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H 690

An Act relative to the Massachusetts School Building Authority

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Aaron Saunders

H 690 - An Act relative to the Massachusetts School Building Authority OverviewBill Number: H 690 Title: An Act relative to the Massachusetts School Building Authority Status: He

Hearing scheduled for 05/12/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 690

H 690 - An Act relative to the Massachusetts School Building Authority

Overview

Bill Number: H 690
Title: An Act relative to the Massachusetts School Building Authority
Status: Hearing scheduled for 05/12/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to restructure and expand the responsibilities of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the state agency responsible for providing financial and technical assistance to local school districts for school construction and renovation projects. The bill aims to address the growing need for modernized, energy-efficient school facilities across the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

  • Increases the MSBA's annual capital spending cap from $600 million to $1 billion to support more projects
  • Expands the MSBA's mandate to include funding for school facility maintenance and repairs, not just new construction
  • Requires the MSBA to prioritize projects that improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and accessibility for students with disabilities
  • Establishes a new grant program to help districts conduct comprehensive facility assessments and develop long-term capital improvement plans
  • Directs the MSBA to provide technical assistance and training to local school districts on best practices for school facility management

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Local public school districts across Massachusetts would benefit from increased MSBA funding and technical support for school facility projects
  • Students, teachers, and staff would experience improved learning environments with upgraded, energy-efficient, and accessible school buildings
  • Taxpayers may see modest increases in state taxes or bond measures to fund the expanded MSBA budget, but could see long-term savings from reduced energy and maintenance costs

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill is currently scheduled for a public hearing on May 12, 2025, where lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public will have the opportunity to provide input. If passed by the state legislature and signed into law by the governor, the new MSBA provisions would take effect starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

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

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