Bill > S1357

This bill establishes a special commission to study and investigate the creation of a payment in lieu of taxes program for municipalities that host group homes, which are residences for individuals needing support services. The commission's responsibilities include evaluating different options, examining practices in other states, gathering relevant data, and proposing policy recommendations for a statewide system to compensate these municipalities for the properties and buildings used as group homes. The commission will be composed of various state officials, including designees from the secretaries of administration and finance, health and human services, and commissioners from departments of mental health, developmental services, housing and community development, and revenue, along with legislative leaders and the executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. This commission is required to submit its findings, recommendations, estimated annual costs, and any proposed legislation to legislative clerks and the chairs of the committees on ways and means by December 31, 2013.