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MassachusettsH 5555194th General Court (2025-2026)HouseWALLET
An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2027 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements
Sponsored By: FY27 General Appropriation
Signed by Governor
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528 provisions identified: 468 benefits, 22 costs, 38 mixed.
Payment for Massachusetts poet laureate
The official Massachusetts Poet Laureate receives an honorarium of at least $25,000. The recipient must hold the official position established under Executive Order No. 640. The law does not set a payment schedule.
Cancer treatment coverage for eligible residents
MassHealth benefits are available to people needing treatment for breast or cervical cancer. Income, as determined by the executive office, must be no more than 250% of the federal poverty level. Coverage remains subject to continued federal approval.
Guaranteed child care for eligible families
The law provides about $597.234 million for child care and guarantees supportive care without waiting lists for eligible children. Covered groups include children with active child-welfare cases, qualifying current or former transitional-aid families, teen parents, and SNAP-training families. Transitional-aid recipients pay no care fees; care can continue for at least 12 months after a child-welfare case closes. Former aid recipients must meet work or approved activity requirements; qualifying teens must meet school, work, or training hour requirements. Providers receive payment based on enrollment, and state agencies must set placement standards and track eligible children and slots.
Health and drug support for HIV
The law funds MassHealth benefits for people diagnosed with HIV whose income is no more than 200% of the federal poverty level. For Health Safety Net fiscal years 2026 and 2027, trust funds can also pay participating patients’ HIV Drug Assistance Program costs. Transfers require the finance secretary’s direction, in consultation with the health and human services secretary. Spending is limited to needed program services and reasonable administration costs, and funds must be used only for those purposes. The health and human services secretary must consider supplemental drug-maker rebates.
Health coverage funding for higher-income children
The law funds MassHealth benefits for qualifying children and teens in households earning above 150% of the federal poverty level. The executive office determines household income. It also funds specified state health care subsidies. This provision does not state benefit amounts or a complete set of eligibility rules.
Health coverage routes protected for children
The state must spend all necessary funds to provide the Children's Medical Security Plan for uninsured children age 18 or younger. Before enrollment, applicants must be denied MassHealth eligibility other than MassHealth Limited. Maximum plan benefits are available only to children found ineligible for MassHealth. Children meeting the state's disability standard can qualify for CommonHealth medical care and assistance. That standard cannot be stricter than the standard in effect on July 1, 1996.
MassHealth coverage for former foster youth
People who age out of Massachusetts Department of Children and Families custody remain eligible for MassHealth. Coverage continues through the age limit in MassHealth’s approved state plan. This provision does not state that age limit.
Seniors gain care access and protections
Senior Care Options counts applicants and members as 65 on the first day of their 65th-birthday month. Other eligibility rules still apply. In FY2027, community-based waiver funding for eligible older MassHealth members cannot fall below the FY2026 service level. Eligibility cannot become stricter than in FY2026. Services still depend on assessed needs and the applicable waiver's terms.
Veterans gain health eligibility and fee protections
Massachusetts medical assistance excludes chapter 115 payments to or for veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents from income. Awards under chapter 115, section 6B still count. Chelsea veterans' home admission and hospitalization charges cannot exceed FY2026 amounts. Holyoke's FY2026 ceiling also covers outpatient treatment, including fees, assessments, and other charges.
Housing help for low-income households
Eligible households can get up to $7,000 in help securing or keeping housing in any 12-month period. Households at or below 30% of area median income must face homelessness or be moving from homelessness into housing. Households above 30% and up to 50% qualify when moving from homelessness into housing, or facing housing loss after income drops or expenses rise. At least 50% of funds target the lower-income group, subject to state discretion based on demand and use. That funding prioritizes families most likely to need shelter; income can be verified through documents, third parties, or specified benefits.
More qualifying paths to family shelter
Families can qualify after fleeing domestic violence without finding safe permanent housing, or after a no-fault fire, flood, or disaster. Covered cases also include specified no-fault involuntary evictions, places not meant for living, and seriously unsafe housing. Substantial health and safety risks likely to cause significant harm require an assessment by child welfare officials or an approved entity. Otherwise qualifying families need not first spend a night in a car, park, or abandoned building. They must have no feasible housing option in Massachusetts or elsewhere on the application date and meet other assistance requirements.
College cost help for foster youth
Eligible students in Department of Children and Families custody under a care and protection petition can get college aid. They must start at a public or private college by age 18 and exhaust other financial support first. Aid is capped at $6,000 per year, and recipients need not remain in custody after age 18. The law also reimburses public colleges for qualifying tuition and fee waivers for foster and adopted children, including prior-year waivers. Colleges must certify the actual amount waived before receiving reimbursement.
Tuition help for community college students
The law provides $137.048 million for community college tuition and fees left after federal and state grants. Students with household income at or below 125% of state median income may receive up to $1,200 yearly for other expenses. Tuition and fee increases cannot exceed the lower of the law’s price-deflator measure or 4.5%. Students taking initial emergency medical technician or paramedic training receive sufficient aid regardless of credit load or a prior bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification.
Tuition waiver funding for Guard students
The law provides about $5.33 million to reimburse Massachusetts public colleges for eligible National Guard students’ tuition and fee waivers. Waivers include summer classes at state universities, community colleges, and University of Massachusetts campuses. Students must receive the waiver authorized by chapter 15A, section 19. Colleges must certify actual waived amounts before payment, and reimbursement funds remain available through June 30, 2028.
Tuition waivers for students with disabilities
The law provides $5 million for inclusive college courses; state institutions must waive course tuition for eligible students. At least $2 million goes to the program’s trust fund. The program generally serves students with severe disabilities ages 18–22; those ages 18–19 must be unable to meet the MCAS competency requirement. Public institutions may also include students over 21 with severe developmental disabilities. Partner school districts must provide needed supports, and students lacking course requirements may audit courses without earning credit.
State aid supports city and town budgets
The law provides about $1.363 billion in unrestricted aid to Massachusetts cities and towns for the year ending June 30, 2027. Each municipality receives the amount listed in the law’s distribution table. The aid is not reserved for a specific household service or direct payment.
State funding supports pensions and retiree benefits
The law transfers $400 million from the General Fund to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund for fiscal year 2027. That funding period ends June 30, 2027. Required Pension Liability Fund funding is about $5.131 billion in 2027, $5.336 billion in 2028, and $5.549 billion in 2029. Adjustments can only raise those pension funding amounts. These transfers support retirement obligations but do not increase any individual retiree’s payment.
State funding supports local public schools
The law provides about $7.658 billion in school aid for fiscal year 2027. Aid follows the state's school funding rules. Recipients include cities, towns, regional districts, counties with agricultural schools, and independent vocational, agricultural, and technical schools. This money supports schools, rather than direct payments to families.
Renters face mandatory voucher loss rules
A household loses its state rental voucher if a participant or member fails to provide a Social Security number for verification. The number is used to check household income and eligibility. Termination is also required for proven intentional damage exceeding two months' rent during any one-year period.
Family housing help with payment caps
Short-term housing aid generally requires emergency-shelter eligibility, with exceptions for families in the specified substance-use and family-service programs. Families get at least 12 months of housing and self-sufficiency case management; aid is capped at $30,000 in 24 months. A later 12-month period may provide up to $15,000 or a higher established cap. At least $2.5 million is available for larger awards when essential to resolve a housing crisis and consistent with state guidance. Higher income alone does not end aid for families following their plans, and one plan violation alone cannot end eligibility. Termination or failure to make a good-faith effort to follow the plan can bar shelter and short-term aid for 12 months after the last payment.
Income limits for family emergency housing
Families entering emergency housing assistance must have income at or below 115% of the 2026 federal poverty level. A later, higher federal poverty level can be used instead. Families already receiving aid have a higher continuing-income limit. They become ineligible after income stays above 200% of the poverty level for 120 straight days.
Communication access for deaf residents
The law funds communication access at State House public hearings and meetings, including interpreters for deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees. The Commission for the Blind must work with the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on deaf-blind services. They must provide assistance through the deaf-blind community access network. These provisions do not specify household payments.
Disability abuse hotline callers get privacy
The law funds a computerized registry of people found responsible for abuse that qualifies for registry entry. The registry covers abuse of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Every caller to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s 24-hour hotline must be offered the choice not to have the call recorded.
Legal help for disadvantaged Massachusetts residents
The law provides $51 million to the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation for legal representation. Services support Massachusetts residents who are poor or otherwise disadvantaged. Funding includes disability benefits, Medicare advocacy, and domestic violence legal assistance projects.
Legal representation for low-income clients
At least 20% of indigent clients served by the Committee for Public Counsel Services must be represented by public defenders. The committee must assign public defenders to district and superior courts where feasible. The law also provides $3.415072 million for the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee's operations and programs. These legal services serve indigent people with mental illness and include a satellite office in western Massachusetts.
Reduced transit fares for low-income riders
The law allows MBTA transfer funds to support income-based reduced fares across all MBTA travel modes. The provision does not state the income limit, fare discount, or funding amount for this program.
Support for families of homicide victims
The law provides $610,000 for statewide support for survivors of homicide victims and their families. Services include outreach, burial assistance, grief counseling, and other support. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute must distribute at least $100,000 in grants to Massachusetts Survivors of Homicide Victims Network organizations. Named organizations also have minimum funding allocations. The law does not set an individual assistance amount.
Stronger safety oversight for assisted living
The law requires at least $500,000 for assisted-living safety and oversight across Massachusetts. Spending supports recommendations from the assisted living residences commission. It also supports better safety standards, emergency planning, and oversight. The money funds implementation rather than direct payments to residents.
Regional riders get free fares and connections
The law directs at least $40 million to maintain year-round fare-free service at participating regional transit authorities. At least $10 million funds routes linking existing transit with local job and business centers. Route grants prioritize ridership growth, longer single-trip travel, low-income access, and geographic fairness. Another minimum of $4 million supports community transit options for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. The provision does not identify the resulting routes or individual assistance amounts.
Year-round ferries for Boston-area riders
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority must run its ferries and contracted ferry services year-round through June 30, 2027. This includes routes that ran seasonally in FY2026 in East Boston, Lynn, Quincy, and Winthrop. The provision requires continued service but does not specify a fare change.
Cash aid standards protected for households
The law protects need and payment standards for Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children. Fiscal year 2027 standards cannot fall below fiscal year 2026 levels; fiscal year 2028 standards cannot fall below this item's standards. The family-aid need standard must equal its payment standard. Emergency aid must include every eligibility group allowed by its funding item. Eligible recipients in either program who lack a home or stay in emergency shelter receive the same rate as recipients paying shelter costs.
Cash allowances and support for families
TAFDC households get $40 monthly if they pay rent or a mortgage and do not live in public or subsidized housing. Beginning September 1, 2026, a one-time clothing allowance provides $500 per child eligible for TAFDC in September 2026. That allowance is included in September's standard of need. The law also funds structured support settings for parents under age 22 who receive TAFDC.
Child care funding for lower-income families
The law provides about $623.594 million for income-eligible early education and child care. It also allows payments for qualifying teen parents and homeless families likely to qualify for transitional aid. Access must be fairly spread across the state, and providers receive payment based on enrollment. Up to 3% of the money can be transferred under the required fiscal year 2027 plan.
Community mental health capacity stays protected
In fiscal year 2027, the Department of Mental Health must maintain community placement numbers at the levels in each prior three years. It must also spend at least as much on adult mental health clubhouses as it spent in fiscal year 2026. These rules protect program capacity and funding, but do not promise an individual placement.
Continued residential care for disability clients
The law requires full-year funding for continued residential services for a specified group of developmental disability clients transitioning at age 22. Covered clients began services in FY2025 under budget item 5920-5000 of the 2024 law. The provision does not state a funding amount.
County jail patients get treatment funding
Fiscal year 2027 funds medication-assisted treatment in eight counties’ sheriff facilities. Hampshire receives $222,721; Essex about $1.953 million; Barnstable $786,480; Bristol $549,587; and Dukes $50,179. Norfolk receives $855,328; Plymouth about $1.493 million; and Suffolk about $2.904 million. Hampshire, Essex, and Barnstable funding cannot be spent through the budget’s AA or DD spending categories. These appropriations fund treatment programs, not individual cash payments.
Crisis and mental health support for youth
For fiscal year 2027, the law requires at least $6.5 million for the Department of Mental Health's youth crisis initiative. It helps stabilize youth and supports avoiding or leaving emergency-room care when appropriate. Two federal pediatric mental health access expansion grants receive $175,000 and $81,683. These funds do not guarantee a service outcome or set individual eligibility, household costs, or personal payments.
Dental and vision help for state employees
Eligible active state employees pay 15% of monthly dental and vision premiums set by the Group Insurance Commission. The law funds the remaining premium cost. Employees of authorities and other political subdivisions are excluded. Employees covered through a separate budget item, contract, or union agreement are also excluded.
Early intervention for children in shelters
Each child under age 3 must receive an early intervention referral within 30 days after entering a covered shelter. Covered shelters include emergency assistance, domestic violence, substance use and recovery, and non-emergency assistance shelters. A certified professional must evaluate the child. Services must be provided when the evaluation finds a need.
Free HIV prevention for public employees
The Group Insurance Commission must cover approved HIV prevention drugs and specified support services without patient cost sharing. This covers active and retired Commonwealth employees insured through the commission. Plans cannot require prior approval, step therapy, or other steps that restrict or delay dispensing. They cannot deny coverage because of the prescriber's type or practice setting, provided the prescriber is licensed to prescribe medications.
Free school meals and nutrition funding
For FY2027, the law provides $180 million for free school meals; funded districts cannot charge students. Eligible districts must adopt federal meal options, including Community Eligibility or Provision 2, to maximize federal funding. Another $5.31 million reimburses local lunch and special milk costs; lunch payments cannot exceed the required federal state match. Federal grants include about $600.38 million in Special Assistance Funds, $4.90 million for fruits and vegetables, and $6.82 million for child care. Other grants fund nutrition training ($373,143 and $375,897), supplemental food ($272,980), emergency food ($2.71 million), direct certification ($439,163), farm-to-school work ($63,119), and administration ($9.22 million).
Funding supports preventive and chronic disease care
The law provides about $14 million for chronic disease prevention and care, including tobacco cessation, dental services, and disease screening. It requires minimum funding for smoking prevention, Alzheimer's education, and named health programs and organizations. Mass in Motion community grants must match or exceed fiscal year 2026 spending if matching federal prevention funds arrive. A separate federal Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant gets about $4.85 million for fiscal year 2027. These funds support services, not a set household payment.
Funding supports suicide prevention and crisis help
The law provides about $14.42 million for statewide and community suicide prevention, crisis help, follow-up support, and tracking. Funding also supports a statewide plan, older-adult services, and a veterans-in-crisis hotline. At least $30,000 must support Hope Squad peer-to-peer prevention in schools.
Funding supports survivors and teen violence prevention
The law provides about $84.06 million for sexual-assault and domestic-violence services, including crisis housing, nurse examiners, prevention, and family support. At least $1 million must promote healthy relationships and prevent dating violence among teens of all sexualities and genders. Those programs must prioritize schools and communities where most students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. At least one must operate in a municipality with 25,000 residents or fewer. Separate federal grants provide $862,158 for rape prevention and education and $978,490 for sexual-assault services in fiscal year 2027.
Grants fund practical help for veterans
The Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center receives at least $100,000; Vietnam Veterans of America’s Massachusetts chapter receives $75,000 for benefit-claim help. Veterans Inc. receives $500,000 for services including job training and substance use treatment. Operation Troop Support receives $50,000 for care packages. Fishing for the Mission ’22 and Frank M. Noyes V.F.W. Post 8892 each receive $25,000 for accessibility repairs. These are organization grants, not set payments to individual veterans.
HIV prevention offered before prison release
State and county correctional facilities must provide eligible inmates information and counseling about HIV prevention drugs before release. HIV-negative inmates committed for at least 30 days must be offered an evaluation with their consent. Eligible, consenting inmates receive a no-cost supply or prescription. Facilities must explain post-release monitoring and plan connections to continuing medical and other services. Evaluation information must remain confidential from security and administrative staff.
HIV prevention without patient cost sharing
MassHealth and its covered contractors must cover FDA-approved HIV prevention drugs and qualifying support services without patient cost sharing. Massachusetts health plans covering these drugs also cannot charge cost sharing for them or specified related services. Plans cannot require prior authorization, step therapy, or other protocols that restrict or delay dispensing. They cannot deny prescriptions because of a licensed prescriber’s provider type or practice setting. Health maintenance contracts must retain cost sharing when removing it would cause loss of federal tax-exempt status; other access protections still apply.
Home care support for older adults
The law provides about $113.33 million for elder home care case management in FY2027. Services operate through aging service access points or other qualified organizations. At least $1.4 million across items 9110-1630 and 9110-1633 must support recipients of the over-income home care cost-sharing program. That funding does not change the cost-sharing formula. Harbor Health Services also receives at least $150,000 to operate its all-inclusive elder care day centers, without changing enrollment rules.
Independent living help for blind residents
At least $1.1 million must support independent-living services for legally blind residents through qualified nonprofits. Services include rehabilitation, housing help, counseling, accessible devices, and technology. At least $500,000 must be available to the Carroll Center for the Blind. At least $300,000 must be available to MAB Community Services.
Intensive mental health care for youth
In fiscal year 2027, child-welfare officials must keep the same number of intensive and clinically intensive residential treatment programs as in 2026. The law also requires at least $4.7 million for assertive community treatment for people under age 22. Eligible youth must show serious emotional disturbance, difficulty consistently using less intensive care, and impaired functioning. They must also have a history of difficulty functioning safely and successfully in community, school, home, or work settings. Care must be team-based, person-centered, follow federal evidence-based standards as far as possible, reach beyond one location, and prioritize geographic fairness.
Lower pharmacy and Medicaid application costs
The state must spend funds to eliminate pharmacy copayments for all MassHealth members. The provision does not state when the copayments end. People requesting birth verification to establish Medicaid eligibility are exempt from the birth-verification fee.
Medication treatment funding in county facilities
The fiscal year 2027 budget provides $733,951 for medication-assisted treatment in Worcester County sheriff's facilities. Middlesex County facilities receive $1.539813 million for the same purpose. Each sheriff's office must report participant counts, medication types and doses, and medication costs by November 2, 2026. Funds cannot be spent through the budget's AA or DD spending categories.
Mental health services and inpatient beds
In FY2027, the Department of Mental Health must maintain at least 671 inpatient beds, including 45 continuing-care beds at Taunton. Federal grants provide about $20.07 million for community mental health, $576,400 for BSCA mental health grants, and $784,083 for System of Care. At least $250,000 supports Eliot Community Human Services' outpatient treatment program. It serves residents with serious, persistent mental illness and repeated law-enforcement contact or recurring mental-health hospital stays. Eliot treatment can be voluntary or court-ordered; the bed requirement does not guarantee an individual placement.
More family support and youth treatment
The law provides $35.1 million for family resource centers in fiscal year 2027, including expansion and new centers in coverage gaps. This includes at least $100,000 for Eliot Family Resource Center and at least $3.3 million for juvenile-court mental health advocacy. Centers must follow the funding item's selection and reporting requirements. At least $250,000 goes to Children's Services of Roxbury to expand statewide youth mental health and family stabilization services. That work aims to prevent out-of-home placements, mental health hospital stays, and child-welfare involvement.
More groups qualify for emergency aid
The law broadens potential eligibility for Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children. Listed groups include people 65 or older who have applied for benefits under chapter 118A. They also include certain disability caregivers and otherwise eligible MassAbility vocational rehabilitation participants. People with medically verified impairments that substantially reduce or eliminate self-support can qualify. Specified dependent children, parents, and caretakers ineligible for other listed aid programs are also included; benefit amounts are not stated.
More mental health access for youth
The law provides $1.8 million to The Samaritans for suicide prevention, youth outreach, and the Hey Sam text support line. It also requires at least $3.782 million to increase students' access to behavioral telehealth at school. By June 30, 2027, public health officials must report participation, use, service and staff costs, and third-party payments.
More nutrition funding for WIC families
The law adds about $15.5 million for Massachusetts WIC nutrition services, alongside federal funding. Women, infants, and children must meet federal WIC eligibility rules to receive services. The provision does not set a per-person benefit increase.
More substance use treatment and overdose help
At least $460,000 goes to the Boston Public Health Commission for 30 additional transitional support and clinical stabilization treatment beds. Twenty beds are for women and 10 are for men, with stays lasting up to 60 days. At least $1.5 million supports development and expansion of Massachusetts's licensed alcohol and drug counselor workforce. At least $1 million buys and distributes naloxone, a medicine that can reverse an overdose.
No fees for listed disability services
The Department of Developmental Services cannot charge user fees for transportation or community day services. It also cannot charge for eligibility decisions or applications and requests to transfer guardianship.
Optional income support for assisted living
The law allows state agencies to fund an optional Supplemental Security Income payment category for residents of certified assisted-living residences. The Department of Transitional Assistance and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services set income and clinical eligibility rules. Payments must be administered with the Medicaid group adult foster care benefit. Funding is optional, and the law states no payment amount or start date.
Path to larger retiree inflation adjustments
The maximum pension amount used to calculate cost-of-living increases starts at $13,000. The law provides a $1,000 increase after the required reserve credit and an actuarial check. The actuary must certify that reserve assets cover the added pension liability, including that year's required credit. The liability amount must first move to the Commonwealth's Pension Liability Fund. The higher base then takes effect July 1 of the next fiscal year; it is not a $1,000 benefit check.
Psychiatry support for children and parents
The law requires at least $4.375 million for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program in fiscal year 2027. This includes at least $675,000 for mental health support during pregnancy and after childbirth. That support includes substance-use education, training, consultation, and care coordination. At least $500,000 funds behavioral health consultation accessible to K–12 students and school staff.
