

No underpayment penalty applies if paying it would cause undue financial hardship, as the Commissioner of Revenue decides. This covers tax due on or after April 1, 2021 under section 16B. The Commissioner must publish guidance on what counts as undue hardship within 30 days of this law taking effect.

Funds for science, access, and communities

The state sends $10 million to the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. It adds $12.5 million to the Communications Access Trust Fund. Cities and towns receive $1.25 million owed from marijuana taxes. The law creates a Woodlands Partnership fund and adds small earmarks: $87,373 for biodiversity work and $23,500 to complete a State House mural. These funds support jobs, access, conservation, and local projects.

More time to meet state deadlines

Many program dates move from 2025 to 2026 or 2027. Some funds stay available through June 30, 2026, and others through June 30, 2027. Several deadlines shift: October 15 changes to December 31; January changes to September; and section 206(c) now takes effect June 1, 2026. For FY2027, a prior section is excluded when setting a specific annual spending threshold. These changes give agencies and towns more time to act and spend.

Historic health records open, longer retention

Close relatives and academic researchers can get certain facility patient records more than 50 years after a patient’s death. Records from state institutions become public after 75 years, subject to federal privacy laws. Hospitals cannot destroy covered records until new notice rules are issued. Facilities must keep resident records at least 20 years after discharge, death, or last service and tell the health department before destroying them.

More money for roads and water

The state provides $60,727,344 for snow and ice removal to keep roads clear. It provides $6,779,246 for Clean Water Trust contract help. Many funds and line items stay available to spend through June 30, 2026. This supports safe travel and reliable water services.

Higher hospital funding floor set

The law raises a key hospital financing figure from $1,484,050,000 to $1,534,050,000. That is a $50 million increase. This supports safety‑net and other hospital payments tied to that amount.

More funding for hospitals and treatment

The state adds $50 million to the Health Safety Net in each of FY2026 and FY2027 to cut shortfalls. It creates a Western Massachusetts Hospital Fund so the public health commissioner can keep that hospital running. It also sets aside $14 million to expand and upgrade facilities that treat men with alcohol or substance use disorders.

More state money to preserve housing

The state transfers $50 million to the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund. The money is available through fiscal year 2026. It supports programs that preserve and stabilize housing, not direct payments to you.

Grants for sports events, $10M for World Cup

The state creates a Sports and Entertainment Events Fund. It offers competitive matching grants for events, marketing, and related projects, with at least a 1:1 match. At least $10 million supports 2026 World Cup needs like transport, safety, accessibility, and volunteers. One grantee cannot receive more than half the fund in a year. The tourism office must report on spending and results.

State budget moves and carryforwards

The state moves the FY2025 surplus into a Transitional Escrow Fund. It transfers $5,995,058 to the Federal Grants Fund and records expected federal payments as FY2025 receivables by November 30, 2025. Unspent FY2025 funds and retained revenues stay available in FY2026. The House of Representatives receives $8.1 million for operations. These steps manage cash flow and keep programs running.

Southfield bonds and investor protections

The authority can issue up to $175 million in bonds and notes, with final maturities up to 35 years. It can issue grant‑anticipation and interim notes with maturities up to 20 years, use refunding bonds, and add credit facilities or interest‑rate swaps. Bonds are lawful investments and are non‑recourse to the Commonwealth or towns. While 2020A bonds are outstanding, new bonds cannot be secured by ad valorem taxes under the Trust Indenture. The Commonwealth and towns pledge not to impair bondholder rights, and bondholders have clear enforcement rights. If bonds outlast the authority, the towns must sign a debt‑service agreement to keep payments flowing from project revenues.

Extra capital gains split across funds

For FY2025, extra capital gains tax above the threshold first covers any budget deficits. Any remainder is split: 90% to the Transitional Escrow Fund, 5% to the pension fund, and 5% to the retiree benefits trust. These are transfers between state accounts to support stability and long‑term obligations.

