Bill > S1650

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority, a new independent public authority designed to help cities and towns finance, construct, and improve municipal and public safety buildings. The authority will be funded primarily by 33% of marijuana sales tax revenues, which will be deposited into a dedicated Municipal and Public Safety Building Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund. The authority will have a board composed of state officials and appointed members, and it will provide grants and financial assistance to municipalities for projects like police stations, fire stations, town halls, and public works facilities. The bill outlines a comprehensive process for municipalities to apply for assistance, including submitting statements of interest and detailed project applications. Key priorities include promoting regional equity, helping communities with fewer financial resources, supporting service regionalization, and assisting communities with environmental justice populations. The authority will have broad powers to review projects, provide technical assistance, develop building standards, collect data on municipal facilities, and create long-term capital plans. At least 10% of financial assistance must go to rural cities and towns, and the authority must consider factors like open space preservation, community development, and project cost-effectiveness when evaluating proposals.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1650