Regional mental healthcare for incarcerated people
Fiscal year 2027 provides about $1.82 million for a regional behavioral evaluation and stabilization unit in existing Middlesex County facilities. It provides forensic mental-health services for people in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Nantucket, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk sheriff custody. Services are also available to people in Department of Correction custody. The Department of Mental Health must maintain monitoring and quality review.
Respite support for complex-care families
Early intervention funding includes respite for families of enrolled children with complex care requirements, multiple disabilities, and extensive medical needs. Low- and moderate-income families receive priority for respite. Eligibility cannot change before April 1, 2027, and lawmakers must receive written notice at least 180 days before changes. Family insurance status cannot determine eligibility. Services must use one delivery model and include interpretation and translation support.
Sponsor income cannot limit emergency aid
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children cannot count a sponsor’s income against recipients. The program also cannot impose related sponsor restrictions. This removes those barriers to aid, but the provision sets no payment amount.
Transportation covered for early intervention families
MassHealth must cover transportation costs for members participating in the early intervention program. This provision does not state a per-person dollar limit.
Wellness support for Suffolk correctional officers
The law funds a three-year, $2 million wellness pilot for correctional officers in the Suffolk sheriff's office. It includes training, peer support, added administrative support and supervision, behavioral-health referrals, and expanded services. The office must report on the pilot's effects by March 15, 2027. The funding is for services, not employee cash payments.
Work transitions get family cash support
The law allows extra aid for Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children households whose benefits drop after lost earnings. This applies when budgeting based on past income causes the benefit reduction. At least $1 million must fund cash and transportation help for newly employed clients. Each client can receive that transition help for no more than 12 months. Neither provision sets a payment amount per household.
Easier changes to some existing homes
Covered existing structures or residential uses can be expanded or changed without a special-permit authority's finding. Their zoning mismatch must involve lot size, shape, frontage, lot coverage, or floor-area ratio. The work must meet current height, story, and setback rules. The law also removes specified single- and two-family limits from these zoning protections and expressly includes structures.
Eviction legal help for low-income residents
The law provides $3 million for legal help in eviction cases for low-income tenants and owner-occupants. The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation can distribute the money to designated nonprofit groups, subject to appropriation. The funding increases access to lawyers but does not guarantee representation for every eligible person.
Families keep shelter aid during appeals
Families already receiving shelter aid can keep receiving aid after being found ineligible for continuing benefits. They must file a timely appeal under the state housing appeals process. Aid remains available while that appeal is pending.
Funding floors for veterans' housing services
Each covered veterans' homelessness service must receive at least its FY2026 appropriation in FY2027. At least $175,000 goes to Volunteers of America of Massachusetts for transitional employment development. That work serves people recovering from mental health and substance use disorders. At least $914,000 goes to the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts Service Fund. It supports three veterans homes, counseling, benefits assistance, and other support for disabled veterans and their families.
Funding for renters using federal vouchers
The law provides $588 million for Massachusetts's federally funded Housing Choice Voucher and Moving to Work Program. It also provides $11.5 million for the Federal Housing Voucher Program. These funds support participating renters, but these provisions do not set household voucher amounts or eligibility rules.
Help families avoid and leave shelters
The law provides $5 million for services that help homeless families avoid emergency assistance shelters. Services target families eligible, or likely to become eligible, under item 7004-0101, according to executive office guidance. Families entering shelter, a motel, or a hotel must receive housing-search help aimed at lasting placement within 4 weeks. After more than 32 weeks of assistance, families must have an actionable plan for moving into a lasting tenancy or safe residence. These requirements do not guarantee a placement within 4 weeks.
Higher rent limits for voucher renters
Beginning July 1, 2026, rent limits for mobile vouchers issued or leased from that date are 110% of applicable fair market rent. The federal benchmark uses unit size and either area-wide or small-area rents, updated annually. For vouchers already leased, the limit applies on the lease anniversary. The agency must find the requested rent reasonable. A household member’s disability may support a reasonable accommodation.
Home energy rebates and weatherization funding
The FY2027 budget funds two federal home energy rebate grants through the Department of Energy Resources. Funding is about $13.66 million for the IRA-50121 HER grant and $16.12 million for the IRA-50122 HEAR grant. The law also provides $10.5 million for Weatherization Assistance for Low Income Persons. Another $8 million supports the federal infrastructure law's weatherization program. These provisions do not set household rebate amounts, weatherization values, or detailed eligibility rules.
Housing access rules for state voucher renters
State rental voucher recipients who were at least 60 on June 30, 2026, get first preference for elderly public housing. Every housing authority operating that housing must apply the preference to units vacant on the law's effective date and later. The preference does not guarantee a unit. The law also requires reassignment when use of a mobile state rental voucher ends.
Housing and cash help for homeless youth
The law provides about $10.54 million in fiscal year 2027 for housing and services for unaccompanied youth. At least $100,000 must fund BAY-CASH direct cash assistance for unaccompanied homeless youth. The law does not set a payment amount for each young person.
Housing help for disability-related needs
The law directs money to rental subsidies for Department of Mental Health clients. At least $250,000 expands low-threshold safe-haven housing for people with mental illness who have been chronically homeless in Boston. They must be living in a Boston emergency shelter or on the streets. Fiscal year 2027 funding also includes $6 million for federally funded Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities and $377,577 for Shelter Plus Care. These provisions do not set individual subsidy amounts.
Housing help for homeless people with disorders
The law requires at least $10 million in fiscal year 2027 for low-threshold Housing First housing. It serves homeless people with both substance use and mental health disorders who are at risk of HIV. The law does not set an individual subsidy amount or application process.
Housing help for people leaving prison
The law provides $3.32 million for a reentry housing pilot, including rental subsidies. Participants must join specified state-funded programs or qualifying nonprofit programs serving people returning from county facilities or state prison. At least $200,000 supports Justice 4 Housing services, and at least $120,000 supports a kinship reentry pilot. The kinship pilot works with the Department of Correction, and total spending cannot exceed the appropriation.
Housing support for families and youth
The law provides $6 million for the federally funded Family Unification Program in fiscal year 2027. It also provides $1.5 million for the federally funded Foster Youth to Independence grant. At least $250,000 continues supportive housing for unaccompanied homeless young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ or are questioning. These provisions fund programs, not fixed payments to each household.
Housing support for mental health clients
The FY2027 budget provides about $17.55 million in rental subsidies for eligible Department of Mental Health clients. The state must set subsidy amounts so payments and commitments stay within that budget. It also provides $700,758 for the federally funded Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS Program. These provisions do not set individual assistance amounts or detailed eligibility rules.
Permanent housing help for homeless people
The law provides $5 million to help homeless individuals move quickly into lasting housing. Programs may include job training, temporary help, and permanent supportive housing, and must use providers contracted under item 7004-0102. Up to $2.1 million may sustain low-threshold, provider-sponsored housing leases for people experiencing homelessness. Those leases must have been linked to earlier pay-for-success projects funded through the Social Innovation Financing Trust Fund.
Rent protection for older Somerville residents
At least $200,000 continues Somerville's short-term housing bridge pilot for residents age 60 or older. Households must face eviction because they cannot consistently pay rent and have income no higher than 80% of area median income. They must also qualify for housing under item 7004-9005 or 7004-9024. While receiving help, households cannot be required to pay more than 30% of monthly adjusted income for rent.
Shelter protections for families and children
Approved households must be placed as close to home as possible unless they request otherwise. For placements over 20 miles away, the state must make best efforts, where practicable, to transfer households within 20 miles promptly. The state must notify the local school department within 5 days and make every effort to keep children in their former schools. It must try to provide refrigeration and cooking facilities; hotel or motel placements require a compliant crib for each child under 3. Funds support disability accommodations and hotel stays when contracted shelter beds are unavailable.
Care provider funding must support workers
Human service providers receiving chapter 257 revenue must use at least 75% for direct-care, frontline, medical, and clinical staff compensation. Allowed uses include hourly pay increases, benefits, shift pay, overtime, hiring and retention bonuses, and recruitment. The rule does not guarantee any worker a specific raise.
Career scholarships and adult college aid
The law provides $5 million in scholarships for public college students pursuing careers identified as in-demand by the state's labor-market study. At least $1.5 million supports municipal-college students seeking an associate degree or certificate. These students must be at least 25 on the first day of classes, have no college degree, and take at least six credits. This reserved aid covers remaining tuition and fees after all non-loan aid is used. It also includes an allowance for books, supplies, and other expenses.
Disability services support jobs and transportation
The Department of Developmental Services must prioritize transportation based on need. It must support people moving from sheltered-workshop services to community-based jobs. Partnerships with employers and nonprofits must encourage independence and community participation. The provision does not state a funding amount.
Expense support for shelter workers
The law funds help overcoming barriers to getting and keeping shelter-related jobs. Support can include transportation, loan repayment, tuition or certification-fee reimbursement, and child care. At least $5 million must be available to shelters contracted under item 7004-0101. Another $5 million minimum goes to shelters contracted under item 7004-0102. The law does not guarantee a payment to each worker or job seeker.
Financial aid for public college students
The law provides $85 million for financial aid to Massachusetts students attending public higher-education institutions. State scholarship rules set who qualifies and how much each student gets. Fiscal year 2027 academic-year funds must be distributed by August 31, 2026. The funding also supports an office that collects data and develops ways to help students finish college.
Funding for early college and careers
The law provides $15.2 million in fiscal year 2027 to develop, launch, and expand early college and career programs. Programs must follow pathway principles jointly developed by the state education and higher education departments. Priority goes to programs serving students underrepresented in college. Funding includes at least $175,000 for Westfield State University nursing and health science pathways. It also includes $25,000 for the Cape Cod Maritime Museum's Blue Economy History summer program.
Job help after care or incarceration
The child welfare department may spend up to $2 million in retained revenue on transitional employment services and administration. It may contract with Roca, Inc. to serve people leaving care, parolees, probationers, youth service releasees, and other residents needing employment help. Separately, criminal-records funding may support formerly incarcerated people in finding and keeping jobs. The criminal justice information commissioner may award competitive grants for related training, education, and criminal-record assistance. Neither program sets an individual payment or guarantees services.
Loan help supports behavioral health workers
The Department of Mental Health must create loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement for clinical behavioral health workers. Covered roles include nurse practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, peer counselors, and behavioral health navigators. The department sets eligibility criteria; the provision does not state award amounts or a program start date. Separately, at least $500,000 funds a culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse mental-health workforce pipeline linking hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and local colleges. The Department of Public Health must name the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association to administer that pipeline program.
Monthly support for community college trainees
The TRAIN grant program reserves at least $1.5 million for monthly participant stipends and support services. The law does not set individual stipend amounts. Program administration cannot exceed $100,000. The Department of Higher Education must seek proposals to add community colleges in fiscal year 2027.
More parents qualify for job services
Former family cash-assistance recipients may keep receiving employment and training services for up to one year after benefits end. Services may also reach noncustodial parents whose dependent children receive Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Eligible parents under 18 include some excluded from cash assistance because of their grandparents’ income.
More uses for workforce training funds
The Workforce Investment Trust Fund can support existing state or quasi-public workforce programs serving the populations specified in law. It can also support internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning or training. Programs must strengthen workforce opportunities or address skills gaps and readiness in priority economic sectors. Competitive grants are limited to recipients eligible under the fund's grant rules; no grant amount is specified.
Public retiree earnings threshold rises
The law raises the specified annual earnings threshold from $15,000 to $25,000 for covered public retirees. The $10,000 increase applies under chapter 32, sections 91 and 91A. It does not replace the other rules governing retirees’ earnings or benefits.
Stronger wage enforcement for construction workers
The law directs at least $500,000 in FY2027 to a specialized prevailing-wage and construction enforcement unit. The Attorney General's unit must assign at least two investigators each to eastern, central, and western Massachusetts. It must also have a supervising investigator and an assistant attorney general in Boston. A report on enforcement actions and construction violation trends is due February 26, 2027. This supports enforcement of covered workers' existing wage protections, not a stated wage increase.
Veteran court employees gain statutory rights
The law extends chapter 30, section 9A veteran rights to qualifying trial court employees outside the chapter 31 system. Veterans must have held their position for at least one year and completed 30 years of creditable Commonwealth service. Elective jobs, fixed-term appointments, and positions covered by chapter 30, section 7 are excluded. The provision does not state a dollar value for these rights.
Small businesses get help starting composting
The law provides at least $150,000 for environmental department grants helping small businesses implement composting. Grants may pay for containers, education, technical help, regular food-waste pickup, and similar activities. Farm and food-service businesses receive priority. The law does not set individual award amounts.
Funding for disaster preparation and recovery
FY2027 funding supports named emergency and disaster projects, not set payments to individual households. FFY24 Emergency Management Performance EOC receives $7 million; FFY24 EOC receives $700,000; FY23 regional catastrophic preparedness receives $800,000. Hazardous-materials transportation receives $600,000, and FY23 emergency operations centers receive $1.5 million. January 2022 snowstorm mitigation receives $100,000 and $500,000; COVID-19 declaration mitigation management receives $1 million. FY2022 pre-disaster mitigation management and projects receive $250,000 and $5 million; FY2023 allocations are $250,000 and $15 million. FY11 competitive pre-disaster projects receive $11.9 million; FY2024 pre-disaster mitigation receives $4.2 million. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities management receives $500,000 for 2020, $100,000 for 2021, and $1 million for FY22. That program's project allocations are $4 million and $100,000; FY2022 receives $12 million, and FY2023 receives $397,500. Hurricane Sandy work receives $700,000; February 2013 storm work receives $5 million. March 2018 storm and flood work receives $200,000 and $8 million. COVID-19 pandemic grants receive $5 million and $2 million; pandemic hazard-mitigation projects receive $30 million. January 26–28 severe winter storm work receives $10 million. Funds are restricted to the named grants and projects.
Funding targets overloaded child welfare offices
The law provides about $320.87 million in fiscal year 2027 for specified Department of Children and Families social-worker costs. Funds must target area offices furthest above the statewide weighted caseload standard. They must move toward the stated statewide ratio of 15 social workers to one caseload unit. Only bargaining unit 8 employees can be paid from this funding.
New highway safeguards against wrong-way driving
Massachusetts transportation officials must create and maintain a plan to prevent wrong-way driving on limited-access roads. It includes road features, detection and warning systems, and messages for drivers. A multiyear rollout must rank ramps and intersections by risk, including past incidents and road defects. The department must update the plan at least every three years. Annual reports are required for at least five years after the law takes effect.
Energy bill assistance for low-income households
The law allocates $166 million for the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Massachusetts. It also allocates $7 million for the program’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding stream. Both allocations support home energy assistance for low-income households. These provisions do not set household awards or individual eligibility details.
Funding support for hospital safety-net care
Certain hospitals can receive up to $70 million for uncompensated care through federally allowed funding methods under state regulations. Those funding sources must be separate from Health Safety Net Trust Fund money. By October 1, 2026, the comptroller must transfer General Fund money to that trust fund for initial payments to qualifying acute care hospitals. The transfer is the greater of $45 million or one-twelfth of this act’s required spending on hospitals and community health centers. Payments precede hospitals’ gross fund liability for the hospital year starting October 1, 2026; the transfer and any allocation must return to the General Fund by June 30, 2027.
Home care and dementia support funding
The law provides $299.288931 million in FY2027 for home care and other services for older adults. This includes the Community Transition Liaison Program. At least $300,000 goes to the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Alzheimer’s association chapter for a dementia care coordination program. The program must use proven methods and aims to reduce hospital visits and delay long-term care placement. These appropriations do not set individual payment amounts.
MassHealth funding for providers and services
The law transfers $548.0324 million to the Medical Assistance Trust Fund for services and provider payments. It supports public hospital transformation, health equity incentives, and Medicaid care organization payments. Up to $494.8 million may reach the Cambridge Public Health Commission, directly or through Medicaid care organizations. First, the commission must voluntarily transfer an equal non-federal share from a federally allowed source. Payments depend on available federal matching money and must follow federally approved methods, funding rules, payment limits, and applicable agreements.
Nutrition funding for women and children
The law provides $136 million for the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program in FY2027. It also provides $450,000 for the Farmers Market Coupon Program. The WIC funding does not change eligibility or set household benefit amounts. The coupon funding does not specify who qualifies or how much each household receives.
Operating grants support child care providers
The law provides $475 million in child care provider operating grants for fiscal year 2027. Awards follow the formula in chapter 15D, section 20. Providers must answer Department of Early Education and Care data requests and surveys to qualify. The department must collect information about enrollment, workers, families, awards, and spending. These grants fund provider operations, not fixed household payments.
State helps districts cover special education
The law provides about $654.645 million for extraordinary special education cost reimbursements to school districts. Fiscal year 2027 reimbursements cover eligible instructional costs and 75% of eligible required out-of-district transportation costs. District payments use fiscal year 2026 claims after required cost reports arrive. Payments may be reduced proportionally to stay within the appropriation. This is district funding, not a direct payment to families.
Unemployment agencies receive operating support
The law allocates $103.4 million for the federally funded Unemployment Insurance Administration grant. This money supports Massachusetts agencies that administer unemployment insurance. It does not change who qualifies or how much claimants receive.
Federal funding supports Massachusetts capital projects
For fiscal year 2027, the law allocates about $170.919 million for the federally funded Capital Projects Fund. The provision does not name the projects, household beneficiaries, or a distribution formula.
Federal grants fund Massachusetts broadband deployment
For fiscal year 2027, the law allocates about $142.23 million and $1.43 million for federally funded broadband deployment grants. Both allocations support the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. The provisions do not name coverage locations, household eligibility, or a distribution formula.
Regional transit gets operating and service funds
The law provides $217.45 million for regional transit in fiscal year 2027, including at least $66 million for service improvements. Improvements include expanded hours, weekend service, and routes. Within the funding, $123.45 million supports operations; $94 million follows fiscal year 2026 distributions under updated agreements. Each authority’s operating assistance must at least match fiscal year 2026, with prior-year equitable assistance included in its baseline. Authorities with proportionately low assistance compared with net service costs can receive extra support. Remaining funds are split by ridership (60%), member-community population (30%), and service-area size (10%). Each authority must submit its latest audited financial statement by January 6, 2027; the law sets no individual fare reduction.
Retirement systems must fund cost-of-living reserves
State employee and teacher retirement systems must put 7.5% of excess investment income into cost-of-living reserves annually, before other required transfers. Other Massachusetts retirement systems can adopt the rule through required board votes and legislative-body approvals. Once a reserve meets the certified present value of the specified added liabilities, money must move to the Pension Reserve Fund. Other adopting systems stop further 7.5% transfers after that required transfer. The rule funds retirement liabilities; it does not promise an individual benefit increase.
State reserve pays eligible Massachusetts Turnpike costs
The law sets aside $125 million for Massachusetts transportation officials to cover eligible Turnpike costs in fiscal year 2027. Costs must fall under section 138 of chapter 27 of the acts of 2009. The reserve covers the Turnpike Authority or its successor. It does not establish a toll change or direct household payment.
Higher nursing home care and workforce payments
For fiscal year 2027, nursing facility Medicaid rates must total at least $342.1 million above the June 30, 2002 rate baseline. At least $25 million must support additional base-rate payments for resident care and workforce costs, including wages, hiring, and training. Those payments exceed the rate established in October 2025 and supplemented in January 2026. The money goes to facilities, not directly to residents or workers.
Higher provider rates support care workers
The law provides $175 million for human service provider rate increases in fiscal year 2027. Funding preference goes to personnel earning less than $20 per hour. Eligible work includes home care and specified direct-care services for people experiencing homelessness, families, and veterans. Funds exclude special education, early education and care contracts, specified class-rate programs, and contracts funded only by federal grants. The law does not set an individual worker's payment.
Transportation funded for human services clients
Fiscal year 2027 provides $449.596838 million for transportation for Massachusetts health and human services clients. Departments must use transferred money only for client transportation. When practical, the state must encourage reduced-fare MBTA programs and fare-free regional transit services. The law does not set an individual transportation payment.
Charter school reimbursements support local budgets
The law provides about $200.4 million for fiscal year 2027 charter tuition and school-facility reimbursements to local governments and districts. It requires payment of at least 100% of the eligible state obligation, with a $1,288-per-pupil facility component. If funds fall short, first priority goes to first-year tuition for students previously privately schooled or homeschooled, then required sibling tuition. Facility payments follow, then the 100% tuition-increase reimbursement, then remaining increase reimbursements starting with the newest year. Families do not receive these payments directly.
Federal grants fund student learning support
For fiscal year 2027, the law funds named federal education grants, not direct household payments. Major amounts include about $302.606 million for Title I Basic, $339.339 million for special education, and $10.888 million for preschool grants. It provides about $13.644 million for adult education and family literacy; $31.888 million for teacher quality; $19.715 million for language instruction; $20.050 million for community learning centers; and $20.924 million for student support and academic enrichment. Other grants receive about $1.330 million for migrant children; $900,459 for neglected children and orphans; $1.383 million for Stronger Connections; $6.836 million for state assessments; $2.129 million for homeless children and youth; $23.338 million for Perkins V career education; $8.161 million for equitable literacy; and $2.082 million for science assessments. The law also funds the Common Core Data Project at $210,569, adolescent-health promotion at $107,500, and migrant education consortium grants at $58,794.
State sets school aid funding rules
For fiscal year 2027, Chapter 70 school aid follows the law’s district tables and funding rules. Districts receive the greater of foundation aid or base aid plus minimum aid of $160 per pupil. Low-income enrollment includes qualifying students found through supplemental claims and students identified as homeless. Calculations assume special education enrollment of 5% for vocational students and 4% for other students, using fiscal year 2026 municipal revenue-growth methods. Non-operating districts cannot receive more than their foundation budget, the calculated school funding need.
