Bill > H2448

This bill allows individuals filing state income taxes to voluntarily contribute to the Massachusetts State Public Health HIV and Hepatitis Fund, either by donating a portion of their tax refund or by adding an extra amount to their tax payment. The bill amends existing law to create this option on the tax form, ensuring taxpayers are clearly informed about their ability to donate, and directs the commissioner of public health to report the total contributions annually to the state treasurer, who will then credit the funds to the dedicated Massachusetts State Public Health HIV and Hepatitis Fund. This fund, established to be administered by the commissioner of public health, will receive all revenues from this voluntary contribution option, as well as other public and private sources, gifts, grants, donations, and federal reimbursements, and these funds are to be used for clinical and public health research, program evaluation, and prevention, testing, and treatment services aimed at reducing illness and death related to HIV and viral hepatitis infections. Importantly, any money in this fund will remain in the fund and not be subject to appropriation, meaning it can be directly used for its intended purposes without needing further legislative approval each year, and will be invested to earn interest while remaining available for immediate withdrawal.