Bill > S1474

This bill establishes a framework for regional transportation ballot initiatives, allowing cities and towns to impose a tax surcharge on a single subject of taxation, such as payroll, sales, property, or vehicle excise taxes, to fund transportation-related projects. For a tax surcharge to be implemented, it must first be approved by the local governing body (city council with mayor's approval or board of selectmen) and then accepted by voters through a ballot question. This process can also be undertaken by two or more municipalities forming a district, which requires a district agreement outlining shared responsibilities and funding. Revenue generated from these surcharges must be used exclusively for transportation purposes, including maintaining, repairing, planning, operating, and constructing public transportation systems, roads, bikeways, and pedestrian pathways. The bill also mandates the creation of local or regional transportation committees to study needs, develop projects, and make recommendations, with oversight from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and regional planning agencies. A separate state-level "Massachusetts Local and Regional Transportation Trust Fund" will be established to receive revenues from sales or payroll tax surcharges, which will then be distributed annually to participating municipalities based on the amount of surcharge revenue they have raised.