WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 223

An Act providing for payment by the Commonwealth of wages for members of the United States Coast Guard during the shut-down, so-called, of the United States Government

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney

Massachusetts would temporarily pay wages for its resident U.S. Coast Guard members during a federal shutdown, later seeking federal reimbursement.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 223

Summary: House Bill HD 223 — An Act Providing for Payment by the Commonwealth of Wages for U.S. Coast Guard Members During Federal Government Shutdown

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill would require the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pay the salaries of U.S. Coast Guard members who are Massachusetts residents during a federal government shutdown.
  • After the shutdown ends, the Commonwealth would seek reimbursement from the federal government for all such payments.

Key Provisions

  • Notwithstanding any general or special laws to the contrary, salaries for Coast Guard members who are residents of Massachusetts shall be paid by the Commonwealth during the federal government shutdown.
  • Funding source: Payments would come from an account “to be recommended by the Governor and determined by the committees on Ways and Means.” This means an appropriation would be set up specifically for this purpose, subject to legislative committee determination.
  • Reimbursement: Once the shutdown ends, Massachusetts would pursue reimbursement from the federal government for the total costs incurred paying these wages.
  • Scope: Applies only to Coast Guard members who are residents of the Commonwealth; non-resident Coast Guard members would not be covered by this bill.
  • Procedural note: The bill is a proposed act introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court as House Docket No. 223 (House No. 2137 in the 2025 filing), presented by Representative Patrick Joseph Kearney (Scituate).
  • Legislative history reference: A similar measure was filed in a prior session (2023-2024) as House No. 1908, indicating ongoing legislative interest in this approach.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Massachusetts-resident members of the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Commonwealth: The state would become the payer of wages during shutdown, with a requirement to obtain reimbursement from the federal government later.
  • State authorities: Governor (to designate the funding account) and the General Court’s Ways and Means committees (to determine the funding mechanism).

Fiscal and Administrative Implications

  • creates a new state-level obligation to disburse wages during a federal shutdown, potentially impacting the state budget while the shutdown persists.
  • Requires an appropriation mechanism to be established (the Governor’s recommended account and Ways and Means approval).
  • Reimbursement from the federal government is anticipated but not guaranteed; timing and plausibility depend on federal action post-shutdown.

Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 7, 2025 (House Docket No. 223).
  • Session: Appears under the One Hundred Ninety-Fourth General Court (2025-2026).
  • Status: Not specified in the provided materials; the bill is a proposed measure seeking legislative approval.

Practical Takeaways

  • If enacted, Massachusetts would temporarily assume wage payments for MA-resident Coast Guard personnel during a shutdown, with a stated goal of federal reimbursement afterward.
  • The bill creates an explicit, auditable funding pathway (Governor-recommended account with Ways and Means oversight) and a reimbursement obligation to the federal government.

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

Sign in to ask a question.