Bill > S1552

This bill proposes changes to how local governments in Massachusetts can adjust property taxes, specifically concerning Proposition 2 1/2, a state law that limits the amount of revenue cities and towns can raise from property taxes. Currently, local governments can ask voters to approve an "override," which allows them to exceed these limits for specific purposes. This bill would introduce the possibility of an "underride," where voters could be asked to approve a reduction in the amount of taxes assessed below the maximum allowed by Proposition 2 1/2. The bill outlines the process for placing such an underride question on the ballot, requiring a majority vote from the local appropriating authority or a petition signed by 5% of registered voters. It also modifies existing provisions related to overrides, including limiting the number of override questions that can appear on a ballot to a maximum of three per biennial state election, and specifying that these questions must be placed on the official ballot by the local appropriating authority.