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SD 1240

An Act related to a universal basic income pilot

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis

Massachusetts proposes testing universal basic income through a pilot program providing regular unconditional cash payments to measure effects on employment, poverty, and economic wellbeing.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1240

Legislative bill overview

SD 1240 proposes a universal basic income (UBI) pilot program in Massachusetts. The bill would establish a temporary, controlled experiment providing regular cash payments to a subset of residents to test UBI's effects on employment, health, housing stability, and economic outcomes.

Why is this important

UBI pilots generate data on whether unconditional cash transfers can address poverty and inequality while potentially reducing administrative burden of traditional welfare programs. Massachusetts' result could influence similar proposals nationally and inform debates about social safety net reform.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanism: UBI pilots are expensive; unclear how Massachusetts would fund this without tax increases or budget cuts elsewhere
  • Program design parameters: Disagreement likely over payment amounts, duration, participant selection, and whether it applies statewide or only specific regions
  • Work incentive effects: Debate over whether UBI reduces labor force participation (concerning to some) or provides needed support (valued by others)
  • Scalability questions: Results from a limited pilot may not translate to permanent, universal implementation at full scale

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

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