Cash aid barred after child removal
A family cannot receive Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children after a court-ordered child removal following a care and protection hearing. An adult also cannot qualify solely because dependent children were temporarily removed through Department of Children and Families procedures.
Funding limit for some MassHealth children
This funding item cannot pay for children and teens covered by chapter 118E, section 9A(2)(c), above 150% of the federal poverty level. The state health and human services office determines household income. This restriction applies to this funding item; it does not itself end all MassHealth eligibility or coverage.
Possible dental coverage limits for adults
Beginning in fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts can limit specified federally optional adult dental services. This authority also covers services included in MassHealth Basic on January 1, 2002. MassHealth and the Health Safety Net can set per-patient dental caps, but no cap can be below $1,750. Emergency services must be exempt, and additional exemptions are allowed. This provision authorizes limits; it does not require a $1,750 cap.
Seniors pay income-based home care fees
Qualified older adults receiving home care must pay sliding-scale fees. The secretary of aging and independence can waive collection for extreme financial hardship. Home care organizations can keep up to $16 million in fee revenue for the program without reallocation. The provision does not set an individual's fee.
Retirees get revised cost-of-living calculations
Certain retirement cost-of-living calculations replace a fixed $13,000 amount with the maximum base established under the revised rules. The calculations also account for specified additional benefits. The effect on a retiree's adjustment depends on that base and their benefit calculation; a larger payment is not guaranteed.
Community care options for adults in crisis
The Department of Mental Health can spend up to $19 million on emergency room diversion to stabilize adults in crisis. It must discharge an inpatient client to community residential care when the client is clinically suited to a more integrated setting. Community capacity must provide equal or better care, at no greater cost to the state than inpatient care. Clients transferred because of a facility closure must receive equal or greater care.
Veterans medical aid requires another application
People seeking veterans' benefits for services covered by chapter 118E must also apply for medical assistance under that chapter. Veterans' agents must prepare and file the applications. The state health office must decide eligibility and notify the applicant and agent. Chapter 115 medical help can continue while an application is pending. The veterans' services secretary can supplement chapter 118E coverage when needed to provide sufficient relief and support.
Housing aid appeals and identity requirements
Families denied short-term housing help can appeal through the state housing appeals process. Families found ineligible for continuing benefits can receive aid while a timely appeal is pending. The state may request household members' Social Security numbers to verify income and eligibility. A family becomes ineligible if a member fails to provide a requested number.
New zoning exception standards and deadlines
After a public hearing, local authorities must grant a zoning exception when they find strict enforcement causes practical difficulty. They must weigh applicant and public benefits, including housing, against neighborhood harm and consider the law's factors. Otherwise prohibited nonresidential uses still need local authorization for use exceptions, apart from qualifying pre-1976 exceptions. Rights generally expire after two years, excluding specified permit and appeal delays. A written request before expiration can receive one extension of up to two years.
Rental voucher limits and replacement options
State rental voucher eligibility is limited to households earning no more than 80% of area median income. The state may reserve at least 75% of new vouchers for households at or below 30% at initial occupancy. That targeting rule is optional. Eligible tenants in project-based units may receive mobile vouchers when their assistance contracts expire because they are not renewed. Eligibility does not guarantee a voucher award.
Shelter aid ends after adequate offers
Temporary emergency aid ends when available housing or other help sufficient to maintain or stabilize housing is offered. Declining an adequate offer makes a family ineligible. Families cannot be required to accept housing that fails to accommodate family size or disabilities. They also cannot be required to accept an offer that causes the client to lose a job.
Shelter families must build protected savings
Families receiving emergency housing assistance must put 30% of their income into a savings account. Reasonable exceptions apply under executive office regulations in effect in fiscal year 2027. These savings do not count against otherwise applicable asset limits. Families may withdraw the money when they move into permanent housing or lose shelter eligibility.
Shelter status checks with urgent exceptions
Families must establish Massachusetts residency and intent to stay, and meet citizenship or immigration-status requirements. Covered statuses include U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and permanent residence under color of law; a qualifying child provides an exception. Before placement, the state must verify identity, residency, family relationships, pregnancy status, and other eligibility details. The state need not provide shelter before verification is supplied. It may waive checks case by case for imminent domestic violence, documented disability, qualifying veterans outside veteran-specific services, or high-risk pregnancy or recent childbirth.
Voucher payments and minimum rent shares
Voucher amounts may reflect household size, composition, income, and location; approved rent limits may reach 110% of fair market rent. Without a state payment standard or utility allowance, minimum contributions are at least 25% of net income without owner-provided utilities. The minimum is 30% when the owner provides utilities. Voucher payments cannot exceed rent minus the household's minimum obligation. This provision sets no general maximum income share for mobile-voucher rent; the separate initial lease-up limit still applies.
Voucher rent shares and subsidy protections
Project-based voucher households generally pay 30% of monthly net income toward gross rent, subject to limits from other subsidies. State payment standards can reach 110% of area-wide or small-area fair market rent; gross rent includes allowed tenant-paid utilities. Mobile-voucher households first leasing above that standard cannot be required to pay over 40% of monthly adjusted income, but may later choose more. Disability accommodations are allowed, and tenants staying in the same unit without a voucher-size change are protected from cuts caused by lower federal rent estimates. Agencies must receive at least $50 per voucher monthly for administration, and inspection costs cannot reduce household subsidies.
Zoning approval protections and use deadlines
Building-permit projects keep protection from later zoning changes when work or use starts within 24 months of the last needed permit. That clock pauses while applicants actively seek or obtain other needed permits; special permits and site plan approvals generally allow three years. Construction must continue reasonably quickly, including between phases; substantial site or infrastructure investment can start qualifying redevelopment. Permit-related rules also cover other zoning approvals, and specified notices can be sent electronically. Towns may regulate nonconforming uses or structures after at least four years of abandonment or nonuse.
Veteran judges can buy pension credit
Qualifying veteran judges and justices can count up to four military-service years toward the minimum service for a judicial pension. Each credited year costs 10% of regular annual pay when they entered the retirement system. Payments must be made before or within one year of vesting. National Guard and active reserve service use a five-years-for-one-year conversion, with an agreement allowed within five years of the last qualifying event. Service already credited in another Massachusetts chapter 32 retirement system cannot count again.
New capital gains revenue allocation formula
The state changes its formula for identifying excess capital gains tax revenue. It uses 95% of average final certified revenue from the prior 10 fiscal years, including the latest completed year. The average is adjusted for inflation using the national GDP price index. This replaces the earlier five-year economic-growth measure and changes revenue allocation among state funds, not individual tax bills. The law separately sets the FY2027 excess capital gains threshold at $2.25 billion.
Candidates gain stronger home address privacy
Public copies of nomination certificates and papers must hide street addresses and other details identifying candidates' homes. Disclosure requires the prescribed written certification, signed under penalties of perjury, solely to verify or challenge legal qualifications. Specified election materials identify elective-office and state committee candidates by municipality, and county-office candidates by city or town. Ward or town committee candidates and city or town-office candidates are identified by ward or precinct.
Crime victims keep advocacy and compensation
SAFEPLAN advocacy services must stay at least at FY2026 levels during FY2027. Crime victims who were at least 60 when the crime occurred can qualify for compensation without out-of-pocket loss. They must be neither employed nor receiving unemployment compensation. Compensation under this rule is capped at $50.
Free calls through county correctional facilities
Covered calls and other communications through nine county sheriffs' facilities are free to both the sender and recipient. FY2027 funding is Hampshire $108,712; Berkshire $429,193; Franklin $392,076; Essex $1.552291 million; and Barnstable $567,296. Funding also includes Dukes $15,152; Norfolk $784,043; Plymouth $1.199999 million; and Suffolk $2.191927 million. Services follow the state's correctional communication law. Hampshire, Berkshire, Franklin, Essex, and Barnstable funds cannot be spent through budget spending categories AA or DD.
Free communications for three county facilities
Covered calls and other communications in Hampden, Worcester, and Middlesex sheriff's facilities are free to both sides. The law provides $538,188 for Hampden, about $1.56 million for Worcester, and about $1.53 million for Middlesex. These funds cannot be spent through the AA or DD budget object classes.
Legal help and support after wrongful convictions
The law provides $3.370268 million for Prisoners' Legal Services, which offers legal help to incarcerated people. It also provides $250,000 to the New England Innocence Project to support people cleared of crimes. Neither appropriation sets an individual award or guaranteed amount of assistance.
Local veterans get transportation and space
The law funds a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus for veterans in Carver. This provision does not state the funding amount, fares, or rider eligibility rules. Scituate receives at least $50,000 to renovate and convert its WPA building into a veterans’ space. Scituate’s work must be coordinated with the state veterans’ services office.
Public access to child welfare decisions
The Department of Children and Families must maintain a timely, independent, and fair administrative hearing system. Hearing records with personal information removed must be available to the public during regular business hours. After a written request, the department must provide copies of decisions within 30 days. It must remove identifying information and follow federal privacy rules.
Service notices for rape victims
Rape victims must be told about all available services designed to help them. This includes victim services provided under state law. The requirement provides information about assistance, not a specified cash payment.
Young adults keep child welfare support
The Department of Children and Families must maintain existing services for people aging out of care. This duty applies only as far as existing appropriations allow. The provision does not identify services or guarantee a specific service level.
No first-offense safe-driver point surcharge
Safe-driver insurance plans cannot impose an unsafe-driver-point surcharge for a policyholder’s first qualifying non-criminal traffic offense. The protection covers non-criminal motor vehicle traffic violations described in Massachusetts traffic citation law. It does not cover later offenses or eliminate traffic fines.
Annual supplements for longtime public pension retirees
After the required Cost of Living Reserve Fund transfer to the Pension Reserve Fund, eligible public pension retirees receive annual supplements. Payments are $100 for 10–under 15 full years retired, $200 for 15–under 20, and $300 for 20 or more. Retirement duration is measured on June 30 of the prior fiscal year, and recipients must receive a cost-of-living increase. Generally, retirees must have retired before July 1, 2020, have 20 years of credited service, and receive less than 80% of average annual salary. Qualifying disability retirees can have fewer service years; retirement boards determine surviving beneficiary eligibility. State employee and teacher systems are covered; other systems need board majority approval, legislative approval, and acceptance of the reserve-funding provisions. County and regional systems use the specified advisory-council approval process.
Care home residents keep personal allowance
State funds must maintain a $72.80 monthly personal needs allowance for eligible nursing home and rest home residents. Residents must qualify for MassHealth, Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children, or Supplemental Security Income.
Care protections for seniors and disabilities
MassHealth pays nursing facilities for up to 20 medical leave days and 10 non-medical leave days. Hospital observation counts as medical leave only after 24 hours, and facilities cannot reassign beds during reimbursable leave. Further cuts to MassHealth’s personal care attendant program need agreement from a majority of its working group. This does not guarantee an individual care level. The pre-admission counseling and assessment program must operate statewide through the Aging and Disability Resource Consortia.
Expense help for SNAP job training
SNAP Path to Work can pay or reimburse expenses needed for program participation. Expenses must be reasonably necessary and directly tied to participation. The law does not set payment limits or a reimbursement formula.
Family care comes first for children
When children need placement outside a parent’s care, the child welfare department must give relatives and family-circle placements highest priority. It must provide the chosen family resource with services and support. Before placing children referred by or discharged from the mental health department, that department must assess and recommend foster or group care. Both departments must work together on that assessment. Before recommending group care, review teams must consider community services whenever possible; funds can support in-home help and stabilization.
Family support funding in Boston
Smart from the Start receives $500,000 for young children and families in underserved Boston communities. Services support healthy child development, family support across generations, and community engagement. The services take families' experiences of trauma into account. The law does not set a payment for each family.
Financial help for injured firefighters
Injured firefighters can receive financial assistance through the state treasurer's office. The provision does not state the amount, payment formula, or payment date.
Free diapers for low-income Boston families
The law provides at least $25,000 to Beantown Baby Diaper Bank for its free diaper program. The program serves low-income families in Boston and surrounding communities. This provision does not set an income cutoff or the amount and length of help per family.
Funding expands menstrual equity services
The law directs at least $150,000 to the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women. The money sustains and expands its menstrual equity program. This provision does not specify an individual benefit amount.
Funding supports refugee cash and healthcare
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $28.6 million for federally funded refugee cash and medical assistance. It also provides about $1.22 million for federally funded refugee health promotion. The grants support the Office for Refugees and Immigrants and refugees served by these programs. These provisions do not state individual benefit amounts or eligibility rules.
Holyoke veterans get an independent advocate
The law funds an ombudsman’s office at the Massachusetts Veterans Home in Holyoke. The office provides an independent, impartial, and confidential resource for residents and the home’s community. This provision does not state the funding amount.
Home visits and learning support for families
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $18.116603 million for newborn and postnatal home visits and parenting education. Low-income parents receive service priority; funding can also support staff retention, workforce incentives, and direct family services. Parent-Child Plus, also called the Parent-Child Home Program, receives $4.25 million. Reach Out and Read receives $1.75 million, requiring at least $1 in private or corporate contributions per state dollar. These programs do not provide a set cash payment to each family.
Island patients get medical transportation funding
The law directs funds to Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for transportation to off-island medical care. This includes transportation for patients with behavioral-health conditions. This provision does not state the funding amount or help available to each patient.
Local grants support mental healthcare access
Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer receives at least $17,000 for open-access emergency department mental-health follow-up hours and a walk-in clinic. In fiscal year 2027, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services receives at least $75,000 for mental-health services in Massachusetts. Boston Community Pediatrics receives at least $50,000 for its Integrated Behavioral Health program. These grants do not establish individual payment amounts.
Lottery funds support compulsive gambling treatment
The law authorizes up to $500,000 for a compulsive gambling treatment program. Funding comes from specified unclaimed lottery prizes and proceeds from a multi-jurisdictional lottery game. Unclaimed prizes can fund treatment only after more than one year from the drawing date. The law does not set a benefit amount for each person.
MassHealth keeps vision and chiropractic services
In fiscal year 2027, MassHealth must keep CarePlus vision services at the fiscal year 2026 level. For primary care clinician program members, optional chiropractic services must remain at the fiscal year 2016 level. Those chiropractic services must be included in the state plan or demonstration program in effect on January 1, 2002. These provisions do not state visit limits or dollar amounts.
Meals and farm food for seniors
The law provides about $14.01 million for elder nutrition in FY2027. At least $750,000 must support Meals on Wheels, and at least $100,000 must support the senior farm share program. Another $520,000 funds the federal Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. These provisions do not set individual benefit amounts or full eligibility rules.
Mental health help for older adults
The law provides about $2.46 million for geriatric mental health services in FY2027. Services are for older adults living in the community who have mental health needs. The program offers outreach, counseling, help managing resources, and help finding services.
More community mental health support funding
In fiscal year 2027, at least $1.2 million supports continued staffing growth at Mass211. At least $75,000 supports expanded services at the Mental Health Collaborative. The law also directs at least $250,000 to expand Healthy Lives at the Brookline Community Mental Health Center. These grants support information and services, but do not guarantee a household's access or payment.
Nutrition help for qualifying low-income workers
The law provides a nutrition benefit for low-income workers. The agency can provide it only when receipt improves the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families work participation rate. This provision does not state the benefit amount or payment schedule.
Oversight of mental health medicine limits
The Commissioner of Mental Health must approve prior authorization and other restrictions on medicines used to treat mental illness. Approval follows the department's written policies, procedures, and regulations. The law does not set a specific coverage level or change patient costs.
Paid donor leave for state employees
Commonwealth employees who participate in a bone marrow donor program can take up to five days of paid leave. The leave covers the procedure and physical recovery. Their pay cannot be reduced.
Primary care funding for uninsured residents
At least $250,000 goes to Volunteer Medical Group of Eastern Massachusetts for startup costs and primary care. Services are for uninsured patients in Allston, Brighton, Watertown, and Waltham. The law does not specify how much care each patient receives.
Safer aftercare planning for mental health
The Department of Mental Health must require development of service standards for safe aftercare options. These standards concern adults leaving acute inpatient mental health care. The law does not promise a specific aftercare service or patient payment.
School breakfast access for qualifying children
The law funds free, nutritious breakfast for all children at participating elementary schools required to serve breakfast. At least 60% of students must qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Breakfast is served during regular school hours under state education rules, but this program creates no enforceable right to service. Public schools required to serve breakfast with the same 60% threshold must offer it after classes begin and the tardy bell rings.
Suicide prevention services funded for military personnel
The law directs at least $300,000 from the military division appropriation to suicide prevention services for military personnel. The funding supports services rather than a set payment to each person.
Summer meal grants help feed children
The law funds grants to improve summer food programs for children. Priority goes to programs that run through the full summer vacation and increase participation. Applicants must intend to offer full-summer service or serve more children. The department must choose grant recipients by April 1, 2027; no individual meal benefit is guaranteed.
Support for families facing sickle cell
The law provides $250,000 for the Office of Health Equity in fiscal year 2027. At least $250,000 is designated for the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association. The money supports family services, advocacy, awareness campaigns, and staff expansion. It does not establish a fixed payment to families.
Tewksbury Hospital service revenue supports disability care
The Department of Public Health can spend up to $4.489889 million in Tewksbury Hospital service payments. The money supports care for Department of Developmental Services clients, including behavioral health and continued short-term medical rehabilitation. Spending cannot exceed the authorization or the latest revenue estimate in the state accounting system, whichever is lower.
Year-round enrollment for prescription assistance
People who qualify for Prescription Advantage can enroll at any time during the year. The law does not change who qualifies. For eligible participants with other prescription coverage, benefits paid by the Executive Office of Aging and Independence or its administrators pay last. This payment order applies unless state or federal law prohibits it; the provision does not specify a change in patient costs.
Funding for regional housing counseling centers
The law funds housing services and counseling through nine regional housing consumer education centers. Grants use a competitive process with criteria set by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. At least $200,000 supports coordination and technology for the Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts. That money supports the network rather than direct household payments.
Housing support for youth leaving care
At least $300,000 supports young people aging out of Children and Families or Youth Services care or custody. Services must include case management and direct housing help as these young people enter adulthood. Another $400,000 funds a federal grant to improve services for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The law does not set individual payments.
Recovery housing support for Boston residents
At least $2.24 million goes to Boston for a supportive recovery housing grant program. The grants support contracted service coordinators serving people seeking to continue their recovery. This includes people living in sober or halfway housing. The law does not set individual assistance amounts or the number served.
Senior housing sites stay open
The supportive senior housing program must keep the same number of sites in fiscal year 2027 as in 2026. These sites must be in state- or federally-assisted housing. Hearth, Inc. must receive at least $200,000 for facility upgrades and other improvements.
Service coordinators for public housing residents
The law funds resident service coordinators in state-aided public housing. Funding must be shared fairly across geographic areas. It must include coordinators serving several smaller housing authorities. The provision does not specify a payment to residents or the number of coordinators.
Transfer help for state voucher renters
Participating local housing authorities can help mobile voucher participants move from the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program to another subsidy program. Authorities can take the steps needed to arrange those transfers. This authority does not guarantee eligibility or assistance from the receiving program.
Academic support for low-income students
At least $50,000 goes to Steps to Success from after-school and out-of-school program funds. Services provide academic and personal support for low-income students from fourth grade through college graduation. The funding does not create direct payments to students or families.
Advanced Placement test help for students
The law provides $2.25032 million for a statewide program supporting Advanced Placement participation and performance. The state education department must create a test-fee program that can reimburse students based on financial need, with competitive awards. Funds must be disbursed by the start of the 2026–2027 school year. Covered costs must fall between August 3, 2026 and July 31, 2027. The program must secure at least $1 million in private matching funds for direct educator support.
Behavioral health career support for veterans
The law establishes Train Vets to Treat Vets, a behavioral health career development program. The Executive Office of Veterans’ Services works with William James College, Inc. to run it. The program serves veterans seeking behavioral health careers, but this provision sets no individual payment or enrollment amount.
Career and college pathways for students
The law funds school career-pathway programs, favoring opportunities in high-demand industries. Programs must follow guidelines jointly developed by the state’s school and higher education departments. Qualified high school students can take college courses online, at colleges, or in high schools with enough enrollment. Public, municipal, and private colleges may offer these courses, with public colleges preferred for early-college grants. The provision does not promise a tuition discount.
Career mentoring support for legal professionals
At least $75,000 from the trial court budget supports the South Coast Bridge Program for Legal Professionals. The University of Massachusetts School of Law receives the funding for mentoring and career development. The law does not set individual grant amounts.
College transition help for adult learners
The law provides $500,000 in competitive grants for adult education providers helping low-income and entry-level workers prepare for and finish college. Providers must have a record of helping underserved people close learning gaps, enter college, and complete their studies. At least $250,000 goes to Jewish Vocational Service, Inc. for academic and coaching support focused on immigrants and refugees. The law does not set payments to individual students.
Early learning support for young families
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $11.740598 million for a statewide early education support network through eligible family and community organizations. Grants must be distributed by August 31, 2026, and services must meet Massachusetts universal preschool and Quality Rating and Improvement System requirements. Funding can support summer activities and extra services for children with individualized education plans. Another $1 million funds Neighborhood Villages Inc.’s pilot for high-quality infant and toddler classrooms serving families across income levels. The pilot supports classroom teaching and workforce training, coordinated with community health providers.
Higher starting pay for assistant prosecutors
The law sets aside $5 million for costs tied to higher starting salaries for assistant district attorneys. This reserve provision does not specify each employee’s raise.
Juvenile court investigator pay rates protected
The trial court must spend enough to maintain juvenile court investigator rates at least at fiscal year 2026 levels. The provision protects those rates from falling below that level. It does not state the dollar rates.
