Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4788

Introduced
6/24/24  

Caption

Empowering municipalities and local governments

Impact

The proposed changes within HB 4788 are poised to have notable implications for local governance. By granting municipalities more power to manage revenue streams such as retained tax increments, the bill could lead to a more streamlined process for funding local initiatives. Additionally, specific amendments regarding property tax exemptions for low-income and senior homeowners could alleviate financial burdens on vulnerable populations, thus promoting greater economic equity within communities. Local governments may experience an increased ability to implement tailored solutions that fit their unique demographic and economic landscapes.

Summary

House Bill 4788, titled 'An Act empowering municipalities and local governments', focuses on enhancing the powers and financial autonomy of local governments in Massachusetts. This bill proposes several amendments to the General Laws that would allow cities and towns greater discretion in managing their financial resources, particularly in relation to taxation and budgeting. A significant provision includes allowing municipalities to retain part of the tax increment from invested revenue districts to finance development programs, thereby directly linking local taxation efforts with local investment strategies. This could encourage economic growth at the municipal level by providing additional funds for infrastructure and community projects.

Contention

However, the bill has raised some points of contention among stakeholders. Critics express concerns that expanded powers for local governments might lead to inconsistencies in tax administration between different municipalities, potentially creating an uneven playing field across the state. Additionally, there are worries regarding the accountability of local officials in decision-making processes related to taxes and fiscal management. The provision for regional boards of assessors could also complicate local governance structures, as they may lead to the centralization of certain taxing powers and diminish local autonomy in budgeting for community needs.

Companion Bills

MA S2482

Similar To To provide for competitiveness and infrastructure investment in Massachusetts

MA S2827

Similar To Empowering municipalities and local governments

MA H4935

Similar To So much of the message from Her Excellency the Governor returning the General Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2025 (see House, No. 4800) as relates to Attachments B and C, for items returned with disapproval of wording under the provisions of Section 5 of Article LXIII and sections returned with recommendations of amendments under the provisions of Article LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution (House, No. 4935). July 29, 2024

MA H4934

Similar To Relative to Medicaid managed care incentive initiative payment mechanisms to the non-state-owned public hospitals

MA S2571

Replaces Empowering municipalities and local governments

Previously Filed As

MA S2571

Empowering municipalities and local governments

MA S2827

Empowering municipalities and local governments

MA HB1454

Department of local government finance.

MA HB0239

Governmental Entity Budget Transparency

MA SB0001

Local government finance.

MA HB1260

Department of local government finance.

MA HB1402

Local government finance.

MA HB1427

Department of local government finance.

MA HB2759

Municipalities; development; reimbursement zones

MA SB2836

Local governments; allow local governments and schools to publish notices on their websites in addition to newspapers.

Similar Bills

CA AB2353

Property taxation: welfare exemption: delinquent payments: interest and penalties.

CA SB1172

High-Speed Rail Authority: property acquisition: capital outlays: public contracts: county assessor’s records.

CA SB1307

High-Speed Rail Authority: property acquisition: capital outlays: public contracts: county assessor’s records.

MA S2571

Empowering municipalities and local governments

TX HB3098

Relating to ad valorem taxation.

CA AB2425

Property taxation: property records: transmission by mail or electronic format.

LA HB573

Provides for the administration, review, and adjudication of ad valorem tax assessments (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX See Note)

CA AB2458

Qualified special taxes: exemption: information.