Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4005

Introduced
4/7/25  
Refer
4/7/25  

Caption

Making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

Impact

The bill outlines significant appropriations primarily directed toward the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Executive Office of Education. Among the notable provisions, $400 million is allocated for a workforce and safety reserve to address pressing safety concerns within the MBTA. In addition, the act allocates $10 million for universal school meals and substantial funding aimed at improving early education and care services. This bill is expected to have a far-reaching impact in boosting both educational resources and transportation safety infrastructure across Massachusetts, facilitating better educational outcomes and public transit reliability.

Summary

House Bill 4005 is an act that focuses on making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill proposes a total appropriation of approximately $1.244 billion intended to supplement existing appropriations and finance various essential activities and projects vital to public welfare. Notably, this bill emphasizes educational funding and support for transportation infrastructure improvements, particularly under the auspices of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The act aims to enhance both educational environments and transportation systems through targeted financial allocations allocated across different sectors.

Contention

Despite its broad support, the bill also faces scrutiny regarding potential fiscal pressures it may impose on state budgets. Critics raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of such high levels of appropriations, given uncertainties in revenue streams and the potential for rising state expenditures. As discussions continue, balancing the immediate needs for infrastructural improvements and educational funding against fiscal prudence remains a focal point of contention among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

MA H4010

Replaced by Making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

Previously Filed As

MA HCR22

Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the 'Six Triple Eight' Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021.

MA HB491

In juvenile matters, providing for concurrent jurisdiction on military installations.

MA HB877

Deliver for Veterans ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include delivery costs when paying the full purchase price of an automobile or other conveyance for certain disabled veterans or members of the Armed Forces. Currently, the VA must pay the lesser of (1) $26,417.20 (adjusted annually for inflation), or (2) the full purchase price associated with providing an automobile or other conveyance to such individuals (not including delivery costs).

MA HB970

Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025

MA HB983

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025This bill requires that the Department of Veterans Affairs disapprove courses of education provided by educational institutions that charge higher than in-state tuition for individuals utilizing the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve education benefits while living in the state where the education is located, regardless of the individual’s state of residence.

MA HCR9

Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

MA HB586

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an epidemiological study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era. The study must identify the rate of incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in such veterans and in U.S. residents.The bill also requires the VA to track and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma using the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry. Additionally, the VA must periodically submit follow-up reports to Congress regarding the epidemiological study and information collected from the cancer registry regarding the prevalence of bile duct cancer.

MA HB1039

Clear Communication for Veterans Claims ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to assess notices that the VA sends to claimants applying for or submitting claims for VA benefits. The VA must report on the findings of the assessment and implement recommendations in the assessment.The bill also extends certain loan fee rates through June 23, 2034, under the VA's home loan program.

Similar Bills

MA H55

Making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

MA H4010

Making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

MA H513

Requiring equitable funding for non-regional school districts with high transportation costs

MA H569

Regarding school transportation funding

MA S314

To provide a sustainable future for rural schools

MA H517

To provide a sustainable future for rural schools

MA S2412

Relative to commuter rail pedestrian safety

MA S2342

Relative to railroad crew transportation