Bill > H3311

This bill amends Chapter 7 of the General Laws to create a new section that mandates preferential treatment for rural communities in state grant programs. The bill defines rural communities as municipalities with population densities below 500 persons per square mile or total populations under 7,000, based on the most recent U.S. decennial census. It requires the secretary to direct all state departments and agencies to prioritize grant applications from rural communities, especially those seeking to regionalize services or share resources across municipal boundaries. Additionally, the bill mandates that these agencies proactively identify and inform rural communities about discretionary grant programs and potential incentives that could benefit them. To ensure accountability, the secretary must submit an annual report by July 1st to the senate and house committees on ways and means, the joint committee on municipalities and regional government, and representatives of rural districts, detailing the implementation of these new grant preferences.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3311