Bill > H4250

This bill proposes amendments to the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2026, focusing on specific sections related to vital statistics and task force recommendations. * **Vital Statistics Modernization:** This section amends Chapter 46 of the General Laws to update how death records are handled. Social Security numbers will be included in death records but will be kept confidential on death certificates unless requested by an authorized person, such as next of kin or an estate executor. This change is intended to prevent fraud while allowing necessary access for administrative purposes. The confidentiality requirement will take effect 12 months after enactment to allow the Department of Public Health time to implement the changes. * **Retirement Security Task Force:** This section establishes a task force to review and recommend options for promoting financial security in retirement for Massachusetts residents. The task force will be chaired by the Treasurer and include stakeholders from the revenue department and the employer and retirement savings industries. It will examine the feasibility of a state-run retirement program, employer benefits, cost reduction strategies, enforcement of access requirements, and other relevant topics. A report is due by July 1, 2026. The bill also includes several specific funding reductions and wording changes to various appropriation items within the General Appropriation Bill, impacting numerous state departments and programs. These changes are detailed in the Governor's message and include adjustments to funding for nursing facilities, agricultural marketing, and housing initiatives for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders.