Bill > H2571

This bill creates the Massachusetts Municipal and Public Safety Building Authority, a new independent public authority designed to help cities and towns finance and improve municipal and public safety buildings. The authority will be funded primarily by 33% of marijuana sales tax revenue, which will be deposited into a dedicated trust fund. The authority will have a diverse board including state officials and appointed members with expertise in public safety, construction, and municipal management. Its primary purpose is to provide financial assistance, grants, and technical support to municipalities for constructing, renovating, or improving buildings like police and fire stations, city halls, and public works facilities. The authority will prioritize assistance to communities with fewer financial resources, those regionalizing services, and areas with environmental justice populations, while ensuring at least 10% of funding goes to rural communities. The bill establishes detailed processes for municipalities to apply for assistance, including submitting statements of interest and comprehensive project applications. The authority will have broad powers to review projects, provide technical advice, develop facility needs projections, collect data, and establish funding standards. An advisory board will assist the authority in developing policies and providing technical guidance. The authority must submit annual reports to the state government detailing its activities, financial statements, and assessments of municipal facility needs.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2571