Bill > S1343

This bill establishes a new chapter in the General Laws to allow cities and towns to create regional transportation ballot initiatives, providing them with an additional revenue source for local and regional transportation needs. This new chapter, titled "Regional Transportation Ballot Initiatives," grants municipalities the power to levy a tax surcharge, but only after it has been approved by voters through a ballot initiative. The bill defines key terms such as "district agreement," which outlines the terms for multiple municipalities forming a district, and "single subject of taxation," referring to one of four specific taxes—payroll, sales, property, or vehicle excise tax—that can be subjected to the surcharge. To implement these surcharges, cities and towns must first accept sections of this new chapter, which requires approval from the city council (with mayoral approval) or board of selectmen, followed by voter acceptance via a ballot question. The revenue generated from these surcharges is strictly designated for transportation-related purposes, including the maintenance, repair, planning, design, improvement, and construction of public transportation systems, roads, bridges, bikeways, and pedestrian pathways. The bill also allows for two or more municipalities to form a district to collectively pursue these transportation initiatives, requiring a district agreement that details the purpose, financing, administration, and composition of a regional transportation committee. This committee, along with local transportation committees, will study transportation needs, consult with relevant agencies like MassDOT, and make recommendations for projects. The bill also creates a "Local and Regional Transportation Fund" to hold these revenues and establishes a "Massachusetts Local and Regional Transportation Trust Fund" for sales or payroll tax surcharges, ensuring that these funds are used solely for their intended transportation purposes and are not diverted to other state uses without a declared fiscal emergency and legislative approval.