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S 328

Long-Term Care Facilities

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Russell Ott

The bill requires DESE to annually request funding that fulfills the Commonwealth’s total obligation for regional school district transportation starting FY2026.

Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs
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Bill Summary · S 328

Summary: S. 328 — An Act relative to full funding of regional school district transportation

Overview

S. 328, introduced January 30, 2025 and accompanied by S. 400, seeks to guarantee and streamline funding for regional school district transportation in Massachusetts. The bill would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to pursue the Commonwealth’s total funding obligation for regional transportation by annual appropriations requests to the General Court beginning in fiscal year 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • To ensure “full funding of regional school district transportation” by aligning annual appropriations with the Commonwealth’s total funding obligation.
  • To override existing funding mechanisms or limitations that might prevent full funding, by mandating a yearly funding request that satisfies the obligation under law.

Key Provisions

  • Notwithstanding: The bill explicitly states that, notwithstanding section 7H of chapter 29 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the following shall apply.
  • Effective dates: The requirement takes effect for fiscal year 2026 and continues in subsequent fiscal years.
  • Annual request: DESE shall annually submit to the General Court an appropriation request that complies with the Commonwealth’s total funding obligation under section 16C of chapter 71 of the General Laws.
  • Purpose of funding: The annual appropriation requests are to reflect the Commonwealth’s total funding obligation for regional school district transportation.

Who Would Be Affected

  • DESE: Responsible for producing the annual funding request each year commencing FY2026.
  • Regional school districts participating in regional transportation programs: Beneficiaries of sustained, full funding for transportation services.
  • The Massachusetts General Court: Receives annual funding requests and must appropriate funds to meet the stated obligation.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Filing and sponsorship: Senate No. 328, sponsored by Senator John J. Cronin; companion measures include HR 888 (House) and SD 1552 (Senate replacing).
  • Committee action: Referred to the Senate Committee on Education (February 27, 2025). The bill has an accompanying action and hearings noted.
  • Hearings: A hearing was scheduled for June 3, 2025 (6/3/2025) in Room B-2.
  • Status indicators: The bill is listed as “Accompanied” by S. 400; legislative actions also show references to Education committee involvement and companion/related measures.

Fiscal Implications

  • The text does not specify dollar amounts. The provision requires funding requests that meet the “Commonwealth’s total funding obligation” under section 16C of chapter 71, which could imply higher annual appropriations than current levels, depending on the calculated obligation.
  • Ultimately, the General Court would need to appropriate funds to satisfy the obligation described.

Related Legislation

  • Companion/related: HR 888 (House companion), SD 1552 (Senate replacement).
  • The bill is designed to ensure alignment with the Commonwealth’s total funding obligation for regional transportation as defined in Chapter 71, §16C.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Pros: Provides a clear statutory path to fully fund regional transportation, reducing underfunding risk.
  • Cons: Places an ongoing annual funding obligation on the Legislature and requires sustained appropriations; depends on budgetary capacity and legislative action each year.
  • Administratively, DESE would need to determine and document the annual obligation to inform the General Court.

Next Steps for Interested Readers

  • Monitor the scheduled hearings and committee reports for any amendments.
  • Review the DESE annual funding justification to understand the calculated total funding obligation under §16C of Chapter 71.
  • Track whether the General Court approves the requested appropriations in subsequent fiscal years.

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

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