No commercial fishing without a permit

It is illegal to fish for commercial sale in coastal waters, or land raw fish to sell, without a commercial fisherman permit. Unpermitted operators face penalties and loss of income. Get the proper permit before selling fish.

Stronger fishing rules and penalties

Massachusetts increases fishing penalties. Recreational fishers pay $10 per fish or $5 per pound for striped bass when fish are seized. Commercial fishers forfeit the market value of the seized catch, up to $10,000 per seizure. The chapter now applies to rules and regulations made under it. Refusing to file, failing to file, or knowingly filing a false required statistical report is a violation.

State 40B rules don’t apply in Southfield

Affordable housing in the NAS South Weymouth redevelopment area is not governed by Chapter 40B. Housing there does not count toward the towns’ 40B totals, and local zoning rules apply.

State bonds capped at 30 years

Bonds issued under the cited authority must have terms of 30 years or less. All such bonds must be payable no later than June 30, 2065. This limits very long‑dated maturities for these bonds.

Towns can spread health deficits five years

A city, town, or district that was in the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust can spread an unexpected health‑insurance deficit from FY2026 or FY2027 over five years. It must withdraw from the trust and certify that by June 30, 2027. The local body must adopt the payment plan before setting the FY2027 tax rate. This can spread any tax or assessment increases over several years.

Faster permits and 10% affordable homes

The authority now controls land use and zoning inside the redevelopment area for new projects. It can set faster permitting timelines. At least 10% of homes must be affordable or workforce units, counting qualifying units already built. In a new development deal, the master developer must help plan water and sewer systems with the towns, and there is no penalty for not building a golf course.

Redevelopment may levy charges with less oversight

The authority can borrow and pledge revenues to pay for redevelopment. Parcels in the area can face betterments, assessments, or fees tied to that repayment. These charges are not reviewed by most state agencies, though the taxation plan still needs approval from top tax officials.

Rent and eviction relief in shutdowns

During a federal shutdown, non‑essential evictions are paused if the tenant’s lease began before the shutdown and the tenant shows they are an impacted federal worker with major financial harm. Courts will not enter a possession judgment or default without finding the tenant is not impacted and must give up to a 30‑day continuance if asked. If the tenant provides proof within 30 days of a missed rent, the landlord cannot charge a late fee or report it to credit agencies. Landlords must state in filings the tenant is not an impacted federal worker, and landlords are shielded when they reasonably rely on tenant documents.

Union labor allowed; board pay capped

The authority can use project labor agreements on its construction. This can raise standards and pay for covered workers and change bidding for contractors. Pay for each board director is capped at the higher of $6,250 a year or 80% of the combined average annual salary of Weymouth town councilors.

Public safety funding and sheriff oversight

The law adds funding for state police ($3.5 million), prisons ($7.18 million), the Suffolk DA ($700,000), the DA network ($90,663), and the Judicial Conduct Commission ($100,000). Sheriffs cannot get extra funds beyond this act, and the Inspector General will investigate sheriffs’ offices with reports due in 2026. The comptroller can use FY2026 money to erase any FY2025 sheriff deficits. These steps boost public safety resources while adding oversight and limits on sheriffs’ funding.

Health financing needs federal sign‑off

If federal matching money or hospital assessments fall short, required payments are reduced in the same proportion. The health secretary must get needed federal approvals, report each year starting February 15, 2026 on assessments and trust fund flows, and notify lawmakers of changes. Some sections start only after federal Medicaid tax rules change or a federal transition ends. Other sections start when approvals arrive or on October 1, 2025. Transfers in section 191 begin October 1, 2025.

New Southfield redevelopment authority and powers

The law creates the Southfield Redevelopment Authority to manage and develop former NAS South Weymouth land in Abington, Rockland, and Weymouth. An 11‑vote advisory board from the towns, regional councils, and the Governor advises budgets and plans. The authority alone negotiates with the U.S. for property there; others can acquire interests later from the authority under zoning rules. The authority and towns are treated as local government units for school building aid and Chapter 90 road funds.

