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H 5496

An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Provides immediate funding across state programs for FY2026, expands eligibility and rules for veterans, housing, education grants, and regulatory reforms.

Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 5496

Summary of Bill H 5496 (194th Massachusetts General Court)

Main purpose

  • This emergency act proposes supplemental appropriations for Massachusetts’ fiscal year 2026 and makes several related policy and statutory changes. It is designed to provide immediate funding across multiple agencies and to alter or add program rules in a number of areas.

Key provisions and changes

  • General appropriations (Section 1–2A adjustments):

    • Allocates new appropriations from the General Fund or Transitional Escrow Fund to specific programs and agencies for FY 2026, in addition to previously appropriated amounts. Examples include:
    • No Cost Call Trust Fund: $22,520,889
    • Chapter 40S Education Payments: $731,409
    • Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (DPH): $14,071,288
    • Homelessness programs: $8,181,007
    • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Fee Retained Revenue: $2,000,000
    • State Police Crime Laboratory: $2,881,350
    • MASS Emergency Management Agency: $9,470,266
    • Section 2A also covers unanticipated obligations and alterations of purpose for current appropriations, including technology costs for District Attorneys, snow/ice removal costs, and related transfers to the Transportation Fund.

  • State Lottery and Gaming Fund governance (Section 3):

    • Reorganizes and clarifies purposes for Lottery revenues:
    • Prizes, administration/operating expenses, and local aid (section 25 and related) remain core uses.
    • Adds expansion of access to affordable, high-quality childcare via funding to the Early Education and Care Operational Grant Fund (Section 3, subsections (c)(iii)).

  • Military and veterans-related updates (Sections 4–15):

    • Expands and clarifies definitions and protections for veterans’ benefits, including:
    • UI and service-related amendments to support WWII, Korean War, Persian Gulf War, Vietnam, etc.
    • Expanded eligibility and administrative processes for emergency and veteran-related benefits (e.g., immediate threat actions in various Boards and sections).

  • Housing, shelter, and homelessness (Sections 16–20):

    • Updates on sheltering provisions, fast-track rapid shelter sites for eligible families, and related eligibility and time-limits to address demand.

  • Education/School infrastructure (Sections 30–33):

    • Adjusts grant limits under the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and related reporting requirements.
    • Allows increased annual grant authority up to $1.3 billion (from $1.2B) and outlines oversight.

  • Regulatory and labor/insurance provisions (Sections 36–39):

    • Reforms related to workers’ compensation self-insurance requirements, including minimum deposit/bonds, deductibles, and reinsurance arrangements.
    • Updates to professional licensing enforcement with expedited actions for immediate threats to health/safety.

  • Municipal and regional financing (Sections 52–55):

    • Clarifies transfer rules and timing for funds relating to tourism councils and offshore wind investment trust.
    • Creates a special commission to study registries of deeds for potential consolidation and reform (report due by 12/31/2026).

  • Other notable items:

    • Amendments to various chapters and sections of the General Laws to reflect changes in program administration, reporting, and eligibility.
    • Several sections take effect July 1, 2027 (Sections 58–59 specify delayed efficacy for certain provisions).

Who is affected

  • State agencies and programs receiving supplemental appropriations (Education, Public Health, Housing/Homelessness, Public Safety, Emergency Management, etc.).
  • Local governments through enhanced or new funding and altered eligibility rules.
  • Veterans and military service members (broadened definitions and compensation provisions).
  • Insurance regulators and pharmacy benefit managers (new funding mechanism for regulation; expanded oversight).
  • School districts and municipalities through MSBA-related changes.
  • Registries of deeds and related counties for potential consolidation study.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • The act is labeled as an emergency measure, intended for immediate effect to support FY 2026 operations.
  • Several provisions take effect on July 1, 2027 (Sections 58–59), while many immediate appropriation changes apply for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
  • Provides for interim transfers and fund reallocations subject to existing public fund rules and oversight.

If you’d like, I can extract a section-by-section bullet list with exact dollar amounts for a quick reference sheet.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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