Bill > H3650

This bill makes appropriations for the fiscal year 2016 for the maintenance of departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, as well as for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements. It also enacts various changes to existing laws. Key provisions include the distribution of $979,797,001 from the State Lottery and Gaming Fund, General Fund, and Gaming Local Aid Fund to cities and towns, with specific calculations for school aid (Chapter 70 aid) that consider factors like pre-school enrollment and low-income percentages. The bill establishes a permanent commission on metropolitan beaches to review their maintenance, operations, and infrastructure needs, and to explore funding alternatives and improvements for access to Boston Harbor islands. It also creates a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) advisory council to advise on STEM education and careers, and a commission to study policies and regulations concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. The bill amends laws related to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's board of directors, including the appointment of members and the role of a disabled rider advocate. It also establishes a Massachusetts Percent for Art Program (MPAP) to fund public art, modifies lottery license suspension rules for tobacco retailers, and creates an Economic Empowerment Trust Fund. Additionally, it establishes a Douglas State Forest Maintenance Trust Fund and a Flood Control Compact Fund, and introduces provisions for mobile integrated health care programs and community EMS programs. The bill also addresses various other matters, including changes to the powers of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), the establishment of a fiscal and management control board for the MBTA, and a tax amnesty program.