Southfield redevelopment rules and local control

Old redevelopment agreements at Southfield are canceled unless the authority or the master developer agrees in writing to keep them. Towns can issue alcohol licenses inside the area: Weymouth up to 13, Abington up to 2, Rockland up to 13. After December 31, 2045, new bonds or refinancings need two‑thirds approval by local boards. The authority follows municipal redevelopment laws, has limited liability, and its property is protected from seizure, though courts can order its treasurer to pay judgments. When bonds end and towns approve a plan, the authority dissolves and its property goes to the town where it sits.

State may defer Southfield MOA payments

The authority must repay the state for any deficiency payment under the Parkway financing deal. The secretary may allow deferral or other treatment if it is fiscally responsible and in the public interest. Any new state financing follows the capital plan and debt limit.

More help with indigent court costs

The state provides $2.5 million for fees and court costs for people who cannot pay in FY2025. The money is available through FY2026. If you qualify as indigent, this helps cover court fees tied to your case.

SNAP systems upgrade to cut errors

The state gives $10 million to improve the SNAP agency’s computers and operations. The goal is to prepare for program changes and reduce payment errors. The agency must report strategies by March 15, 2026, and funds last through June 30, 2027.

More money for school meals

The state adds $12 million for school meals in FY2025. The money stays available through FY2026. This helps schools keep meal service running for students.

New pay and injury protections for officers

Listed union contracts are recognized, so agreed salary and other economic benefits take effect for the contract periods. Group 3 state police officers who are permanently disabled by a violent act injury at work, without contributory negligence, qualify for Section 7 benefits with a rating board and physician finding.

Pooled retirement plan for care attendants

The council can contract for a pooled employer plan for consumers and their personal care attendants. This can expand retirement plan access for these workers. The council may take steps needed to set up the plan.

One-stop permits for South Weymouth business

State offices must assign senior staff to help the towns set up one‑stop licensing. Agencies must offer a coordinated permit program for projects in the area. The authority alone approves project‑related changes to the parkway layout. This can cut delays and lower red tape for developers and local businesses.

Small funding boosts to state programs

The law raises several line‑item amounts: $55,000,000 (up from $49,000,000), $3,000,000 (up from $2,000,000), $6,756,039 (up from $6,256,039), $2,634,848 (up from $2,547,475), and $25,849,500 (up from $25,826,000). These are targeted increases to the specific state programs named in those items.

Added protections for federal officers

The law adds federal officers and employees to a protected group under state law. It strengthens legal protections against assault or interference with those people while they act under U.S. authority.

Cities get 2025 funding floor increase

Cities and towns that got money under item 1233‑2401 in FY2024 and stay eligible get at least the same amount in FY2025. The law also raises item 1233‑2401 from $750,000 to $1,185,432, an increase of $435,432.

MBTA local assessment study due 2026

The MBTA must study how cities and towns are billed for MBTA service. It will review the formula, yearly increases, and budget impacts, compare peers, and suggest changes. Findings are due by December 31, 2026.

More time to use senior funds

Council on Aging funds in item 9110‑9002 stay available until June 30, 2026. Local councils and providers have more time to use the money for senior services.

Vaccine outreach and provider protections

The state funds $10 million through June 30, 2027 for enrollment help and vaccine outreach, with at least $10 million going to Health Care For All, Inc. Licensed providers who give vaccines required by law, under public health guidance, or state programs are immune from liability, unless they act with gross negligence or willful misconduct. This helps people find coverage and shots, and it protects vaccinators who follow the rules.

Framingham gets two state parcels

The state may convey 600 and 602 Concord Street to the City of Framingham for a nominal price. This happens only after the new regional justice center at 121 Union Avenue is complete and the parcels are declared surplus. The deed has no warranties, may include conditions, and the city pays all transaction costs.

