Bill > H3967

This bill proposes an amendment to the Community Preservation Act that allows cities and towns to implement an additional 1% surcharge on real estate taxes specifically to support accessibility improvements. The surcharge would be optional and would require approval by both the local legislative body and voters through a ballot question. If approved, the municipality must add a representative from a disability commission (or a similar appointee) to its existing community preservation committee. Furthermore, the bill mandates that at least 10% of the Community Preservation Fund's annual revenues must be dedicated to enhancing the physical accessibility of public indoor and outdoor spaces each fiscal year. The surcharge would not be included in calculations of total assessed taxes, and its implementation is contingent upon the municipality having previously accepted other sections of the Community Preservation Act. This legislation aims to provide dedicated funding and local government focus on improving accessibility for people with disabilities by creating a specific mechanism for communities to support such initiatives.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3967