MA H5085

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill 5085

• Increases cash assistance benefits for TAFDC and EAEDC recipients by 20% annually starting July 1, 2025 until payment standards reach 50% of the federal poverty level, and adds a $50/month rental allowance plus $500 annual children's clothing allowance

• Expands tax credits for low-income residents by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to include ITIN filers, lowering the age requirement to 18, and allowing advance payments of the Child and Family Tax Credit

• Creates a Massachusetts Baby Bonds Trust Fund providing eligible children born into poverty or foster care after July 1, 2024 with investment accounts accessible between ages 18-35 for education, homeownership, or business investment

• Strengthens wage theft protections by establishing joint liability between lead contractors and labor subcontractors, authorizing stop-work orders for violations, creating a private attorney general enforcement mechanism, and expanding whistleblower protections

• Establishes comprehensive language access requirements for state agencies serving the public, mandating translation of vital documents into 12 languages, oral interpretation services, and website accessibility, with phased implementation over 5 years

• Implements automatic criminal record sealing after waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies) without requiring individuals to file petitions, and creates a $1,000/month stipend for 5 years for youth aging out of foster care