MA H555

Establishes a School Finance Review Commission to study and recommend strategies for more equitable distribution of Chapter 70 school aid to municipal and regional school districts

Commission consists of 16 members including legislative leaders from education and ways and means committees, the Secretary of Education, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, and representatives from education, business, and municipal organizations

Commission must study annual per-pupil allocations, hold harmless provisions during enrollment declines, reserve funds for emergencies, fiscal health of regional school districts, and impacts on districts receiving only minimum per-pupil aid

Recommendations must address alternative revenue sources for the next 5 fiscal years, foundation budget calculations, economic factors like inflation and recession, and a proposed low/declining enrollment factor

Final report due to legislative clerks and committee chairs by December 31, 2026