Special education access for incarcerated people
The state education department may provide special education to eligible people in Massachusetts houses of correction. People must meet the applicable special education eligibility requirements. The law does not set a service amount or require enrollment.
Veterans receive job and training support
The law funds veterans’ education, employment, and training services in Massachusetts. This includes the Veterans Coordinated Approach to Recovery and Employment program. That program helps unemployed or underemployed veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder seek competitive jobs. No individual benefit amount is stated.
Workforce funding and recycling job opportunities
The law transfers $8 million to the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund for fiscal year 2027, ending June 30, 2027. It also directs at least $500,000 to a mattress-recycling jobs pilot for people facing employment barriers. At least one nonprofit must receive pilot funding. Eligible nonprofits need at least five years of Massachusetts mattress-recycling experience as a Department of Environmental Protection-approved vendor. Contracts can last up to five years, with renewal options; the law sets no individual wage or guaranteed job.
Youth programs for emergency housing families
The law provides at least $800,000 for Home Works. It supports out-of-school and summer programs for children in the emergency housing assistance program. Youth-serving organizations must apply to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for contract slots. The law sets no payment or number of slots per child.
Certification cost help for organic farms
The law provides $20,000 in fiscal year 2027 to help eligible organic producers pay certification costs. The Department of Agricultural Resources must use the money for the federally funded Organic Certification Cost-Share Program. The law does not set each producer’s reimbursement amount.
Diverse businesses get state contracting help
The Supplier Diversity Office must provide training and other services to help diverse businesses compete for state contracts. It must offer an online certification application and protect personal and financial information sent through it. The office must use available resources to provide certification services to qualified applicants. Businesses must qualify under chapter 7, section 58 and hold certification where required. These services do not guarantee a contract.
Funding supports blind vending stand operators
The law provides $2.2965 million in fiscal year 2027 for the federally funded Fort Devens Vending Stand Award. The program involves the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and eligible vending stand operators. The provision does not state how much any operator receives.
Small employers get leave coverage grants
The law establishes Workforce Productivity Subfund grants to help employers cover temporary vacancies during employees’ approved continuous leave. Applicants must have no more than 50 Massachusetts employees; employers with plans approved under section 11 are ineligible. The department controls awards, may set additional eligibility rules, and may fund other purposes it determines. The law requires a $1 million transfer to the subfund by December 31, 2026. Individual grant amounts are not set.
Accessible recreation and youth camp receive grants
The law provides $25,000 each for Community Boating's accessible sailing, Community Connections' inclusive bicycle program, and North Shore Maritime Center youth rowing. Sudbury receives $75,000 for adaptive bicycles and storage; Shirley's summer camp receives $25,000, including low-income children's attendance costs. Grants include $25,000 for Acton's dog park and $50,000 each for West Springfield parks, Dedham summer recreation, and Sandwich recreation areas. Boston 4 Celebrations receives $250,000 for the Fourth of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. The Charlestown memorial receives $50,000, and Quincy receives $50,000 for ferry improvements, preparedness, and Squantum Point Park operations.
Air monitoring programs receive grant funding
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $149,000 for the Massachusetts National Air Toxics Trend Station Program. It also provides $4,349 for the Clean Air Act/Air Sensor Program. A separate Clean Air Act grant under the Inflation Reduction Act receives $234,094. Each appropriation is limited to its named federally funded grant’s purposes.
Barnstable emergency communications spending authorized
The Barnstable sheriff’s office can spend up to $1.5 million collected from municipalities and other entities for regional emergency communications. The money supports operation, development, membership, and maintenance of emergency and public safety communications. Expenses and payments covering timing gaps cannot exceed the lower of $1.5 million or the latest state accounting revenue estimate.
Berkshire correctional aquaponics program receives funding
The law provides $150,000 in fiscal year 2027 to operate the Berkshire aquaponics program. The program operates at the Berkshire County house of correction. The provision does not set a participant payment or specify household benefits.
Berkshire dispatch can spend service revenue
The Berkshire sheriff's office can spend up to $100,000 from county 911 dispatch and other law-enforcement-related revenue. Expenses and payments cannot exceed the lower of that authorization or the latest revenue estimate in the state accounting system.
Boating infrastructure and clean vessels funded
For fiscal year 2027, Fish and Game receives $1.2 million for the federally funded Clean Vessel grant. The Boating Infrastructure grant receives $720,000. Each appropriation is limited to its grant’s purposes. The provisions do not specify direct assistance to boaters or households.
Broader definition of federal government shutdowns
The law broadens the shutdown definition used in specified provisions of Massachusetts law chapters 239 and 244. It replaces “all” with “any,” covering a broader range of federal government shutdowns. The supplied text does not identify the specific protections affected or establish a direct household benefit.
Child protections against authority figures' misconduct
A mandated reporter with current or former custodial or supervisory authority commits a crime by having sex with a 16- or 17-year-old. The maximum penalty is 20 years in state prison. Indecent assault and battery against a child aged 14–17 carries up to 10 years in state prison or 2½ years in jail. Neither offense provision applies when the defendant was no more than four years older than the child. Under these provisions, children under 18 cannot consent, and ending the adult's authority before the offense is not a defense.
Child sexual abuse prevention gets funding
The law provides $2.315019 million for evidence-based child sexual abuse prevention focused on adults. The Children's Trust Fund and child advocate's office administer community assistance, coalition-building, volunteer training, and prevention education. At least $150,000 goes to Enough Abuse for school and community training and technical assistance.
Climate preparedness funding for Massachusetts communities
The law funds state climate preparedness work covering transportation, energy, public health, buildings, municipal help, data, and natural resources. A report on the state resilience plan, impacts, and spending is due February 5, 2027. Boston Harbor Now gets at least $200,000 for planning and programs, including climate resilience and community science education. The University of Massachusetts Boston gets at least $300,000 for a climate study using information and new technologies. That study focuses on rare, high-impact events; the provision sets no completion date.
Community forests and beetle control funded
For fiscal year 2027, Conservation and Recreation receives $2.3 million to identify and eradicate the Asian Longhorned Beetle. Urban and community forestry receives $382,315 under the Inflation Reduction Act and $407,865 through a separate grant. Forest stewardship, conservation, and education receives $225,224. Each appropriation is limited to its named federally funded grant’s purposes. The provisions do not name specific forestry projects or affected locations.
Court dispute resolution includes online services
The trial court receives $1.372241 million for alternative dispute resolution programs. At least $250,000 must support online dispute resolution. The law does not set an individual service value or payment.
Courts maintain case help and mediation
At least $848,014 continues Probate and Family Court case-management triage in FY2027. Funded permanency mediation services for Probate and Juvenile Courts are available in Bristol County. Trial Court officials cannot transfer specialty court funds to other Trial Court budget items.
Cultural grants receive protected funding share
The Massachusetts Cultural Council must spend at least 75% of the relevant budget item on grants and subsidies. Awards must advance its three-year strategic plan, including practices supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion. The provision does not state the total appropriation or award sizes.
Deadlines for sexual assault evidence testing
Medical facilities must notify local police when sexual-assault evidence is obtained, no later than 24 hours after using a new kit. Police generally must collect kits within 3 business days and submit new kits to a qualifying lab within 7 business days. Labs must test kits within 30 days of receipt. The submission deadline excludes noninvestigatory kits from victims who have not filed a police report. Those kits must be safely stored through the applicable legal filing limits; all kits must be retained at least 15 years. Full DNA profiles must enter national and state DNA databases, and every kit must enter the statewide tracking system. A municipal police lab is an option when the assault occurred there, the department operates a lab, and population exceeds 150,000.
Digital information upgrades for two communities
Wellesley gets at least $100,000 for digital content updates and changes. The law also provides at least $25,000 to buy a digital community sign in Amesbury. These grants fund local information projects rather than household payments.
Environmental justice funding and language access
State energy and environmental departments must make efforts to prioritize environmental justice across their work. The law provides $4 million for the state's environmental justice strategy. Funds support translations during public comment periods and mapping tools that combine environmental and public health data. A report on staffing, initiatives, language access, and participation is due March 3, 2027.
Extra event staff funded near Attleboro
The law directs at least $25,000 to Sturdy Health Inc. in Attleboro for extra staff at major and regional events. The events must be in the surrounding area. The provision does not identify the events or say what the staff will do.
Fire response and responder health receive funding
The law provides $44.350301 million for hazardous-materials response and related safety activities, including special-event coverage. Minimum allocations include $100,000 for critical incident stress management and $2 million for On-Site Academy services for emergency and corrections personnel. It directs at least $2 million to student fire safety education, $100,000 to Holbrook emergency communications, and $1.7 million to Boston's fire training academy. A separate $3.711 million funds named local fire, rescue, communications, equipment, and community safety projects. Those grants include $500,000 for New Bedford staffing, $250,000 for firefighter cancer screening, and two Framingham senior home-safety grants totaling $60,000.
Fire services and wildfire prevention funded
For fiscal year 2027, volunteer fire assistance receives $274,084, and state fire assistance receives $423,696. Community Wildfire Defense receives $26,343 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Hazard Fuels Management and Wildfire Risk Reduction receives $485,692. Each appropriation is limited to its named federally funded grant’s purposes. The provisions do not identify specific communities or projects.
Franklin County bystander training receives funding
The Franklin sheriff’s office must provide at least $100,000 for an active-bystander training pilot in fiscal year 2027. The provision funds training but does not specify participant eligibility, payments, or the number of people served.
Funding for buses and transportation projects
For fiscal year 2027, bus and bus facility grants get about $10.57 million. Transportation for older people and people with disabilities gets about $1.3 million. Springfield track work gets $72,000, and Boston–Albany corridor administration gets about $2.059 million. The named CFDPE/NEPA PA grant gets about $16.447 million, while pollution reduction administration gets $50,000. These federal grants support transportation agencies and projects without setting household payment amounts.
Funding for child safety and stable families
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $309,459 to administer the federal Children’s Justice Act grant. It also provides about $6.272 million for the federal Promoting Safe and Stable Families program. This money supports Massachusetts child welfare services for families. The provisions do not set new individual eligibility rules or household payments.
Funding for community injury and violence prevention
For fiscal year 2027, the law funds two federal injury prevention grants. The Massachusetts Core Violence Injury Prevention Program gets $275,000. State and Community Based Injury Prevention and Control gets about $1.103 million. The funding supports prevention activities, not direct household payments.
Funding for community service agencies
The law allocates $20 million for the federally funded Community Service Block Grant in Massachusetts. The money supports community service agencies and the residents they serve. This provision does not set specific household benefits, eligibility rules, or payments.
Funding for emergency services and safety
Petersham gets at least $25,000 for unexpected costs of continuing ambulance services. Hopedale gets at least $30,000 for fire safety projects, including removing old alarm wiring and equipment from utility poles. Metropolitan Area Planning Council gets at least $40,000 to plan and coordinate regional municipal emergency services in Essex County. New England Life Flight, doing business as Boston MedFlight, gets at least $150,000; the provision does not specify its use.
Funding for families facing domestic violence
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $3.13 million for federal Family Violence Service State Grants. It also provides about $9.257 million for family violence prevention and domestic violence support under a federal recovery grant. The funds support Massachusetts services. These provisions do not set individual eligibility rules or household payment amounts.
Funding for forests and underserved landowners
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts funds two forest conservation grant administration programs with about $1.01 million and $2.22 million. Another $1.12 million supports capacity-building for underserved forest landowners. Forest health programs get $253,738, and efforts to control the hemlock woolly adelgid pest get $65,520. These grants do not set household payments or new eligibility rules.
Funding for local community support organizations
Watertown Community Foundation gets at least $75,000 for support and stabilization services for vulnerable people in Watertown. Community Action Pioneer Valley gets at least $50,000. The second allocation does not name a funded service. Neither provision sets household payment amounts or individual eligibility rules.
Funding for local films and theater
The law funds three local arts programs in fiscal year 2027. Woods Hole Film Festival gets at least $15,000 for its public independent-film showcase. Cape Cod Center For the Arts gets at least $100,000 for Cape Playhouse centennial programs and initiatives. Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center in Foxborough gets at least $10,000 for facility upgrades and programming. These grants do not provide household payments.
Funding for local pool and field
North Attleborough gets at least $20,000 for a feasibility study of the World War II Memorial Pool. That money funds a study, not pool construction. Westfield gets at least $25,000 for capital improvements to Bullens Field.
Funding for local safety and coordination
The law provides $5.707 million for local safety projects, with minimum awards for named towns, departments, and nonprofits. Projects include equipment, facilities, patrols, training, emergency response, reentry support, and violence prevention. Another $750,000 supports technology and protocol upgrades at the Boston Regional Intelligence Center for crime, terrorism, and emergency response. The center must share intelligence as needed with its communities and public agencies. It must also give specified public partners technology to access information and work together.
Funding for local water and flood projects
The law provides at least $25,000 for Newbury watershed and drought work and $50,000 for Groveland water treatment improvements. Malden gets at least $100,000 for flood and stormwater work, including Town Line Brook and Linden Brook culvert maintenance. Raynham gets at least $70,000 for a stormwater and drainage plan; Foxborough gets at least $25,000 for dam repairs. Silent Spring Institute gets at least $25,000 to study long-term PFAS effects on Ayer residents, reconstruct exposure, and share health information; Maynard gets at least $200,000 for drinking-water mitigation. Massachusetts also provides $506,140 for obligations to neighboring states under interstate flood-control agreements.
Funding for medical examiner and parole programs
For fiscal year 2027, the law funds federal grants for the Chief Medical Examiner and Parole Board. Medical examiner grants receive $47,044 for Mass-PPDOMA&O, $4,000 for MAVDRS, and $32,185 for Coverdell. Parole Board grants receive $310,083 for COVID-19&SASS and about $1.357 million for VOCA. The money supports named agency programs, not direct household payments.
Funding for museums and historic sites
For fiscal year 2027, the law funds museums, history education, and historic preservation. Minimum grants include $20,000 for Plimoth Patuxet school, teacher, and historian programs; $60,000 for Pilgrim Hall; and $30,000 for Heritage Museums and Gardens. The latter two grants also support local tourism. Longmeadow’s First Church of Christ gets at least $28,000 for clock controls, continued use of its Paul Revere bell, and community and student access. Another $304,668 supports the federally funded Historic Preservation Fund through the state conservation department.
Funding for National Guard readiness
For FY2027, Camp Edwards receives $48.55 million for its Readiness Center. Army National Guard facilities receive $31.1344 million; administrative services receive $324,200; environmental work receives $3.7446 million. Army security receives $1.64205 million; electronic security receives $275,400; command, communications, and information management receives $576,000. Sustainable ranges receive $724,295, and anti-terrorism receives $99,600. Air National Guard facilities operations and maintenance receive $11.175 million; environmental work receives $107,084; security receives $2.4 million. Fire protection receives $4.3 million; SRM projects receive $2.1 million; distributed learning receives $697,000. These allocations support the Massachusetts Military Division and the named Guard programs, not individual payments.
Funding for refugee support services
For FY2027, the law funds three federal grants through the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. Refugee social services receive $5.21136 million, youth mentoring receives $275,285, and elderly refugee services receive $143,303. These funds support services, not a set payment to each person. The provisions do not set individual eligibility rules.
Funding for rural transportation and road data
For fiscal year 2027, the federal Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program gets about $5.792 million. Commercial vehicle information systems get $390,934, and commercial driver license information system upgrades get $667,366. Fatality Analysis Reporting gets $123,066. A Metropolitan Transportation Planning grant is listed without an amount. These funds support transportation programs, not household payments.
Funding for safety and justice programs
For FY2027, the law funds named federal public safety and justice grants, rather than direct household payments. Infrastructure Law Funds I and II receive $6.0876 million and $8 million; State Homeland Security receives $2.806252 million. Nonprofit security grants receive $6.662588 million and $3.673887 million; cybersecurity grants receive $2.920439 million and $1.598264 million. Urban Areas Security grants receive $13.249346 million and $16.838838 million; Homeland Security receives $6.799138 million. Juvenile delinquency prevention receives $715,863; justice statistics receives $75,000; Byrne Justice Assistance receives $4.36062 million and $606. Residential substance-use treatment administration receives $332,138; sex-offender registration receives $326,269; National Criminal History Improvement Program administration receives $3.500396 million. John R. Justice receives $109,241; Adam Walsh Act implementation receives $71,735; Violence Against Women Act grants receive $3.562889 million and $23,140. Crisis intervention receives $4.053344 million; opioid, stimulant, and other substance-use grants receive $533,267. Second Chance Act reentry receives $20,364, and Project Safe Neighborhood administration receives $374,127. Each allocation is restricted to its named grant purpose.
Funding for sheriff treatment and justice programs
For fiscal year 2027, federal sheriff grants fund treatment, mental health, reentry, and named justice projects. Middlesex gets $203,452; Franklin gets grants of $149,770, $81,249, $150,000, and $50,000. Worcester gets $29,120 and $139,050; Barnstable gets $147,280; Bristol gets $30,000 and $450,000. Suffolk gets $1.031 million; Hampden gets $606 and $23,140. Each grant must support its named program and does not create direct household payments or individual legal duties.
Funding for State Police safety programs
FY2027 federal grants fund named State Police programs, not household payments or new individual duties. Officer mental health and wellness receives $100,000; motor-carrier safety receives $400,000 for FFY2024 and $3 million for FFY2025. DNA cold-case prosecution receives $189,793, and a hate-crime prevention microgrant receives $79,961. Anti-heroin task forces receive $1.109763 million for FFY23 and $800,000 for FFY24; FF24 port security receives $50,000. Coverdell grants receive $2,506 for FFY23 and $60,000 for FFY24. DNA capacity and backlog-reduction grants receive $17,331 for FFY23 and $50,000 for FY24. Each allocation is restricted to its named grant purpose.
Funding for the Sorensen-Alawad grant
Massachusetts provides about $1.64 million for the federally funded Amy Sorensen-Alawad MPA grant in fiscal year 2027. The appropriation does not describe specific services, household eligibility, or direct payments to residents.
Funding for the Turning 22 Commission
The law provides at least $200,000 to the Turning 22 Commission established elsewhere in the act. This allocation funds the commission. It does not establish a household payment, service entitlement, or eligibility change.
Funding for Transhealth facilities and programs
The law provides at least $75,000 to Transhealth Inc. for infrastructure and programs. The provision does not describe the funded activities further. It does not set household eligibility rules or guarantee a specific service.
Funding for wildlife and coastal projects
The law provides at least $30,000 for a Heart Pond aquatic management study in Chelmsford and $90,000 for Monponsett Pond cyanobacteria and contaminant testing and treatment. North Walpole Fish and Game Club gets at least $50,000 for combat veterans and students with special needs; New England Wildlife Center gets at least $100,000 for wildlife care. Jamaica Pond gets at least $100,000 for tree planting and invasive-species removal; Blue Hill Weather Observatory & Science Center gets at least $100,000. Salisbury gets at least $40,000 for beach and infrastructure resilience; Plymouth gets at least $1 million for coastal infrastructure supporting business and tourism. Rockland gets at least $10,000 for a park entrance engineering study.
Funding for witnesses and crime survivors
The law provides $245,025 for witness protection and $91,768 to buy and distribute sexual assault evidence kits. It also provides $100,000 to combat human trafficking, including competitive grants. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security administers those grants. It must report trafficking-related spending and grant recipients by March 2, 2027.
Funding helps families in juvenile courts
Fiscal year 2027 grants fund court-appointed advocates and help for families in juvenile courts. CASA Project receives $407,602 for Worcester County; Friends of Children receives $137,877 for Franklin and Hampshire counties. Center for Human Development receives $178,244 for Hampden County; Family Services of the Merrimack Valley receives $166,317 for Essex County. Boston CASA receives $277,326 for Suffolk and Middlesex counties; 18 Degrees receives $104,849 for Berkshire County. The Advocacy Bridge’s CARE program receives $127,785 for Bristol County; One Can Help receives $50,000 for statewide family assistance.
Funding helps towns and cities cooperate
At least $3 million goes to the District Local Technical Assistance Fund. The Division of Local Services administers the fund. It supports local initiatives, including projects that help municipalities work together across the region.
Funding protects water habitats and research
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts provides $145,591 to manage aquatic invasive species. Habitat capacity-building gets $475,000, and Waquoit Bay estuary research gets about $1.20 million. The money supports these programs rather than direct payments to households.
Funding supports birth and death records
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts provides $257,816 for violent-death reporting and $75,000 to obtain National Death Index information. Sharing death-file information with the Social Security Administration gets $627,000. Supplying birth records to that agency gets $586,000. These grants support government records and data exchange; they do not change Social Security benefits or eligibility.
Funding supports court access and services
At least $300,000 maintains court-date text reminders for litigants in district, Boston municipal, and superior courts. Another $254,925 funds video court appearances for people held in houses of correction. At least $100,000 supports a new courthouse for the South Boston division of the Boston Municipal Court. At least $250,000 funds juvenile and Probate and Family Court case-management software; $374,667 funds Probate and Family Court workload reduction. The probation office must also spend at least $641,000 on a pretrial services unit.
Funding supports local arts and theaters
Boston Ballet and Franklin Performing Arts Company each receive at least $100,000. Franklin Creative Center for the Arts receives at least $25,000. Hopkinton Center for the Arts receives at least $100,000 to design an accessible theater, not a stated construction commitment. Melrose receives at least $100,000 for replacement stage lights and other capital improvements at Memorial Hall.
Funding supports local recreational trail projects
Massachusetts provides $924,299 for the Recreational Trails Grant Program in fiscal year 2027. The money supports eligible trail projects, but the appropriation does not name award recipients.
Funding supports pipeline security measures
Massachusetts provides about $4.87 million for the federally funded Pipeline Security grant in fiscal year 2027. The money supports pipeline security, not direct household payments. The appropriation adds no new duties for individuals.
