Bill > H4251

This bill is a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations act that includes several key provisions across multiple areas of Massachusetts state government. The bill appropriates $100 million for a reserve fund to respond to federal policy actions and $30 million for a Housing Stabilization and Preservation Trust Fund transfer. It makes significant changes to childhood immunization policies by modifying the definition of "routine childhood immunizations" and altering the decision-making process for selecting immunization vaccines, giving the commissioner of public health more discretion in determining the final list of immunizations. The bill also provides the secretary of administration and finance with expanded powers during fiscal year 2026, including the ability to transfer funds between agency budget items, reduce allotments if revenue falls short of projections, and authorize the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to include certain employee salaries in capital expenditures under specific conditions. Additionally, the bill allows the Group Insurance Commission to modify health plan copayments and deductibles for the upcoming plan year and permits the secretary of housing and livable communities to transfer surplus funds among various housing-related budget items. The legislation is characterized as an emergency measure necessary for immediate preservation of public convenience, with provisions designed to provide financial flexibility and support for various state programs.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4251