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H 610

An Act relative to foundation budget review commission permanence

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 8 co-sponsors

Establishes a permanent Foundation Budget Review Commission to reassess MA's funding formulas every five years, aligning resources with goals and student readiness.

Hearing scheduled for 05/12/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 610

Summary: House Bill 610 (H610) – An Act relative to foundation budget review commission permanence

Overview

H610 proposes permanently establishing a Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) to review, every five years, the way Massachusetts foundation budgets are calculated and to recommend potential changes. The bill aims to ensure ongoing evaluation of educational funding formulas and resource allocation to support state educational goals and student achievement.

Purpose and intent

  • Create a standing, permanent body to periodically reassess the foundation budget calculation and related changes.
  • Ensure alignment of funding with educational programs and services needed to meet Commonwealth educational goals and prepare students for statewide assessments.
  • Explore efficient and effective models of resource allocation and utilization.

Key provisions

  • Section 4 of Chapter 70 (existing provisions) is replaced to establish the FBRC with ongoing, five-year review cycles.
  • The FBRC shall review:
    • The components of the foundation budget, including existing formulas and subsequent statutory changes.
    • Educational programs and services necessary to achieve educational goals and student readiness for statewide assessments.
    • Ways to promote efficient and effective use of resources and alternative allocation models.
  • The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) must provide relevant data and information to the FBRC.

Commission composition and leadership

The FBRC shall include:
- Co-chairs: House and Senate chairs of the Joint Committee on Education (or their designees).
- Ex officio members: Secretary of Education, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Commissioner of Early Education and Care, and the Speaker and President (or their designees).
- Minority leadership representatives: Minority Leader of the House and Minority Leader of the Senate (or their designees).
- Executive leadership: Governor or designee; Chairs of the House Ways and Means and Senate Ways and Means (or their designees).
- Regional and stakeholder representation: One member appointed by each of these organizations — Massachusetts Municipal Association; Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education; Massachusetts Association of School Committees; Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents; Massachusetts Teachers Association; American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts; Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators; Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools; Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials.
- Non-compensation: Members do not receive compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
- Staff support: DESE shall provide staff and other support to the commission.

Process and transparency

  • The FBRC must conduct not fewer than four public hearings across regions before issuing its recommendations.
  • The commission is a special commission under section 2A of chapter 4 and is subject to its rules and protections regarding public commissions and conflicts of interest.

Reporting timeline

  • The first report under this act is due no later than November 1, 2025.

Procedural status and timing

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Education (02/27/2025); Senate concurred (02/27/2025).
  • Hearing scheduled: May 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room A-2.

Impact and who is affected

  • Affects budgetary and education policy by creating a permanent governance body to reassess funding formulas.
  • Stakeholders include state and local education leaders, school districts, educators unions, school committees, regional pluralities, and business/community groups represented on the commission.
  • Aims to influence how resources are allocated across districts, potential budget formula adjustments, and overall educational funding policy over time.

Related context

  • Similar matter previously filed in 2023-2024 (House No. 510), indicating ongoing interest in permanent FBRC oversight.

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

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