Bill > H4830

This bill amends Chapter 7 of the General Laws by adding a new section that defines "rural communities" as municipalities with fewer than 500 people per square mile or less than 7,000 total residents, based on the most recent U.S. census. The bill requires the secretary to direct state agencies that administer grant programs to waive local fund matching requirements for rural communities, especially those seeking to regionalize or share services and with median household incomes below the state average. Additionally, the secretary must help identify and inform rural communities about discretionary grant programs and incentives that support regional collaboration. The bill mandates 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 communities, detailing the implementation of these provisions. The goal is to provide more equitable access to state funding and support for smaller, potentially economically challenged rural municipalities.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4830