Funding supports rail transit safety oversight
Massachusetts provides about $3.65 million for rail transit safety oversight in fiscal year 2027. The Department of Public Utilities uses the money to oversee rail systems that run on fixed tracks. The appropriation does not provide household payments.
Funding supports temporary bridge projects
Massachusetts provides $302,900 for the federally funded temporary bridge grant in fiscal year 2027. The appropriation does not name specific bridge projects or provide household payments.
Funding to recruit more foster parents
The law provides $945,945 in fiscal year 2027 for a campaign to recruit new foster parents. The Department of Children and Families runs the campaign to support foster-care placements. This is program funding, not a payment to households.
Funding to reduce toxic chemical use
The law makes at least $1.62986 million available for the Toxics Use Reduction Institute program at University of Massachusetts Lowell. That funding comes from specified environmental department revenues, penalties, grants, and tuition funds. It also requires at least $644,096 for technical help and technology to reduce toxic chemical use. These funds support programs rather than direct household payments.
Grants help youths avoid justice involvement
The probation office administers $515,000 in competitive grants for towns and cities, applying alone or together. Grants support programs that divert juveniles and young adults before arrest or arraignment. Programs must coordinate prevention and intervention for youths and families; towns and cities can partner with nonprofits. Preference goes to plans with broad municipal cooperation, written commitments, an identified local fiscal agent, and at least a 25% municipal or private match. Grant administration cannot exceed 5% of an award.
Grants improve named local public facilities
Chelsea receives at least $25,000 to support a new fire station. Wakefield receives at least $100,000 to build restrooms at Veterans Field. Swampscott receives at least $35,000 to maintain and repair deteriorating cemetery structures. Dalton receives at least $20,000 to buy and install an emergency generator at its senior center. Gloucester receives at least $20,000 to plan and design the courtyard at O'Maley Innovation Middle School; construction funding is not specified.
Grants support underserved New Bedford residents
The law requires at least $500,000 for a one-time grant program serving underserved residents in greater New Bedford. SouthCoast Community Foundation administers the program to provide access to resources. Program funds from fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 remain available in fiscal year 2027 instead of returning to the state. The text does not specify individual award amounts or eligibility criteria.
Grants support voter registration and education
The Secretary of the Commonwealth can award grants for voter registration and voter education. Community groups can run these activities. The provision does not specify grant amounts or detailed eligibility rules.
Homeland security agreement receives grant funding
The law provides $976,512 in fiscal year 2027 for the federally funded Homeland Security Co-Op Agreement. The money is limited to the agreement’s purposes. The provision does not describe specific activities or establish household payments.
Hudson library funding covers more repairs
At least $388,000 must be spent on authorized Hudson Public Library improvements. The existing funding can cover heating-pump design and installation, roof repairs, or general structural improvements. The law allows one or more of these uses; it does not provide household payments.
Inspector general no longer needs council vote
The Massachusetts inspector general can exercise authority under chapter 12A, section 10 without a prior majority council vote. The change removes that approval step; it does not specify new investigations or household obligations.
Interpretation funding tied to settlement agreements
The law requires spending on interpretation services directly or indirectly tied to settlement or resolution agreements. Covered agreements include those with the Office for Civil Rights or another office, group, or entity. The provision does not specify a funding amount or service period.
Juvenile court clinics receive funding
The law directs at least $1.5 million to juvenile court clinics. The money supports clinic operations and services. The provision does not specify which services receive funding or establish payments to families.
Local grants prepare for census counts
The Secretary of the Commonwealth administers $500,000 in grants to help municipalities and regional planning agencies prepare for the 2030 census. Grants cover preparation of address lists used to count local populations. The secretary can prioritize low-income communities or gateway municipalities. No more than 5% of the money can pay for related administration.
Local grants support water system improvements
Rowley receives at least $25,000 for a PFAS pollution-removal system to bring Town Well #2 online. Ipswich receives at least $25,000 for water treatment plant updates and wastewater work addressing problems linked to closed clam flats. Georgetown receives at least $25,000 for critical water treatment infrastructure. Essex receives at least $25,000 to study Chebacco Lake and its watershed, with no specific follow-up action required.
Local groups receive community activity funding
Acton Community Access Television receives at least $20,000 for equipment upgrades. Allston Village Main Streets receives at least $25,000 for artists' community assistance. Longmeadow Pride Alliance receives at least $25,000 for its Pride Festival, community services, and celebration of Italian heritage. Brighton Main Streets receives at least $100,000, with no specific funded activity stated.
Local museums receive targeted state funding
The Attleboro Arts Museum receives at least $5,000 for damage to a flooded basement. The Children's Museum of Franklin receives at least $50,000. The Franklin grant has no further spending conditions stated in this provision.
Local parks and community facilities receive grants
The law funds named parks, trails, conservation projects, sports fields, and community facilities. Park grants include $700,000 for Christian A. Herter Park, $390,000 for Charlesgate Park, and $300,000 for Blue Hills Trailside Museum. Additional allocations support local parks, river access, tree care, invasive-species treatment, trails, gardens, and wildlife areas. Facility grants include $80,000 for accessible community use at Veterans Beach and $50,000 for the Randolph-Braintree-Holbrook water treatment plant. Named projects also cover Fitchburg and Brockton sports facilities, Saima Park's boiler, and the D.W. Field Park welcoming center grounds.
Local street upgrades and crossing safety
Malden gets at least $50,000 for streetscape upgrades and capital improvements. Brimfield gets at least $7,000 for solar-powered pedestrian crossing signs and related equipment. West Newbury gets at least $20,000 for roadway safety improvements.
Local transportation funding for Somerville and Bolton
The law directs at least $10,000 to Somerville’s crossing guard program and pedestrian improvements near East Somerville. It directs at least $75,000 to rural infrastructure improvements in Bolton. Both minimum allocations come from transportation transfer item 1595-6368. The money funds local improvements, not individual payments.
Matching grants support local safety reforms
The Department of Public Health must run matching grants for municipalities pursuing public safety reforms. Grants also support alternative investments intended to make public safety more equitable. The provision does not state a total funding amount or create household payments.
More reentry help and parole coordination
At least $2 million supports the Ralph Gants Reentry Services Program for people leaving incarceration, including probationers and parolees. Community Corrections can provide services and fund rehabilitation pilots using evidence-based practices. Funded reentry programs cannot operate as intermediate sanctions programs. The Department of Correction and Parole Board must use funds to improve coordination and reduce release delays after parole approval. They must report on implementation and FY2026 release delays by March 2, 2027.
Named communities receive local project grants
Minimum grants include $30,000 for Shrewsbury athletic lighting and $50,000 for a disability-accessible interview room in Longmeadow. Paxton gets at least $40,000 for September 2025 tornado relief, recovery costs, and damage reimbursements; Holden gets $50,000 for municipal building renovations and relocation. Old Sturbridge Village gets at least $100,000 for capital improvements; Chicopee gets $25,000 for a river emergency-access and recreation ramp. Norwood gets at least $100,000 for Shattuck Memorial Park infrastructure. Marlborough gets at least $150,000 for drone-based mapping data collection and analysis, plus $100,000 for downtown veterans park upgrades.
New nonprofit grants for retired police dogs
The law creates the Retired Police Dog Care Fund as a special revenue fund outside the regular budget. Money credited to it must fund nonprofit grants for care and medical services, without another appropriation. Covered dogs must have served a Massachusetts public agency or a federal agency operating in Massachusetts. The law does not specify a funding amount.
New training and warnings about wrong-way driving
Beginning January 1, 2027, all Massachusetts peace officer training must include instruction about wrong-way driving. The public safety secretary must develop and implement training practices with input from the transportation secretary. The motor vehicle registrar must research, develop, and share an annual public announcement plan about prevention and dangers. A report on the plan’s content, delivery, and effectiveness is due each year by March 1.
One-time grants to prevent youth violence
The law provides $4.001578 million for one-time competitive grants supporting comprehensive youth violence prevention programs. The Department of Public Health administers the grants using the eligibility criteria established in the 2008 budget law. Law enforcement agencies cannot receive awards. The funding cannot become an ongoing annual allocation in FY2028.
Preservation grants maintain funding for communities
Fiscal year 2027 preservation matching grants must receive at least as much spending as in fiscal year 2026. Municipalities and nonprofits can use these grants to preserve veterans' monuments, memorials, significant sites, and historic documents. The state historic records advisory board runs the program. The law also directs at least $25,000 to Camp DiCarlo capital improvements and $50,000 to Gardner's archives buildout.
Prevention and recovery help for youth
The Department of Children and Families must fund a unit that identifies at-risk youth and provides preventive services. The unit must also carry out a response policy for recovering missing or absent youth. The provision does not state a funding amount or household payment.
Prisons and jails expand rehabilitation programs
The Department of Correction must spend at least $637,500 in FY2027 to expand programs that reduce repeat offenses. At least $345,000 funds competitive grants for cognitive behavioral programs in county jails and houses of correction. Applicants must explain faithful use of supported programs or rigorous evaluation of programs without existing evidence. Sheriff’s offices receiving grants must report participation, completion, and repeat-offense rates annually, separated by gender.
Probation expands staffing and record services
At least $130,000 supports parole and probation workload reviews, hiring based on those reviews, and expanded community corrections services. At least $45,000 improves probation case management and data tracking. Another spending floor of $222,000 increases capacity to handle record-sealing and expungement requests. The record-service funding does not change who qualifies.
Probation programs continue and youth pilot starts
The Trial Court must maintain high-intensity probation supervision at no fewer than the 10 currently operating court locations. The program must operate in both district and superior courts. The law also requires at least $2.3 million for a transitional youth early-intervention probation pilot. The Office of the Commissioner of Probation runs the pilot.
Protective vests funded for probation officers
The law requires at least $160,000 to buy bulletproof vests for probation officers. The equipment supports officers' safety at work.
Reentry support for emerging adults
The law provides $6.93 million for competitive grants helping emerging adults return from state prisons and county correctional facilities. No more than six grants can go to community nonprofits committed to collaboration with correctional officials. Programs must provide transition plans, education, workforce readiness, life skills, and counseling before release. They must also provide post-release services, including at least 12 months of case management, using research-based or evidence-informed designs. Administrative support and training may use no more than 7.5% of the money.
Regional water monitoring and pollution funding
OARS, Inc. gets at least $30,000 to monitor water quality in the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers. Buzzards Bay Coalition gets at least $150,000 for water quality and natural resource monitoring in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Merrimack River Watershed Council gets at least $200,000 to reduce combined sewer overflows and pollution from scattered sources. Metropolitan Area Planning Council gets at least $100,000 for North Shore Water Resilience Task Force plans and actions. Cape Ann Climate Coalition gets at least $30,000 for post-disaster recovery planning.
Repairs and preservation for town history
North Reading gets at least $75,000 for roof maintenance at the historic Putnam House. The law provides at least $50,000 for improvements to the outside of Andover's Old Town Hall. Rehoboth gets at least $15,000 to preserve and bind historical town records, including through outside archival services. These grants support buildings and records, not household payments.
Safety agencies can reuse vest reimbursements
Eligible public agencies can use replacement bulletproof vest reimbursements to buy additional vests without another appropriation. Reimbursements must come through the state public safety secretary's office. Agencies must buy the extra vests in the same fiscal year they receive the reimbursement.
Staffing grants for eligible communities
The law transfers at least $7 million for competitive public safety and emergency staffing grants. Only communities with qualifying FY2026 applications approved by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security can receive awards. Awards must use the FY2026 method and criteria. Administration may use no more than 4% of program funds.
State agencies must support equal opportunity
State agencies spending money under this law must support equal opportunity in hiring, promotion, pay, training, and government dealings. At least $378,000 supports the trial court's race and bias initiative. This includes expanding its diversity office and staff training. The office must seek community feedback about barriers to equity and recommend ways to remove them.
Stronger oversight of troubled sheriff budgets
Sheriff fiscal oversight applies when the finance secretary finds an undocumented fiscal year 2027 shortfall or failure to follow required controls. Offices under oversight must report finances and capital projects at least monthly. The council can set financial targets and recommend plans. Failures to meet targets, plans, or spending controls demonstrating poor fiscal and operational management can trigger corrective action. Actions include blocking payments, requiring spending approval, or appointing a receiver experienced in running correctional facilities.
Support for household savings programs
The law directs at least $250,000 to The MIDAS Collaborative for matched-savings programs and its economic mobility incubator. The work aims to close racial and other wealth gaps among low- and moderate-income households. It involves partnerships with financial institutions and community groups. The law does not set a household payment or savings-match rate.
Town office access and technology upgrades
Petersham gets at least $25,000 to replace the existing disability-accessible ramp at its Town Office building. Medfield gets at least $20,000 for technology and facility upgrades at town hall. The projects support public access and municipal facilities.
Veterans court operations and transportation receive funding
The law provides $274,745 for a veterans court program's administration and transportation costs. This supports program operations and related transportation, not a set payment to each veteran.
Wetlands and wildlife land receive funding
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $2.25 million for a wildlife land acquisition grant through Fish and Game. The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program receives $228,490. Windsor Brook wetland restoration receives $400,000. Each appropriation supports its named federally funded grant, not direct household assistance.
Wildlife monitoring and protection receive funding
For fiscal year 2027, Fish and Game receives $89,601 for the NEC Cottontail Population Assessment grant. Wildlife disease management receives $15,000, and the Turtle Disengagement grant receives $700,000. Sport Fish Restoration Coordination receives $175,000. The money is limited to each named federally funded grant’s purposes and does not create household payments.
Youth development and violence prevention receive grants
Fiscal year 2027 provides $13.099 million for violence prevention targeting high-risk youth and municipalities with the highest youth homicide and serious assault counts. Allocations include at least $50,000 each for SISU Center and Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and $25,000 for Friendship Home. BAGLY receives $500,000 for job training and broad support services for LGBTQ+ homeless youth. A separate $13.115 million funds competitive grants using evidence-based positive youth development models, including programs serving LGBTQ+ youth. Minimum awards include $2.5 million for Massachusetts YMCAs, $3 million for Boys & Girls Clubs, and $1 million for the YWCA. Named awards also include $120,000 for Center for Teen Empowerment and $200,000 for The Possible Zone.
Boiler inspection fees fund backlog work
The Department of Fire Services can spend up to about $2.41 million in annual boiler and pressure-vessel fee revenue. The money can fund department operations, address the inspection backlog, and hire engineering inspectors or engineers. Spending is limited to collected certificate and inspection fees; this provision does not create a new fee.
Drivers learn to prevent wrong-way driving
Driving instruction covered by chapter 90, section 8 must include a wrong-way driving module. It must teach the dangers and strategies and techniques motorists can use to prevent wrong-way driving.
Funding for food and pesticide safety
For fiscal year 2027, the law funds $500,000 for food safety and $450,000 for pesticide enforcement. It also funds $82,248 for food establishment inspections and $35,000 for retail checks on country-of-origin labels. These funds must serve their named federal grants. Environmental police officers must also monitor shellfish sanitation under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
Funding for lead and asbestos oversight
The law provides $75,735 for federal lead license enforcement funding. It also provides $409,962 for lead licensing and monitoring, plus $78,608 for asbestos licensing and monitoring. These funds support Massachusetts oversight agencies. The provisions do not create new individual duties or household payments.
Dam safety and repairs receive funding
For fiscal year 2027, Conservation and Recreation receives about $4.90 million for the FEMA National Dam Safety Program. It also receives about $4.10 million for dam rehabilitation tied to watershed restoration. The money is limited to the named federally funded grants. The provisions do not identify specific dams or repair projects.
Funding supports disability insurance services
The law provides $55.731678 million in FY2027 for the federally funded Social Security Disability Insurance grant. The money supports MassAbility's disability-insurance-related services. It does not change Social Security benefit amounts or set a new individual payment.
Added funding for the Health Safety Net
In fiscal year 2027, the state can transfer up to $15 million to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund. The money comes from employer medical assistance contributions in the Commonwealth Care Trust Fund. This authority is in addition to other required transfers. It does not change individual eligibility or create household payments.
Behavioral health support in criminal justice
The law requires at least $1.13 million to hire mental-health clinicians, spread fairly across court facilities. It provides $283,605 to run the Community Justice Project for people with mental-health and substance-use disorders in criminal justice. The Trial Court must keep funding a coordinator to manage the project and oversee its finances. At least $5.075 million supports a statewide behavioral-health strategy developed with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The strategy tracks service use and outcomes in the Medicaid information system; it does not change Medicaid eligibility or payments.
Community defibrillators and emergency care review
The law provides at least $350,000 for defibrillator grants to municipalities, public colleges and universities, and community nonprofit programs. Towns with 20,000 residents or fewer and nonprofits receive priority; the grant report is due March 1, 2027. At least $100,000 funds an emergency medical services review by public safety officials working with the Department of Public Health. The review covers oversight, staffing, agency coordination, communications, transport rules, and the advisory board. It requires stakeholder and public input, at least four hearings in different regions, and recommendations by June 30, 2027.
Community support for children with disabilities
The law provides at least $11.7 million to the Department of Developmental Services for voluntary residential placement prevention. The program supports community-based services intended to help children with disabilities avoid residential placement. No individual payment or service amount is specified.
County opioid education receives funding
For fiscal year 2027, the Berkshire sheriff’s office must spend at least $200,000 on its county opioid education and awareness task force. The Franklin sheriff’s office must spend at least $150,000 on its county task force. The funding supports education and awareness, not direct household payments.
Disease tracking and environmental health monitoring funded
Fiscal year 2027 includes at least $292,035 for the Argeo Paul Cellucci ALS Registry. The Department of Public Health receives $100,000 to run the Parkinson's Disease Registry. Silent Spring Institute receives at least $25,000 to study health effects linked to PFAS-contaminated drinking water in Hyannis. The law also allows at least $125,000 for C-10 Research and Education Foundation radiation monitoring in six Massachusetts communities near Seabrook. Those communities are within the nuclear plant's plume exposure emergency planning zone; these funds do not create household payments.
Drug managers must disclose MassHealth payments
Contracts for pharmacy benefit managers serving medical-assistance programs must require financial disclosures to MassHealth. Managers must report all related income, payments, and other financial benefits. This strengthens oversight but does not directly change members’ coverage or copayments.
Drug rebates fund HIV treatment help
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts may use up to $65.194869 million in drug-maker rebates for its HIV Drug Assistance Program. HIV/AIDS drug assistance gets priority, and services must include activities eligible under the federal Ryan White law. Rebates above that ceiling must go to the General Fund. Equivalent services must then be funded through item 4512-0103. This provision does not set an individual benefit amount.
Facility funding supports Gardner hospital patients
The law directs at least $50,000 to plumbing, infrastructure, and facility upgrades at Heywood Hospital in Gardner. The work supports regulatory compliance and expansion of its bariatric program, including improved treatment of chronic conditions. The grant does not create patient payments or insurance coverage rights.
Family planning and teen health funding
The law provides $27.116673 million for family and adolescent health services, including reproductive care, HIV counseling and testing, and teen pregnancy prevention. Its stated minimum allocations are $13.812418 million for family health services and $11.207164 million for comprehensive family planning. It also states a $6.7 million minimum to enhance family planning affected by federal Title X funding restrictions. Pregnancy-prevention applications require coordinated community service plans approved by the Department of Public Health. Funding must target communities with the highest teen birth rates and high-risk children in Department of Children and Families care.
Family services and youth grief support funded
Fiscal year 2027 provides $500,000 for statewide child and family programs, including family resource centers. Centers must use evidence-based services and track results; the network must coordinate emergency help for missing children when juvenile court closes. Family services funding includes at least $50,000 for Rise Above Foundation and $250,000 for Tempo. Jewish Family and Children's Service receives at least $500,000 for early relationship support and related programs serving vulnerable families with children birth through age 5. Rick's Place receives at least $125,000 for youth and family grief support in the Pioneer Valley.
Food benefit funding for eligible children
The law provides $70.668 million in FY2027 for the federally funded SUN Bucks child food benefit. The funding supports the Department of Transitional Assistance and eligible children receiving benefits. This provision does not set a per-child amount or change eligibility rules.
Funding closes Health Safety Net shortfalls
The comptroller must transfer $37.5 million from the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund. The money must first reduce the fiscal year 2027 shortfall. Any remainder may reduce a shortfall in another open Health Safety Net fiscal year. Federal matching money received for eligible spending from this transfer must also go to the trust fund. This is program funding, not a direct patient payment.
Funding connects behavioral and physical healthcare
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $3.23 million to connect primary care and behavioral healthcare. It also provides $200,179 for Beyond Bridges, a program focused on behavioral health and traumatic brain injury. Both are federally funded grants. Neither appropriation sets individual payments or service eligibility.
Funding for addiction and recovery support
The law directs at least $650,000 to the Massachusetts Consultation Service for Treatment of Addiction and Pain. Administered by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership, it provides case management, care navigation, and community referrals for patients and providers. SAFE Coalition Incorporated receives at least $100,000 in FY2027 for people affected by substance use disorder in Franklin. St. Anthony Shrine receives at least $100,000 to expand the Father Mychal Judge Center for counseling and recovery. These grants support services, not set payments to households.
Funding for cancer and chronic disease prevention
For fiscal year 2027, federal grants provide about $2.82 million for cancer prevention and $652,871 for colorectal cancer screening. Another grant provides about $2.35 million for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke prevention. Diabetes health equity work for priority populations receives $1 million, and asthma control receives $567,229. These grants do not establish personal payments or individual eligibility rules.
Funding for children's care and safety
For fiscal year 2027, the law transfers $2.7 million to the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Trust Fund. Federal grants provide $1 million for Transforming Massachusetts Pediatrics for Early Childhood and $200,000 for children's emergency medical services. Another federal grant receives $465,000 to prevent adverse childhood experiences. These funds do not establish personal payments or specify each child's services or eligibility.
