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H 3389

An Act to waive chargebacks on state grants, federal grant awards, federal subgrants and subsidies for the Regional Emergency Communication Center on Martha's Vineyard

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill waives financial penalties on grants and subsidies to Martha's Vineyard emergency dispatch center, protecting island emergency services from funding clawbacks.

Hearing rescheduled to 11/05/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:00 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing location changed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3389

Legislative bill overview

H.3389 would waive chargebacks—financial penalties or clawbacks—on state grants, federal grants, federal subgrants, and subsidies awarded to the Regional Emergency Communication Center (RECC) on Martha's Vineyard. The bill essentially provides financial relief by preventing the center from having to return or repay portions of previously received funding.

Why is this important

The RECC provides critical 911 dispatch and emergency communication services to Martha's Vineyard residents and visitors. If the center faced chargebacks (common when grant funds are misused, unspent, or accountability requirements aren't met), it could disrupt emergency services or force operational cuts. This bill protects emergency response capacity on an island where delays in emergency services have greater consequences due to geographic isolation.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal accountability: Chargebacks typically exist to ensure grant funds are used properly; waiving them without explanation raises questions about what triggered the chargebacks and whether proper oversight is being bypassed
  • Precedent concerns: Granting one entity blanket chargeback waivers could encourage similar requests from other agencies or organizations, potentially weakening grant compliance statewide
  • Lack of transparency: The bill provides no public record of why chargebacks occurred or what conditions led to this waiver, making it difficult for taxpayers to assess whether the relief is justified

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

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