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HD 3889

An Act repealing chapter 62F

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle DuBois

Repeals Massachusetts' 1986 tax revenue growth cap, allowing state legislature to increase taxes and spending without annual voter referendum approval.

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Bill Summary · HD 3889

Legislative bill overview

HD 3889 proposes to repeal Chapter 62F of Massachusetts General Laws, which established a tax revenue limit (the "tax cap") enacted in 1986. This law caps the growth of state tax revenues at 2.5% annually unless voters approve a higher amount through referendum. Repealing it would remove this constitutional constraint on state revenue growth.

Why this is important

Chapter 62F has significantly constrained Massachusetts' ability to fund education, transportation, healthcare, and other services for nearly 40 years, requiring voters to approve "overrides" when revenues exceed the cap. Repealing it would allow the state legislature greater fiscal flexibility to allocate revenues without voter approval, potentially enabling increased funding for programs but also raising taxes without explicit voter consent.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal autonomy vs. taxpayer control: Removes a voter-approved mechanism for controlling tax increases, raising questions about whether government should have unilateral spending authority
  • Revenue availability: Could enable substantially higher state spending and taxes, or provide needed flexibility for budget crises—depending on legislative intent
  • Precedent and trust: Repealing a decades-old voter-approved constraint may signal reduced commitment to limiting government growth, affecting public confidence in future tax commitments

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

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