Funding for family planning and education
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $7.35 million for the federal FY14 Family Planning Services FOA grant. It also provides $848,591 for the federal State Sexual Risk Avoidance Education FY 2018 grant. The money supports family planning services and sexual risk education. These provisions do not say who qualifies, which services each person receives, or what households pay.
Funding for health prevention and disability programs
The law provides $848,026 for the federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program and $741,537 for tobacco-related activities. It also provides $672,000 for the Paul Coverdell acute stroke prevention grant. The Massachusetts Health and Disability Program gets another $672,000. These grants support state programs but do not specify household payments or new eligibility rules.
Funding for help navigating health insurance
Health Care For All receives at least $500,000 for its free statewide helpline and online health coverage enrollment platform. The services help people understand eligibility, enroll, and navigate coverage. The law also requires at least $2 million for SHINE health-insurance assistance program operations and its community service network. These grants fund assistance programs, not household payments or new coverage eligibility rules.
Funding for HIV care and prevention
For fiscal year 2027, the law funds federal grants for HIV care and prevention. The Ryan White Title II care grant receives about $23.40 million, and the Title IV program receives $532,810. Health departments' comprehensive HIV prevention grant receives about $9.23 million. These grants do not set individual eligibility rules, payments, or a guaranteed amount of care.
Funding for hospital and pandemic readiness
For fiscal year 2027, a federal grant provides $15.5 million for hospital and public health emergency preparedness. Another federal grant provides $669,777 for public health crisis response, influenza A/H5N1, and pandemic preparedness and response. The funding supports emergency readiness rather than personal payments. These provisions do not set individual eligibility rules.
Funding for local mental health care
The law provides at least $20,000 for The Children’s Room in Arlington for grieving students’ mental health support. It directs at least $50,000 to the Massachusetts social workers association’s Therapy Matcher program, which connects people with licensed clinical social workers. Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center receives at least $50,000 toward opening a licensed outpatient mental health clinic in Quincy. The International Institute of New England receives at least $300,000 for care suited to people’s cultural and language needs. Emerson Hospital in Concord receives at least $50,000 to expand emergency behavioral health services.
Funding for opioid response and prevention
For fiscal year 2027, the law funds four federal prevention and substance use grants. It provides about $72.62 million for Massachusetts opioid response and $9.88 million for prescription drug misuse prevention. It also provides $517,466 for the Strategic Prevention Framework and $300,000 for alcohol and drug abuse data collection. These grants do not set personal payments, eligibility rules, or service amounts.
Funding for pregnancy and infant health
For fiscal year 2027, a federal maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting grant receives about $10.44 million. Federal grants also provide $1 million for maternal health innovation and $325,000 to improve care around pregnancy and birth. Another $527,991 funds tracking of neonatal abstinence syndrome. These grants do not set individual eligibility, payments, or services for each family.
Funding for public health workers and systems
The law funds two federal grants for Massachusetts public health agencies, workers, and data systems. It provides $3.24 million for the Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure grant. A separate grant under the American Rescue Plan Act gets $5 million. These grants do not set new household benefits or eligibility rules.
Funding for specialized children's health care
The state must pay Franciscan Hospital for Children at least $3 million above base rates for complex pediatric care. Fiscal year 2027 funding also includes $150,000 for the Down Syndrome program at the Children's Medical Center at UMass medical center. That program uses a patient-centered medical home approach to care. These are provider payments, not direct payments to families.
Funding for statewide meal delivery logistics
Community Servings gets at least $250,000 for a statewide meal-distribution logistics hub. The hub supports coordinated deliveries and route planning for efficient and fair distribution. The provision does not set household eligibility or the amount of food assistance.
Funding for suicide and community prevention
For fiscal year 2027, the federal Massachusetts Suicide Prevention grant receives about $7.05 million. The law also transfers $200,000 to the Community Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention Trust Fund. The money supports suicide prevention and community behavioral health programs. These provisions do not set personal payments or individual eligibility rules.
Funding for tobacco control programs
For fiscal year 2027, the federal National and State Tobacco Control Program receives about $3.81 million. The funding supports tobacco control activities in Massachusetts. This provision does not establish individual eligibility or household payments.
Funding for young children's disability services
For fiscal year 2027, the federal Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities grant receives about $9.36 million. Federal grants also provide $235,000 for newborn hearing screening and $160,000 for the Massachusetts early hearing detection project. The money supports programs for young children and hearing screening work. These provisions do not set each family's services, payments, or detailed eligibility rules.
Funding helps residents with disabilities live independently
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts provides $680,000 for independent living services for older blind residents. MassAbility's independent living grants get about $1.72 million under Part C and $348,595 under Part B. Assistive technology services get $600,237. The Informed Members Planning and Assessing Choices Together program gets $235,100. These grants do not set individual payments or new eligibility rules.
Funding protects older adults from abuse
The law provides about $51.6 million for elder protective services in fiscal year 2027. The money supports case management, guardianship, the statewide elder abuse hotline, money management, and elder-at-risk services. It funds protection and assistance rather than a set payment for each person.
Funding protects services for abused children
Each of Massachusetts's 12 accredited children's advocacy centers must receive at least its fiscal year 2026 allocation in fiscal year 2027. Available funding above those levels must be shared among the centers to promote fair access to services. At least $1.05 million supports the statewide service system run by the Massachusetts Children's Alliance. The funding supports services for child victims of sexual abuse, assault, and trafficking.
Funding strengthens disease tracking and hospital readiness
For fiscal year 2027, federal grants provide $18 million for disease tracking, laboratories, and health information systems. Separate grants provide $15 million for infectious-disease tracking and laboratories, plus about $6.6 million for additional tracking and laboratory capacity. The New England Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence grant gets about $3.36 million. Hospital preparedness programs get $6 million, and the Cooperative Health Statistics System gets $785,000. These funds support public health systems rather than direct household payments.
Funding strengthens public health systems and laboratories
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts provides $100,000 for the State Systems Development Initiative grant. Public health laboratory accreditation gets $150,000. The MASPHL-NARMS public health laboratory cooperative agreement gets $185,000. These grants do not establish direct household services, payments, or eligibility rules.
Funding studies pregnancy risks and maternal deaths
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts provides $495,000 for maternal death reviews and tracking. The B Existing PRAMS pregnancy risk monitoring grant gets $175,000. A study of pregnancy exposures and birth defects gets $855,000. These grants fund research and monitoring, not individual service rights or household payments.
Funding supports child protection and trauma
For fiscal year 2027, the State Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma gets at least $3.75 million for operations. UMass Memorial Medical Center’s comprehensive hospital child-protection program gets at least $250,000. Roca’s Massachusetts program for young mothers experiencing acute trauma gets at least $1.25 million. Federal grant funding includes $1.394 million for adoption incentives, $3.393806 million for child welfare services, and $1.88965 million for child abuse and neglect efforts. These allocations do not set individual eligibility, household payments, or guaranteed services for each family.
Funding supports community health care access
Fiscal year 2027 funding includes at least $500,000 for statewide technical help to community health centers and $600,000 for the Ellie Fund. The law transfers $4 million to the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund. It also provides at least $500,000 each for South Shore Health's underserved-community access efforts and the Massachusetts mobile integrated health care program. When federal matching funds are received, State Loan Repayment Program spending must equal or exceed its fiscal year 2026 level. These provisions fund health organizations and programs rather than fixed patient payments.
Funding supports fairer cash-assistance data work
The law provides $110,000 in fiscal year 2027 for the federally funded TANF Data Equity grant. The Department of Transitional Assistance administers the funding. This appropriation does not change household cash benefits or who qualifies.
Funding supports health workers and loan repayment
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $839,800 for the federal State Loan Repayment Program for health professionals. It also provides $400,000 for oral health workforce activities and $349,580 for State Primary Care Offices. The Department of Public Health administers all three federal grants. The loan repayment appropriation does not state individual award amounts or eligibility details.
Funding supports healthcare inspections and quality checks
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $12.53 million for federal Medicare and Medicaid facility surveys and certification. It also provides $806,680 for clinical laboratory standards work and $85,671 for hospice recertification surveys. Mammography quality standards work gets $498,957. The Department of Public Health administers all four federal grants. These appropriations fund oversight, not household payments.
Funding supports Money Follows the Person
For fiscal year 2027, the law funds two federal Money Follows the Person grants. The Rebalancing Demonstration Grant gets $887,567, and the year-four grant gets $914,195. These appropriations do not set individual eligibility rules or service amounts.
Funding supports mothers and children's health
For fiscal year 2027, federal grants provide about $11.53 million for maternal and child health services. Another grant provides about $11.91 million for immunization and children's vaccines. The law also provides $833,000 for childhood asthma and hazardous-substance research and $518,678 for childhood lead poisoning prevention. The Department of Public Health administers these funds. These appropriations do not set household payments or individual eligibility rules.
Funding supports rural hospitals and healthcare
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $223,410 for the federal State Office of Rural Health grant. It also provides $364,663 for the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program. The Small Rural Hospital Improvement Grant Program gets $81,168. The Department of Public Health administers these funds to support rural providers and eligible hospitals.
Funding supports services based in schools
Massachusetts provides $1 million for the School Based Services grant in fiscal year 2027. The money supports the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and school-based service providers. The appropriation does not identify specific services, individual eligibility rules, or household payments.
Funding supports sexually transmitted disease control
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $2.091 million for the federal Sexually Transmitted Disease Control grant. It provides another $441,480 for the federal Mass Applications for STD Surveillance Parts A and B grant. The Department of Public Health uses these funds for disease control and tracking. The appropriations do not specify individual services, payments, or eligibility changes.
Funding supports substance use treatment and prevention
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $52.92 million for the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant. It also provides $842,185 for the federal Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. These funds support prevention, treatment, and prescription monitoring. The appropriations do not set individual service amounts, household costs, or eligibility rules.
Funding supports summer food benefits for children
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $2.83 million for children's summer electronic food benefits. Another $1.1 million funds technology for the Summer EBT program. Both are federal grants. These appropriations do not set a per-child payment or new eligibility rules.
Funding supports women's health care access
The law provides $619,275 for the federal Expanding Access to Women's Health Grant in FY2027. The funding supports women's health access. The provision does not list covered services, individual eligibility rules, or household payment amounts.
Funding to prevent and track infections
For fiscal year 2027, federal grants receive about $1.65 million for tuberculosis control and laboratory work. Another grant receives about $1.08 million to prevent HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis. Viral hepatitis prevention and tracking receives $700,366, and the New England Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence receives $500,000. These funds do not set individual services, eligibility rules, or household payments.
Funding tracks environmental risks to health
For fiscal year 2027, public health grants get $489,275 for local environmental exposure work and $195,000 for indoor radon programs. Beach monitoring gets $258,000, and statewide environmental health capacity gets $90,000. The state and national environment grant gets $615,000, while chemical exposure monitoring gets $750,000. These appropriations do not specify household payments or individual access to testing.
Funding tracks HIV and health risks
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts provides $522,425 for National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System gets $750,000 to track health-related behaviors and risks. These grants fund public health monitoring, not household payments or new eligibility rules.
Funding transfers support Medicare savings programs
In fiscal year 2027, the state can transfer up to $15 million to Medicare Savings or Medicare Buy-In programs. The money comes from Prescription Advantage and the Health Safety Net Trust Fund. At least 45 days beforehand, the health secretary must certify the amount and expected savings to legislative budget committees. The law does not set a new individual benefit amount.
Grants strengthen local public health services
The law provides $13.05 million to local and regional health boards through the State Action for Public Health Excellence program. Grants support data collection, reporting, shared municipal services, and local public health capacity. The Department of Public Health must prioritize fair distribution across regions. At least $50,000 goes to Plymouth’s health and human services office for equity-survey planning, implementation, and training.
Grants support disability services and inclusion
The law requires at least $200,000 for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and $150,000 for Operation House Call training. At least $50,000 goes to the University of Massachusetts autism and neurodevelopmental disorders center. Raising Harts receives at least $50,000 for inclusive programming. Attleboro Enterprises receives at least $100,000 for its program center and wheelchair garden. These minimum grants total $550,000 for disability-related education, training, programs, and services.
Hospital and Medicaid spending get audits
During hospital fiscal year 2027, the inspector general can spend up to $1 million from the Health Safety Net Trust Fund. The money maintains an audit unit reviewing hospital practices, including care for uninsured people and related free-care charges. The unit also reviews Medicaid. Audit and completed-analysis results must reach legislative budget committees by March 1, 2027.
Hospital monitoring and investigator training funded
The law requires at least $2.468268 million for a pilot that automatically monitors harmful events in Massachusetts hospitals. Department of Public Health investigators responsible for health care quality investigations must also receive training. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit provides that training. These measures support health care oversight, not direct household payments.
Local clinical staff and health workers funded
Fiscal year 2027 provides Boston at least $650,000 for contracted clinical staff. Funding covers three nurse practitioners, one psychiatrist, and two addiction or mental health specialists. The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center receives $250,000 to train community health workers. These workers connect underserved people in Worcester and MetroWest with medical and social services.
Local senior services receive grant funding
The law provides about $31.04 million for councils on aging and qualifying groups, including a $16-per-elder formula grant. That formula allocates money to organizations; it is not a payment to each senior. Minimum grants include $250,000 for Parkway in Motion and $100,000 each for OutstandingLife, Whipple Senior Center, and Cole-Yeaton senior center. The secretary’s formula and incentive schedules must reach the legislative budget committees by February 5, 2027. Fenway Health also receives at least $120,000 for staffing and operations of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging.
Maternal care and postpartum depression support
For FY2027, the law funds postpartum depression programs at community health centers in Holyoke, Lynn, Worcester, Fall River, Salem, and Jamaica Plain. If a center declines funding, unused money must go to participating centers or expand the program to additional centers. The provision does not state a total for these programs. Sturdy Memorial Hospital also receives at least $50,000 for maternal care services and equipment.
Mental health awareness and prevention funding
The law requires at least $1 million for a campaign explaining available behavioral health services. It must involve advocacy groups, employers, colleges, and community organizations to reach people most at risk of barriers to care. The NAN Project receives at least $250,000 in FY2027 for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The Massachusetts Association of Mental Health receives at least $125,000 for information about sleep and wakefulness disorders. That campaign covers screening, early diagnosis, and proven treatments and medicines.
Mental health support for children and students
The law provides $2 million for a statewide mental health framework covering birth through higher education. Funds can also support implementation and student services. State health offices must work with experts, educators, students, families, and other stakeholders. At least $50,000 goes to Community Teamwork in Lowell for children's behavioral health and educational success programs in FY2027.
Naloxone funding continues in high-overdose communities
The law maintains first-responder naloxone grants and bystander distribution in Massachusetts communities with high overdose rates. Funding supports naloxone purchases, administration, and training. By October 1, 2026, the Department of Public Health must report expansion communities, participants, and amounts purchased and distributed by community.
Recovery services include job and housing support
The law funds substance use prevention, intervention, and recovery services, including help for incarcerated and released people and at-risk youth in Suffolk and Norfolk counties. RIZE Massachusetts Foundation receives $2 million, and Massachusetts General Hospital's RecoveryWorks program receives at least $475,000. RecoveryWorks supports mentoring, career coaching, skills training, job-entry help, and employer education to reduce stigma. The law also provides $42,000 for the federally funded Recovery Housing Program. These allocations do not establish direct household payments.
Reproductive care funding and contraception information
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts receives at least $2 million to support sexual and reproductive health care and community needs. The law also provides $1.98 million in grants for reproductive health access, facilities, and security. A $500,000 campaign informs pharmacies and the public about eligibility for a 12-month contraceptive prescription and supply. The public health commissioner must partner with insurers, pharmacies, advocacy groups, and employers. The campaign explains access but does not change prescription eligibility.
Safer supplies for people using drugs
The law funds a statewide harm-reduction strategy developed with municipalities and harm-reduction groups. At least $1.5 million must expand access to sterile and safe consumption supplies and syringe disposal services. At least $150,000 must support access to fentanyl test strips or other drug-checking equipment.
Service grants for seniors and caregivers
Federal grants fund aging, caregiver, disability, and protective services, rather than new household payments. Older Americans Act allocations are about $21.27 million and $136,703; supportive services receive $13.65 million, nutrition incentives $6 million, and preventive health $682,679. Caregiver grants receive about $5.03 million and $490,000; ombudsman services receive $570,000, and community service employment receives $1.19 million. Protective-service grants receive about $4.59 million, $58,162, and $114,345. Insurance assistance grants receive about $1.51 million and $281,283; aging agencies receive $226,513, resource centers $83,951, and No Wrong Door $450,000.
SNAP funds nutrition education and job training
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $2.49 million for SNAP nutrition education and obesity prevention. It provides another $3.18 million for SNAP employment and training services. These federal grants support participants but do not change SNAP eligibility or grocery benefit amounts.
Staff training for adult autism services
At least $100,000 goes to The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts for a six-month training pilot expansion. Training serves staff in state developmental-services and MassHealth day programs supporting adults with autism and complex behavioral needs. Topics include applied behavior analysis and devices that help people communicate.
Staffing funding for Everett children’s healthcare
The Joint Committee for Children’s Health Care in Everett receives at least $100,000 for increased staffing needs. The law does not specify staffing levels, particular services, or payments to families.
Stroke care reporting and improvement requirements
Stroke-service hospitals and emergency medical services agencies must report data on treatment of people with confirmed stroke. Reporting must follow nationally recognized treatment guidelines. The law also supports statewide stroke education, registry expansion, and care quality improvement. The provision does not state a funding amount or create direct household payments.
Study examines obesity medication coverage losses
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health receives at least $300,000 to study ending insurance coverage for GLP-1 medicines. The study concerns patients with obesity and both commercial and public insurance. It examines effects on health, care use, and spending. Funding remains available through June 30, 2029. This provision does not itself change insurance coverage.
Supervised medical students can provide care
Medical students with at least two completed years at a legally chartered medical school can practice in qualifying Massachusetts-licensed facilities. The facility must lawfully provide reproductive health care. A Massachusetts-licensed provider must supervise the student while acting within the scope of that provider's license.
Technology and project funding for WIC families
For fiscal year 2027, the federal Technology for a Better WIC Experience grant receives $288,500. The federal FY2015 WIC Special Project Grants receive $45,300. The funding supports WIC technology and special projects, not a direct increase in participant benefits. These provisions do not change who qualifies for WIC.
Training helps veterans navigate available benefits
The Executive Office of Veterans’ Services must continue training municipal veterans’ agents and directors at several locations statewide. Recognized veterans’ service organizations must receive training each year and as needed. Training covers benefits available to veterans and their dependents. This requirement does not change benefit amounts or eligibility.
Training supports care for LGBTQIA+ seniors
The law funds a contract with the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project. It supports provider training and outreach to LGBTQIA+ older adults and caregivers. The provision does not state a funding amount.
Treatment and funding for jail diversion
The law provides for substance-use jail diversion programs in separate counties at locations approved by the Department of Public Health. Each must have at least 60 beds and provide court assessments, inpatient treatment up to 90 days, and case management up to one year. A district attorney, working with the probation commissioner, may divert someone believed to have opioid addiction or another substance-use disorder. Diversion must be clinically appropriate and satisfy established clinical and public safety criteria; it is not automatic. Separately, the law requires at least $19 million for the jail diversion program. Municipalities providing equal public or private matching funds must receive at least their prior-year funding level.
Treatment support during custody and parole
For FY2027, medication-assisted treatment in sheriff’s facilities receives $749,840 in Berkshire County and $105,932 in Franklin County. Neither appropriation may be spent from the state budget’s AA or DD spending classes. At least $1.5 million goes to the Criminal Justice and Community Support Trust Fund for the former Middlesex County restoration-center pilot. During pre-arrest investigations or pre-adjudication proceedings, it directs eligible people to treatment instead of lock-ups or emergency departments. A separate pilot receives at least $125,000 for public health-informed addiction treatment for people under Parole Board supervision, with community-provider oversight and public safety office consultation.
Veteran plate revenue supports veterans' homes
After related Registry of Motor Vehicles costs are paid, 50% of VETERAN-designated license plate revenue supports veterans' homes. The money goes to operating accounts for the Chelsea and Holyoke homes. The total depends on plate revenue and Registry costs.
Community development funding for small cities
The law provides $44 million for the federal Small Cities Community Development Block Grant. The funding supports community development projects in Massachusetts small cities. This provision does not create direct household payments or state individual eligibility rules.
Construction funding for lower-income senior housing
At least $30,000 supports construction costs for low- to middle-income senior housing. The money goes through the Northern Bristol County Assistance Collaborative. This is project funding, not a direct payment to seniors.
Federal funding for shelter and vouchers
The law provides $34 million for the federal Continuum of Care Supplemental Housing grant. It also provides about $5.02 million for the McKinney Emergency Shelter Grants Program. Another $2.53 million funds the federal Stability Voucher grant. These appropriations support housing and shelter programs but do not set individual eligibility, payment amounts, or numbers served.
Housing and job help after incarceration
The probation office administers competitive nonprofit grants for residential reentry services, including transitional housing, job help, and case management. Eligible participants include people on parole or probation and people approved under state-law sections 49 and 86F of chapter 127. At least $25,000 goes to PAACA in New Bedford, and at least $1 million supports women and elderly people returning from incarceration. At least $1.5 million goes to the parole board for sober and transitional housing for parolees. Nonprofits must have a documented record of evidence-based or evidence-informed services, a plan to follow the program design, and appropriate supervision.