Southfield Authority board and oversight rules

A nine‑member board now runs the authority, with seats picked by the three towns, labor, local nominees, and the chamber. The authority must keep accurate books, issue annual reports, and get a CPA audit filed within 180 days; audits are public records. It is treated as a state authority and as a public employer for legal claims, adding worker protections and state‑level oversight.

Authority staff now at-will employees

Employees of the Southfield Redevelopment Authority are at‑will and not covered by state civil service rules. Conflict‑of‑interest rules still apply. This reduces civil service job protections for those workers.

Fingerprint checks for nurse licenses

RN and LPN license applicants must submit state and national fingerprint‑based background checks. Applicants must pay a fee set by the state. Results are used only to decide licensure eligibility.

One-year probation for new enviro police

New permanent environmental police officers must serve a full‑time 12‑month probation before gaining tenure. The administrator and commission can set evaluation steps during this period.

Higher fines and jail for offenses

Maximum penalties under the law rise to a $1,000 fine and up to 2.5 years in jail. Courts can impose these higher limits upon conviction.

Name change records kept private

Courts must ask probation for a report before granting a name change. You must file a birth record or an allowed substitute unless the judge finds it cannot be obtained. Name-change petitions and related records are kept separate and are not public unless the court orders it or you ask to share them. Public notice is allowed for good cause.

Clearer Southfield property tax timing rules

The board must share the next year’s Southfield rate with towns by June 1 and give at least 45 days’ notice. Towns must send Southfield revenue to the authority within 30 days after each fiscal quarter. After the authority ends, each town taxes these properties the same as the rest of town. These are timing and process rules, not a change to your tax rate.

Suffolk simulcast license extended to 2027

A Suffolk County running horse race operator that ran in 2025 keeps its simulcast license until December 15, 2027. All days in 2025 through 2027 are dark days unless a supplemental live racing license is granted. Greyhound simulcast wagering remains banned. All simulcasts must meet federal rules, with local approvals where required.

Several outdated sections are repealed

The law repeals Section 23 of chapter 26 of the acts of 2023, subsection (a) of section 222, Section 176 of this act, and sections 1 to 5 of chapter 113. The rules in those sections no longer apply. The exact impact depends on what those removed sections did.

Technical effective dates are set

Two timing rules are set. Section 19 of chapter 15D is effective July 1, 2023. The repeal in section 196 takes effect March 1, 2026.

Set split for child care item

Item 3000‑4060 is divided 83.94% to the General Fund and 16.06% to the Early Education and Care Affordability Fund. To find dollars, multiply the item’s total by 0.8394 and 0.1606. This sets how the appropriation is split between core operations and affordability support.

FY25 funds shift and youth grant change

For FY2025, net revenue from abandoned property stays in the state’s General Fund. The law also changes a named grant under item 4200-0100 to New North Citizens Council, Inc. Youth Services. These are budget choices that may affect future spending plans.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

FY25 Supplemental Appropriations
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 294 • No: 17

House vote • 11/19/2025

Enacted

Yes: 149 • No: 9

House vote • 11/18/2025

Committee of conference report accepted

Yes: 145 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2025
11/25/2025
Laid before the Governor
11/19/2025Senate
Enacted -see Roll Call #107 (Yeas 38 to Nays 0)
11/19/2025Senate
Enacted - 149 YEAS to 9 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 113)
11/19/2025House
Emergency preamble adopted
11/19/2025Senate
Emergency preamble adopted
11/19/2025House
Committee of conference report accepted, in concurrence
11/19/2025Senate
Committee of conference report accepted - 145 YEAS to 8 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 110)
11/18/2025House
Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting, the question being on acceptance
11/17/2025House
Referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
11/17/2025House
Reported on a part of H4615
11/17/2025House
Reported from the committee of conference
11/17/2025House

Bill Text

Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2025
11/25/2025
PDF

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