Housing services for older adults
Fiscal year 2027 funding includes $286,000 for housing assessment, placement, and homelessness prevention for homeless or at-risk older adults. The law also provides $2.575158 million for congregate and shared housing services, naturally occurring retirement communities, and long-term care ombudsman services. At least $856,000 goes to retirement community providers with fiscal year 2026 agreements with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. Those providers receive the same proportional shares as in fiscal year 2026.
Local housing and homeownership program grants
The law funds named local housing, homelessness prevention, eviction prevention, and housing development programs. At least $500,000 supports the Saving Towards Affordable and Sustainable Homeownership program. At least $300,000 supports Lynn Housing Authority stabilization and referral services. Additional named grants range from $5,000 to $200,000; these are program grants, not fixed household awards.
Minimum bed payments for homeless shelters
Organizations serving homeless people must receive an average payment of at least $25 per bed per night. This is a provider payment floor, not a cash payment to people staying in shelters.
Regional support to prevent homelessness
At least $50,000 goes to United Way of Pioneer Valley for the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness. It supports Housing First coordination centered on racial equity in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties. At least $500,000 goes to the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance for development resources, promotion, and technical help. That work includes permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities experiencing homelessness and other homelessness solutions.
Required lease for Weston railroad station land
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority must enter a lease with Friends of the Weston Depot by October 1, 2026. The lease covers the land at 55 Church Street in Weston where the railroad station sits. The law does not state a lease price or change passenger services.
Shelters can fund alternative housing services
Existing shelter programs can renegotiate how they use shelter funds for proven alternatives. Options include Housing First, transitional housing, and help avoiding shelter. Both the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the host municipality must agree.
Accessible recreation funding for disabled participants
The law directs at least $15,000 from after-school and out-of-school program funds to the Paris Street Council. The money supports its programs, including expanded accessible recreation and partnerships with the Special Olympics.
Advanced training funding supports home-care aides
The law provides about $1.184 million for advanced-skill training for home-care aides. The secretary of aging and independence administers the grant program. Trained aides must serve people in the state elder home-care program. The provision does not set individual worker or household payments.
Disability employment services receive protected funding
MassAbility's federally funded vocational rehabilitation grant receives about $50.18 million in fiscal year 2027. No deductions are allowed for pensions, health or life insurance, or similar indirect costs of federally reimbursed state employees. Regional employment collaboratives serving people with developmental disabilities must receive at least their fiscal year 2026 funding. The law does not state that funding floor in dollars or set individual benefit amounts.
Employment grants support residents with disabilities
The law provides $8.75 million for the Commission for the Blind's federal vocational rehabilitation grant. That grant cannot have deductions for pensions, group health or life insurance, or similar indirect costs of federally reimbursed employees. For fiscal year 2027, the commission also receives $10,500 for supported employment. MassAbility receives $396,031 for its federal Supported Employment Services Grant. These provisions fund services without setting individual payments or guaranteeing individual access.
Employment outreach funding supports disabled veterans
The law provides about $3.190 million for the federal Disabled Veterans Outreach Program. The money supports Massachusetts agencies providing employment outreach to disabled veterans. It does not set direct household payments or additional eligibility rules.
Families get clearer school meal rules
Every Massachusetts city and town must publish and share school meal charge policies in an easily accessible format. Policies must follow USDA guidance memorandum SP 46-2016. Publication is required by September 30, 2026, and before the 2026–2027 school year begins if possible. This disclosure rule does not change meal prices or eligibility.
Family medicine training gets local funding
The law provides $750,000 for teaching health centers with family medicine residency programs in Worcester, Lawrence, or South Boston. The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers administers the money and retains 5%. The remaining money supports training and is divided equally among eligible centers. Distribution is required by December 4, 2026.
Federal funding supports young children
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $175,000 for Head Start Collaboration and $974,453 for Child Abuse Prevention. It also provides about $5.986 million for the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five. These funds support the named federal early education and care programs. The provisions do not set household payments or individual eligibility rules.
Funding for hiring credit and labor certification
The law provides $576,827 for Massachusetts administration of the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit. It does not change the credit amount, who qualifies, or how much employers can claim. A separate federal grant provides $429,651 for labor certification administration. That grant does not establish individual eligibility rules or household payments.
Funding for worker safety and mine training
The law provides about $1.438 million for the federally funded OSHA 23G workplace safety program. It also provides $111,862 for federal mine safety and health training. These grants support Massachusetts safety agencies and training activities. They do not specify payments to workers or new worker eligibility rules.
Funding supports library services and technology
The law provides $3.661196 million in fiscal year 2027 for the federally funded Library Services Technology Act grant. The allocation supports Massachusetts libraries and their patrons. Funds are for the named grant, but the text does not specify services, individual eligibility, or a distribution formula.
Funding supports pathways into teaching careers
The law directs at least $450,000 to Journey into Education & Teaching, Inc. The money supports its work to build the educator workforce pipeline. The provision does not set direct payments to individuals.
Funding supports safer public college campuses
The law requires at least $150,000 for a campus violence prevention administrator and statewide campus safety work. This includes sexual-violence prevention at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. The funds support prevention programs rather than payments to students.
Funding supports workplace safety consultations
The law provides about $1.350 million for the federal OSHA Onsite Consultation Program in Massachusetts. The money supports workplace safety consultations. The provision does not state how many employers or workers receive services or establish direct household payments.
Funding supports young people's independent living
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $3.250 million for the federal Title IV-E Independent Living Program. It also provides about $1.044 million for the federal Education and Training Voucher program for eligible young people. These funds support independent living and education programs. The provisions do not set individual eligibility rules, voucher amounts, or household payments.
Funding supports youth learning and services
The law funds after-school, out-of-school, and summer learning grants, favoring joint proposals that improve quality and access. Programs must actively include children with disabilities, English learners, and low-income children. Applications must describe measurable results, accountability, and existing public funding and the students it serves. Grant recipients must be selected by September 30, 2026. At least $150,000 also supports Weymouth Teen Center job skills, technology, remedial education, and social services.
Funding tracks workers' health and deaths
For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts provides $641,054 for expanded workplace health monitoring. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries gets $58,750 to collect data on workplace deaths. These grants do not provide household payments or change workplace safety requirements.
Grants expand preschool access for children
The law provides $15.5 million in grants to expand voluntary preschool for children eligible for kindergarten by September 2028. Funding also supports technical help, evaluation, summer programs, and Summer Step Up. Competitive awards favor districts serving high shares of high-needs students. Planning grants may favor updates to earlier plans, while implementation grants may favor districts with qualifying expansion plans. The grants support local programs, not family payments or guaranteed seats.
Grants help adult learners reach college
The state education department awards competitive grants to organizations committed to effective adult basic education. Funded services must help learners move from adult basic education into community-college certificate or degree programs. The provision does not state total funding or create an individual grant entitlement.
Grants support charter and college students
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides about $2.291 million for Charter School Assistance and Distributions. It provides $5 million for Gear Up V and $3.2 million for Gear Up IV. Student Support Services receives $224,165, and Bristol Community College's Upward Bound Program receives $265,821. These named federal grants support schools, colleges, and participating students. The provisions do not set individual awards or eligibility details.
Grants support racial balance in schools
The law funds grants for programs to eliminate racial imbalance in schools. This includes payments for services from METCO, Inc. and Springfield public schools. Grant applications approved by the state education department must include detailed budgets showing planned spending. Fiscal year 2027 funds remain available through December 31, 2027, rather than returning to the General Fund. The supplied provision does not state the total funding amount.
Head Start and local childcare get funding
The law provides $20 million for Head Start grants, which can also support Early Head Start. Named local grants include at least $200,000 for student transportation at People, Incorporated's Fall River early education center. Jumpstart for Young Children receives at least $300,000 for preschool language, literacy, and early relationship health programs. At least $25,000 funds the Old Colony YMCA-Taunton basketball court replacement, and $10,000 funds Nauset Youth Alliance childcare. These grants fund programs and facilities, not direct family payments.
High-cost special education districts get aid
At least $250,000 supports districts with unusually high special education costs. Special education costs must exceed 25% of total district costs. Eligible tuition and related costs for approved private-school placements within the district must exceed $1 million. Those placement costs must also exceed 20% of all such costs. The aid goes to districts, not directly to families.
Local youth learning and recreation funded
At least $50,000 funds wellness and recreation improvements at Wayland High School and Happy Hollow Elementary School. At least $25,000 supports Gravel Pit Academy Foundation athletics and educational help for underserved South Shore youth. After-school funds provide at least $25,000 to the Coalition for a Better Acre for podcast training for more than 20 Lowell teens. Those funds also provide at least $75,000 for New Bedford's Girls Design Academy and $10,000 for Harlem Lacrosse Boston's East Boston site. At least $50,000 goes to Natick schools for multilingual learners' academic support and family engagement, plus additional student academic help.
Quality and mental health help for preschools
The law funds early education quality improvements, universal pre-kindergarten, inclusive learning grants, and mental health consultation. Public-private partnerships serving many high-needs students receive preference. Fiscal year 2027 includes $4.95 million for early childhood mental health consultation and related programs, including required trauma-informed staff training. These grants favor services that limit expulsions and suspensions and programs serving many high-needs students. School committees can spend district quality grants from separate accounts without another municipal appropriation.
Recovery high schools receive operating funds
Massachusetts recovery high schools receive about $2.78 million for administrative and program costs in fiscal year 2027. At least $100,000 of that money supports implementing recovery high schools. These schools serve young people needing recovery-focused education. The funding does not create direct household payments.
Reproductive care training for medical residents
The law provides at least $250,000 in grants to Massachusetts hospitals offering reproductive health training, including abortion care. Eligible medical residents cannot receive that training in their state of employment because of that state’s abortion restrictions. Hospitals receiving grants must create an application process for eligible residents. The Department of Public Health must report application and acceptance numbers by April 1, 2027.
Rural schools receive targeted state aid
The law provides $16 million for districts with no more than 35 students per square mile. Average annual per-person income must be no higher than the state average; vocational, independent agricultural and technical, and charter schools are excluded. Priority goes first to districts below 11 students per square mile, then those at or below 21, then 35. Recipients must submit an efficiency plan by February 2, 2027. This aid is excluded from chapter 70 aid when calculating fiscal year 2028 minimum required local contributions.
School continuity for youth leaving facilities
The state education department must keep working with the Department of Youth Services on lessons in youth facilities. Lessons must align with statewide curriculum frameworks. The collaboration also supports young people returning from those facilities to regular public schools.
School grants teach health and safety
The law requires at least $2 million in school district grants for safe, responsible, and healthy social media use. Grants can fund evidence-based learning materials and educator training. At least $375,000 supports hands-on CPR training in public schools. At least $1 million supports farm-to-school and food-system learning in schools and early education programs. Within that amount, at least $750,000 funds FRESH grants, $150,000 expands school wellness coaching, and at least $100,000 develops food-learning materials.
School improvement and classroom learning funds
The law transfers $1 million to the Twenty-First Century Education Trust Fund for public schools designated as needing assistance. It supports closing achievement gaps, improving learning opportunities, sharing classroom practices, and district efficiencies. The law also provides $2.5 million to the Civics Project Trust Fund and $1 million to the science, technology, engineering, and math Pipeline Fund. Another $3 million funds genocide-history instruction for middle- and high-school students, including teaching materials and educator training. These provisions do not set amounts for individual schools or students.
School support for refugees and English learners
The law provides about $1.371 million in fiscal year 2027 for the federal Refugee School Impact grant. It supports the Office for Refugees and Immigrants and schools serving refugee students. At least $1 million funds intensive English-learning grants in districts serving legally defined gateway municipalities. English-learner services also include educator training and support for students at risk of dropping out because of language barriers. These provisions fund services, not direct household payments or individual service guarantees.
Schools get safety and bias-prevention grants
Safe and supportive school grants fund schoolwide action plans, statewide help, and a full-time staff member. Plans must use the full state framework and self-assessment tool; districts must also plan support for funded schools. Continuing recipients must include action plans in school improvement plans, and representative, age-appropriate student input gives applications priority. Awards are due by November 3, 2026, and unspent funds remain available through June 30, 2028. Separate public-school bias-prevention grants prioritize schools with incidents in the previous two years and provide at least $25,000 to Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action.
Schools receive student mental health support
The law provides $3.5 million for districts, charter schools, and educational collaboratives to strengthen student social, emotional, and behavioral supports. Grants can fund proven interventions and staff training, with preference for racial equity and culturally responsive approaches. At least $500,000 supports mental and behavioral health services, including counselors, in nonpublic schools. SHARE grants connect schools with community services and licensed providers; at least $250,000 goes to schools serving high percentages of low-income students. SHARE grants favor school-community connections, can fund staff training, and remain available through August 27, 2027.
Security funding for Hopedale students
The law directs at least $50,000 to Hopedale to plan, design, and install a security system at its Junior Senior High School. The money comes from the regional pupil transportation appropriation. This funds one school's security system, not a statewide program.
Senate fellowship funding supports public-service careers
The law requires at least $100,000 for a Senate fellowship pipeline program. The program must promote inclusive, diverse participation and introduce participants to long-term public-service employment opportunities. The provision does not set participant wages, stipends, or eligibility rules.
State matching funds support university internships
The law requires at least $1 million for the state university internship incentive program. The state matches each $1 privately contributed with $1 in state funds. Private contributions must go to a university's board of trustees or foundation. Total state matching funds cannot exceed the program's appropriation. The provision does not set individual student payments.
State university students get support funding
State universities receive $14 million in SUCCESS grants for services supporting vulnerable students. Services can include peer mentoring, study-skills workshops, and academic, career, or scholarship advising. The Department of Higher Education sets the distribution formula and criteria. Universities may spend this money only on personnel costs.
Struggling schools get improvement funding
About $16.53 million supports schools and districts at risk of, or identified as, underperforming in fiscal year 2027. Funding supports turnaround planning, leadership, staff training, and teaching materials. Recipients must file comprehensive plans using proven, research-based practices; targeted assistance also requires an approved staff-training plan. Materials must align with state curriculum standards, and recurring costs require a long-term district funding plan. At least $100,000 of the school assistance funding supports Teach for America Massachusetts teacher recruitment and training for high-need public schools.
Student testing and assessment pilots funded
The law provides about $40.83 million for statewide student and school tests and classroom portfolio assessment grants. Portfolio assessments can add to classroom testing but cannot replace the statewide standardized test. Spending for the 2026–2027 school year follows the state education board's decision. Another $495,000 funds an alternative assessment pilot managed by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst under contract with the education consortium. Tools and practices developed through the pilot must be free for all schools and districts.
Students get mental health screening pilot
At least $1 million funds a pilot offering universal mental health screenings in participating kindergarten-through-grade-12 schools. Each participating school must form a mental health support team using existing student support staff. A team member must conduct the screenings. Participants must send program data to the state education department by July 1, 2027.
Students get online and summer learning
JFYNetWorks receives $875,000 in fiscal year 2027 for online college and career readiness instruction for middle- and high-school students. Lessons must align with state standards and address learning gaps and preparation for required and college placement tests. Another $2.9403 million funds competitive summer learning grants in districts with high concentrations of low-income students. Summer programs must offer at least 150 hours of research-based academic, college, and career preparation. They must work with organizations and use cost-sharing partnerships with districts, private funders, and nonprofit institutions.
Students receive accessible learning and support
At least $750,000 supports students with intellectual disabilities through the Massachusetts chapter of Best Buddies. At least $200,000 funds accessible synthetic-audio books through the National Instructional Materials Access Center, along with training and outreach on accessible formats. It also covers special education students' audio-textbook borrowing costs. In fiscal year 2027, at least $250,000 supports Crystal Springs School services for young people with developmental disabilities. At least $50,000 also supports Boston Athletic Academy's youth education and athletics.
Targeted funding supports student literacy
The law requires at least $50,000 for literacy programs in Winchester public schools. It also requires at least $440,000 for HILL for Literacy, Inc. HILL can use its fiscal year 2027 funds through June 30, 2028. These funds support literacy work, not direct payments to families.
Towns get help with school-aid shortfalls
A $4 million reserve offsets chapter 70 aid cuts caused by an unexpected drop in English language learners. Another $1.4555 million reserve helps towns facing federal impact aid shortfalls for educating children of federal employees on local military reservations. At least $150,000 must be available to Lincoln for educating children of retired military families. The money supports municipal education costs, not direct family payments.
Worcester student program receives state funding
The law provides $2 million for the School of Excellence program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Sending school districts do not have to pay students' costs of attending the institute. The program must make every effort to recruit and serve equal numbers of male and female students. The Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science must provide professional development, including teacher and visiting-scholar salaries and benefits.
Youth job programs receive state support
The law authorizes high-school workplace partnerships linked to YouthWorks; businesses must provide at least a 200% match in student wages. Businesses must also commit resources for salaries, mentoring, instruction, and work with teachers. At least $200,000 supports Girls Inc. SMART and Eureka programs at six Massachusetts chapters. YouthBuild Coalition members receive education and job-training grants, including at least $100,000 for Everett youth workforce development and summer jobs. At least $35,000 supports Everett Art Labs' Listening Works apprenticeship program, and $75,000 supports Brockton's YEP! We Can youth jobs.
Youth mentoring programs receive matching grants
The Mass Mentoring Partnership runs competitive statewide grants for public and private agencies starting or expanding youth mentoring programs. Programs must use current best practices. Each recipient agency must match every $1 in grant money with $1 in matching funds. The partnership must report grant results, spending, and matching-fund sources by March 15, 2027.
Federal grant funding supports Massachusetts tourism
For fiscal year 2027, the law allocates about $58.349 million for a federal statewide tourism recovery grant. The money supports Massachusetts tourism agencies and businesses served by the grant. The provision does not name eligible businesses or set a distribution formula or household payments.
Funding develops artificial intelligence for government
The law provides at least $250,000 to expand the AI For Impact program. The program designs, tests, and deploys artificial intelligence tools to improve state services and prepare the state workforce. The law does not name the services that change or quantify household effects.
Funding for local nonprofits and community projects
Fiscal year 2027 earmarks set minimum spending for named local groups, schools, municipalities, and projects, with each recipient’s stated purpose binding. Examples include $500,000 for the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, $280,000 for the Blackstone Valley Chamber, and $250,000 for the Jett Foundation. A separate allocation provides about $30.012 million, including at least $1 million through the New Commonwealth Fund for Black- and Brown-led nonprofits. At least $20,000 supports Fitchburg Public Market’s customer-facing Main Street retail operations through fiscal year 2028. At least $25,000 goes to Common Wealth Mural Collaborative for the Fresh Paint Springfield public art festival in fiscal year 2027.
Funding protects farmland and food systems
For fiscal year 2027, Agricultural Resources gets $5 million for the federally funded Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. Eligible farm and ranch land interests are beneficiaries, but individual award amounts and household eligibility rules are not specified. The department also gets $350,000 for agricultural pest surveys and $460,000 for the Development of Institutional Marketing grant. Another $1.5 million supports Massachusetts Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure. Each allocation is limited to the named federally funded program’s purposes.
Funding supports energy and cleaner vehicles
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $49,492 for the BIL-EECBG energy conservation program through Energy Resources. It also provides $675,374 for the federally funded Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program. Another $1.29924 million supports the federally funded State Energy Plan grant. Funds are limited to the named programs’ purposes. These allocations do not establish household rebates or individual eligibility.
Funding supports Federal Reserve Title I
The law provides $157,544 in fiscal year 2027 for the federally funded grant named Federal Reserve Title I. The money supports Massachusetts agencies administering that grant and is limited to its purposes. The text does not describe services, beneficiaries, or a distribution formula.
Funding supports ports for offshore wind
The law provides $4.75 million for port infrastructure supporting offshore wind development. The executive office must report to the specified legislative committees on infrastructure improvements by December 30, 2026. The money supports industry infrastructure, not direct household payments.
Funding supports sustainable fishing and research
The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance gets at least $500,000 for sustainable fishing modernization and maintenance. For fiscal year 2027, Fish and Game gets $250,000 for Commercial Fisheries Statistics and $400,000 for Interstate Fisheries Management Support. It also gets $102,000 for the ACCSP Implementation Strategic Plan and $60,000 to test cod avoidance of trawl nets. Another $450,000 funds the Age and Growth Project Segment One. These five agency allocations are restricted to their federally funded grant purposes and do not specify direct household or business payments.
Funding to extend Massachusetts tourism season
The law provides about $2.73 million in fiscal year 2027 for the federally funded Travel and Tourism Season Extension Grant. The funding supports tourism agencies and businesses served by the grant. This provision does not name eligible businesses or set household payments.
Grants support local projects and organizations
The fiscal year 2027 budget funds named community, tourism, cultural, public safety, recreation, and local development projects. One grant package totals $4.155 million, including $1.3 million to Boston for the HBCU Kickoff Classic Weekend at Harvard University. Separate grants include $1 million for Fitchburg downtown redevelopment and $1 million for the Museum of African American History. Additional named grants include amounts from $5,000 to $100,000 for services, infrastructure, parks, libraries, youth programs, small-business development, and arts. Quiet Communities in Concord gets at least $50,000, with no use specified; these grants do not establish general household benefits.
State transfers money into General Fund
The comptroller must transfer $8 million from the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund to the General Fund. The law does not assign this money to a specific service or household benefit.
Study examines Alewife to Concord transit
The law directs at least $50,000 to study extending the Red Line or creating bus rapid transit from Alewife. The study covers Route 2 to the Concord Rotary and examines financial feasibility and agency capability. This money funds a study, not construction or a promise of new service.
Water financing receives state financial support
The law provides about $63.38 million in contract assistance to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. Money may support debt payments, principal forgiveness, lower interest rates, and other financial assistance under its programs. The provision does not guarantee lower household water bills or specify individual eligibility.
State funding covers development agency bond payments
The law provides $13 million in contract assistance and other payments to the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency. The money covers debt service and related obligations on bonds issued under the specified acts. The administration and finance secretary must report by January 29, 2027. The report must cover estimated payments and expected obligations for fiscal years 2028 and 2029.
Full reimbursement for some veterans' benefits
The state reimburses cities and towns for 100% of veterans' benefits paid to residents of specified housing facilities. Covered facilities are soldiers' homes, homeless shelters, and transitional housing. The reimbursement goes to the municipality, not as a separate payment to the veteran.
Funding for health centers and hospitals
At least $5 million supports allied-health workers at community health centers receiving federal funding under section 254(b). Payments must reflect financial need and prioritize recruiting and retaining a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce. Supports include loan repayment, training, worker pipelines, and retention payments. MassHealth must also fund acute hospitals with more than 63% of patient-service revenue from government payors and free care. The executive office determines hospital eligibility; no hospital funding amount is stated.
Funding keeps health information systems running
The law transfers about $14.18 million to the Health Information Technology Trust Fund. The money pays operating costs for statewide health information sharing and an integrated benefit eligibility system. It does not change who qualifies for benefits or create household payments.
Funding transfers support state health programs
The comptroller may move up to $15 million in employer medical assistance contributions from Commonwealth Care to the Health Safety Net. The finance secretary must direct the transfer, which can supplement other required FY2026 transfers. In FY2027, the secretary can direct federal health-program reimbursements into the Commonwealth Care Trust Fund. That transfer cannot exceed the fourth-year cost of the pilot created by section 81 of the 2023 law. These funding transfers do not create household payments or change eligibility.
Payment floor for residential care providers
Beginning July 1, 2026, residential care and rest-home rates must cumulatively total at least their January 1, 2026 levels. This sets a floor for covered provider payments. It does not set a new dollar rate or household charge.
Payment rules for nursing care facilities
For the period beginning October 1, 2026, nursing facility payment rates can use calendar year 2023 costs. The law also continues fiscal year 2006 standard rates reflecting higher kosher food costs. Those rates apply to nursing homes and non-acute chronic-disease hospitals providing kosher food with state-granted special innovative program status. The law does not state resulting rates or changes to residents' bills.
Safety net providers gain payment protections
Health Safety Net payments can use the state's federal waiver, Medicaid or CHIP service-rate adjustments, or both. Covered federally qualified community health centers established under the 1995 law are protected from payment adjustments to shortfall allocations. References to the Medicaid Division in section 10A also cover specified contracted insurers, plans, behavioral health firms, and administrators. That expanded application requires all necessary federal approvals and available federal funding. These rules do not themselves change patient eligibility or benefits.
Service contracts consider higher coastal costs
State health and human services agencies must consider higher local costs when contracting for services on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The same rule applies in Provincetown. Agencies must consider costs of goods, services, and housing, but the law sets no required contract increase.
Targeted nursing home payments in two areas
At least $2.973456 million recognizes extra allowable costs in nursing facility base rates near North Adams. Facilities must be within 17 miles of 71 Hospital Avenue. At least $3.8 million recognizes costs above the October 1, 2024 base-year rate for a qualifying Martha's Vineyard facility. That facility must be within 8 miles of a federally designated Critical Access Hospital. These are facility payments, not direct resident benefits.
Funding for rental help and housing
For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $4 million for Section 811 Project Rental Assistance. It provides $10.2 million for Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation and $1.4 million for Family Self-Sufficiency. Emergency Housing Vouchers funded through the American Rescue Plan receive $9.75 million. Home Investment Partnerships receives $22 million, its American Rescue Plan program receives $20 million, and the National Housing Trust Fund receives $11 million. These appropriations do not set individual benefit amounts or eligibility rules.
Technology supports state public housing operations
The state housing office may use funds to create and run a technology platform for state-aided public housing. It must collaborate and coordinate with housing authorities when changing the platform. The law does not specify a funding amount or provide direct household payments.
Adult learners get education program funding
The law provides about $58.39 million for adult basic education, including efforts to reduce English-learning waitlists and train program staff. Grant preference goes to organizations serving high shares of parents of infants through school-age children. Grants are not guaranteed. Phase 2 contracts tied to employment and wage gains must measure results and provide bridge funding while final results are reviewed.
Colleges gain broader workforce grant funding
More revenue sources can count toward community college workforce-training grant incentives. These include contracts funded through public agencies, municipalities, public grants, nonprofits, or private gifts. At least $100,000 goes to Holyoke Community College for Recompete Program support services with local employers.
Funding for Massachusetts job market surveys
The law provides about $1.94 million for federally funded Bureau of Labor Statistics work in Massachusetts. It also provides $75,000 for labor statistics surveys. These funds support state agencies, not direct household payments.
Funding for regional higher education
The law provides $433,525 for the New England Board of Higher Education. This provision does not specify funded activities or create a direct payment to students or families.
Funding helps districts cover school transportation
The law provides about $57.162 million to reimburse regional school districts for pupil transportation. It also provides about $35.219 million for transporting nonresident students covered by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Those costs must qualify under that federal law. Each reimbursement program is capped at its appropriation. Payments go to districts and local governments, not families.
Funding supports Greenfield family medicine training
The law requires at least $250,000 for Baystate Franklin Medical Center's family medicine residency program in Greenfield. The money supports physician training. It does not provide direct household payments.
Funding supports job seekers and training
The law provides about $15.255 million for the federal Employment Services State Allotment. It also provides about $17.282 million for adult workforce activities and $19.110 million for youth workforce activities. The funds support Massachusetts job-service agencies and workforce programs. These provisions do not set direct payments, individual eligibility rules, or youth age limits.
Funding supports school budget review
The law requires at least $250,000 for the Foundation Budget Review Commission. The money funds the school-finance commission, not household payments. This appropriation does not itself change school funding formulas or family benefits.
Grants support apprenticeships and career training
The law provides about $2.118 million for the federal Apprenticeships USA State Accelerator Grant. The state education department also funds grants to develop or expand career and technical education, including career technical institutes. Vocational schools with documented admissions waitlists receive preference. Career education grants can cover transportation only when the regional school transportation program does not reimburse those costs. The provisions do not set apprentice payments or a total career education grant amount.
Grants support workers facing job disruption
The law provides about $22.092 million for the federal Dislocated Worker Formula Grant. It also provides $874,165 for Trade Adjustment Assistance and $551,195 for workforce National Emergency Grants. These funds support worker assistance, employment services, and workforce emergency programs in Massachusetts. The provisions do not set individual payment amounts or additional eligibility rules.
Local grants support students and communities
The law provides about $7.972 million for local education improvement projects run by municipalities, school districts, and nonprofits. Projects support student services, technology, youth programs, workforce training, and facilities. Allocations include $200,000 for Urban College of Boston student support. They also include $100,000 for youth courts in New Bedford and Fall River. The money funds projects, not direct household payments.
Public schools get clean energy grants
The law provides $2 million in fiscal year 2027 for competitive clean energy grants to Massachusetts public schools and districts. Grants support installing or maintaining clean energy infrastructure. The state education department administers the program with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. Schools receive the money, not households.
Scholarships and training for early educators
The law directs at least $7.5 million to scholarships for eligible early education and care educators. It also provides $2.97 million in fiscal year 2027 for professional training, college opportunities, and related supports. The early education department coordinates programs with Massachusetts public two-year colleges to recruit, train, and retain educators. Training must follow department standards, and college credits must transfer to other Massachusetts public colleges whenever possible.
Schools must disclose transportation contract costs
For required out-of-district special education transportation, districts must request detailed costs and submit them annually to the state education department. Vendors must show cost breakdowns in bids, quotes, contracts, and future invoices; the department must report cost trends to education committee chairs. The department must maintain a searchable database of procurement documents, contracts, and providers that all districts can use. Districts must submit documents within 30 days after signing, and the department must add them within 30 days after receipt. Annual procurement guidance is required, with extra assistance for the 20 highest-cost districts and districts where transportation contributes to underperformance and inequity.
Training and licensing help for nurses
The law provides $1.45 million in fiscal year 2027 for nursing and allied health workforce development. At least $500,000 supports public-college and health-provider partnerships for clinical training, teaching, and other workforce efforts. Minimum allocations include $200,000 for Northeastern’s Fall River campus, $100,000 for UMass Dartmouth’s Southcoast Hospitals partnership, and $125,000 for Curry College. Separately, at least $190,000 goes to Bunker Hill Community College’s Boston Welcome Back Center. The center helps internationally educated nurses seek Massachusetts licenses.
Transit academy funding supports skilled workers
The law directs at least $35 million from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority transfer to its academy program. The academy builds a pipeline of skilled transit workers. The provision does not set individual training benefits, wages, or entry requirements.
Clean energy funding supports workers and entrepreneurs
The law transfers $8 million to the Climatetech Investment Fund for investments and workforce initiatives under Massachusetts’s 2050 climate plan. At least $1 million must fund entrepreneurial fellowships providing direct, multi-year support to turn research into businesses, products, and jobs. The energy and environmental affairs office must report by March 2, 2027. Its report must cover investments, workforce programs, workers served, and estimated effects on the climate plan.
Weekly income checks for appointed lawyers
The probation office must arrange weekly income checks for people seeking a court-appointed lawyer because they cannot afford one. It must use the Department of Revenue's wage-reporting and bank-match system to check eligibility. The law changes how income is checked, not who qualifies for appointed counsel.
Emergency aid stops during incarceration
People incarcerated in a correctional institution cannot receive Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children while incarcerated. This provision does not state a benefit amount.
Narrower health subsidy access for employees
The employee health insurance subsidy is limited to employees ineligible for subsidized Health Connector insurance and every MassHealth program. Enrollment can also be capped to keep MassHealth spending within its appropriation. This provision does not create a separate payment duty for employees.
Pregnancy verification required for cash aid
Pregnant applicants with no other eligible dependent children must verify pregnancy to receive Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children. They must meet the program’s financial and other eligibility requirements as though the child were born and living with them that month. This provision sets no payment amount.
Agencies can share special education data
Four state agencies can share personal data about students in qualifying special education programs despite chapter 66A privacy restrictions. They are Elementary and Secondary Education, Early Education and Care, Children and Families, and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. Programs must be approved, licensed, monitored, or regulated by either named education department. Sharing must serve the agencies' duties under state and federal law.
Civil service applicants pay exam fees
Each Massachusetts civil service exam applicant must pay a fee of at least $50. The Secretary of Administration and Finance must charge the fee. The law does not state the exact charge or the previous fee.
Funding supports probation-related DNA testing
The probation office must spend at least $479,167 on DNA testing in fiscal year 2027. This funds testing of people subject to probation-related DNA testing. The provision does not itself set a new testing rule or household payment.
Probation expands testing and electronic monitoring
The probation office must spend at least $450,000 to expand drug-testing capacity. Funds can support laboratory tests, oral testing, and urine tests that detect more substances. At least $350,000 expands electronic-monitoring capacity. The provision does not change monitoring conditions or state how many people will be monitored.
State legal payments need written approval
Payments from a $1 million legal reserve face written approval requirements. The Attorney General must review and approve covered outside-counsel bills and settlements before payment. Covered counsel fees exceeding $250,000 cumulatively and settlements exceeding $250,000 also need approval from Administration and Finance or its designee. State officials and employees seeking reimbursement must first obtain the Attorney General's written approval.
Housing employees face elected-office limits
A housing authority employee cannot also serve as an elected executive officer in the municipality where the authority is located. The rule limits concurrent public roles; it does not change household housing assistance.
Industry assessments cover utility regulation costs
FY2027 assessments on covered entities must pay for specified Department of Public Utilities operating costs and staff benefits. Separate assessments must cover steam-distribution regulation and transportation network services division costs, including staff benefits. The law does not specify assessment amounts or charge households directly.
Auto insurers must fund rating board
Massachusetts motor vehicle insurers must cover about $11.67 million for the motor vehicle insurance merit rating board’s operations. They must also cover related employee benefit costs. The law does not set a direct policyholder charge or a specific premium change.
Emergency programs must bill patient insurers
Emergency service programs must take all reasonable steps to identify and bill the third-party insurer of every person served. This adds a billing duty for the programs. The provision does not impose a new patient fee or personal payment duty. Any patient cost depends on coverage and billing details not specified here.
Funding barred for shortening newborn stays
In fiscal year 2027, the executive office cannot fund case-management programs intended to shorten neonatal intensive care stays. This restricts program funding, but does not set a family payment or guarantee any length of stay.
Mental health assessment for insurance payors
For FY2027, the commissioner must assess specified surcharge payors for MCPAP services provided on behalf of commercially insured clients. The commissioner must collect the amounts under Department of Mental Health rules. The law does not state the assessment amount or impose a direct household charge. It does not say whether insurance premiums change.
State health spending faces tighter limits
State entities generally cannot fund chapter 118E program costs that lack federal reimbursement. Exceptions include specified administration, benefits for certain children in state care, and dental benefits for certain adults with developmental disabilities. They also cover certain mental institution services, approved cost-containment work, and spending approved in writing by the administration and finance secretary. Before raising existing Medicaid provider rates, the state must take all possible federal-law steps to limit payments to efficient, adequate-quality care. These rules govern state spending, not new personal payment duties.
Civil service employers face claim fees
The Civil Service Commission may charge an appointing authority a fee for each claim when inappropriate action occurred. The fees reimburse the Massachusetts General Fund. The law does not specify the fee amount or assign the fee to the claimant.
Home care protected but raises limited
In fiscal year 2027, state-funded homemaker and home health aide rates cannot increase if services or client numbers would fall. These funds also cannot pay direct-service worker raises that would reduce client services. The rule protects care availability while limiting rate and wage increases that would cause service cuts.
Broader sharing of families' childcare data
The law allows the early education department and listed agencies and organizations to share personal data about participating parents and children. Sharing covers investigations, waitlist management, program operation and evaluation, reporting, and policy development. This supports program administration but permits sharing despite the state personal-data restriction cited in the provision. The authority covers families receiving services through Massachusetts-administered early education and care programs.
Local agencies pay regional lockup fees
The Suffolk sheriff’s office must enter agreements with law enforcement agencies and municipalities for regional lockup detention services. It must set and collect fees from those users. The office can spend up to $1.8 million in collected revenue to operate the lockup. The fees apply to participating agencies and municipalities, not directly to households.
Matching grants for alternative emergency responses
The law continues $1 million in municipal matching grants for public safety reforms, including behavioral-health and alternative emergency responses. Municipalities must contribute matching funds and submit a full implementation plan showing measurable public-health benefits. Projects must introduce new practices or expand successful ones. Preference goes to unarmed community-based responses and proposals spending most grant funds with specified community-based providers.
Regional safety grants require local matches
The Shannon Community Safety Initiative receives $10.587424 million for one-time competitive grants. Grants support regional gang-violence prevention, intervention, policing, prosecution, and reintegration. Applicants must show regional needs and provide a joint plan with measurable outcomes, data-sharing commitments, and a 25% municipal or private match. A local government must handle grant finances; administrative costs cannot exceed 10% of each grant. State Police cannot receive awards, and the grants do not continue into FY2028 or later.
Risk tool informs pretrial release decisions
The law directs funding toward continued development and use of a validated pretrial risk-assessment tool in trial courts. The tool informs whether adult defendants are detained, released without bail, or released with conditions. It can inform both liberty-preserving release and restrictive detention decisions. The provision does not set a new release entitlement or say how any individual decision changes.
Security grants with nonprofit matching costs
The law provides $5.45 million for security improvements at nonprofits at high risk of terrorist attacks or hate crimes. Priority goes to nonprofits that have experienced those attacks or crimes. At least $750,000 supports a security personnel pilot, whose participants must match every state dollar with $1. Grants must be spread fairly across eastern, central, and western Massachusetts, with at least one award in each region.
Sex-offense rules expand prosecution and classification
Charges for specified offenses can be filed at any time after qualifying DNA identification occurs beyond the usual deadline. DNA analysis must use evidence collected when the offense occurred. This applies only to chapter 265 offenses listed in sections 22 through 22D and 23 through 23B. The chapter 6 sex-offense definition adds rape of a 16- or 17-year-old. It also adds indecent assault and battery on a 14- to 17-year-old by a mandated abuse reporter.
Sheriff budgets face tighter spending controls
From FY2027 through FY2031, state budget officials must impose sheriff hiring and spending controls, including staff and large capital-spending limits. Hiring limits can be waived for demonstrated public safety needs. In FY2027, sheriffs cannot spend beyond available funding and must document shortfalls to budget officials and the comptroller before a supplemental budget request. Essex's sheriff can spend up to $1.85 million in private police detail fees, including administrative costs. That spending cannot exceed the lower of the authorization or the latest revenue estimate in the state accounting system.
Infection services protected with funding limits
In fiscal year 2027, HIV/AIDS and related-condition services must remain at least at the previous year's level. Funding must be shared proportionately among affected demographic groups. This funding item cannot pay for disease research that year. HIV community testing vendors and tuberculosis care vendors must seek payment from third parties. The reimbursement requirements apply to vendors and do not set a patient payment amount.
Criminal record access for housing screening
Funds can give housing authorities access to criminal offender records when reviewing applicants for state-assisted housing. This supports applicant screening and exposes applicants' criminal records to that review. The provision does not itself set a new eligibility standard or require a different housing decision.
Housing aid oversight and spending limits
The state must report certain emergency housing aid eligibility or benefit changes at least 90 days before they take effect. Reports must give the reasons and expected savings to designated legislative committees and clerks. Changes that benefit clients are exempt from this reporting rule. Separately, the homelessness program appropriation cannot pay costs of the homeless management information system.
School partnerships continue with data safeguards
The law funds continued school-district partnerships with local community groups through a pilot program. Partners may share identifiable student data, but only as allowed by law. The provision does not state a funding amount or guarantee a direct family benefit.
Insurers fund hazardous materials response costs
Specified insurers must cover 100% of the hazardous materials response appropriation and related staff benefit costs through an assessment. Covered insurers write commercial property multiple-peril policies' non-liability portion or commercial auto liability policies listed in their latest annual statements. The property coverage applies to property in Massachusetts. The funding also supports added response-team capacity and special-event coverage. The provision gives no total assessment or individual insurer share.
Local aid delays and emergency advances
After November 30, payments to covered cities, towns, and counties maintaining agricultural schools are withheld until prior-year financial reports are accepted. The commissioner of revenue must certify that acceptance. Qualifying local entities facing an emergency cash shortage can receive advances on periodic reimbursement or assistance payments. Advances require the commissioner's certification, approval from the administration and finance secretary, and compliance with the secretary's guidelines.
Permit fee funding with rollback safeguards
The Department of Environmental Protection can spend up to $2.5 million in permit and compliance fees. The money supports timely permit decisions and compliance checks. The supporting fee increase ends if this funded item is eliminated or reduced in FY2027. It also ends if department operating funding falls below its FY2015 budget level, excluding earmarks and nonrecurring operating costs.
New lottery games with prize minimum
The lottery commission can enter contracts or group agreements for games it has not currently or previously authorized. Winning tickets or shares must receive prizes totaling at least 45% of ticket-sale revenue. Contractors or licensors can receive a stated percentage of net or gross game revenue without an appropriation. The prize minimum does not guarantee that any ticket holder wins.
New safeguards for auto repair payments
A permanent advisory board reviews auto body labor payments, with surveys at least every four years. The first survey is due January 1, 2027. When the insurance commissioner finds inadequate competition, a hearing must establish minimum statewide or regional labor reimbursement rates. Minimum rates protect repair-shop payments but also set a payment floor for insurers; the commissioner must consider premium effects. Rates can phase in over no more than three years, and the law sets no dollar rate.
Energy assessments fund conservation and staff
For fiscal year 2027, assessed entities must fund residential, commercial, and apartment conservation programs and the Department of Energy Resources. Assessment rates must cover the relevant appropriations and related staff benefit costs. The law does not state assessment amounts or how costs reach household utility bills.
State agencies must use pharmacy provider
The state office for pharmacy services must serve the listed agencies, including the Worcester and Suffolk sheriffs' offices. Covered agencies cannot use an alternative pharmacy-services vendor. Pharmacy costs are charged to the specified budget item. The office must notify covered agencies of their obligations by December 30, 2026.
Special education program prices track inflation
For fiscal year 2027, the purchased-services bureau must increase chapter 71B program prices from final fiscal year 2026 levels. Increases use the inflation rate determined by the division. The bureau must adjust prices for extraordinary relief and accept applications for program reconstruction and special circumstances. It may approve requested out-of-state purchaser prices using the specified compounded-inflation calculation, but not above its maximum. The provision does not state the inflation rate or final prices.
Sports betting revenue divided among funds
The law divides specified sports betting revenue among seven funds without requiring appropriation. The General Fund receives 45%, workforce investment receives 10%, and economic development receives 2%. Gaming local aid receives 27.5%, and youth development and achievement receives 1%. Public health receives 9%, and sports and entertainment events receives 5.5%. These are state revenue allocations, not direct household payments.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
FY27 General Appropriation
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 7/1/2026
Committee of conference report accepted
Yes: 142 • No: 6
House vote • 7/1/2026
Enacted
Yes: 142 • No: 6
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor, Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2026
7/9/2026Laid before the Governor
7/1/2026SenateEnacted -see Roll Call #200 (Yeas 39 to Nays 1)
7/1/2026SenateEnacted - 142 YEAS to 6 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 224)
7/1/2026HouseEmergency preamble adopted
7/1/2026SenateEmergency preamble adopted
7/1/2026HouseCommittee of conference report accepted, in concurrence
7/1/2026SenateCommittee of conference report accepted - 142 YEAS to 6 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 223)
7/1/2026HouseCommittee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting, the question being on acceptance
7/1/2026HouseReferred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
7/1/2026HouseReported on a part of H5501
7/1/2026HouseReported from the committee of conference
7/1/2026House
Bill Text
Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2026
7/9/2026
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