The MassMakers Act is designed to bolster economic growth in downtown areas and support small businesses in Massachusetts through various initiatives. Key features of the Act include the establishment of the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, aimed at revitalizing downtown regions, and the creation of the MassMakers Portal, an interactive web platform that simplifies business information and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the Act introduces the Supply Mass/Buy Mass program to connect local suppliers with buyers, fostering local economic development and promoting diversity in business ownership. The Act also enhances the procurement process by requiring state agencies to prioritize Massachusetts-based businesses when considering bidders.

Furthermore, the Act establishes the Downtown Vitality Fund, which will receive 1% of remote retailers' sales tax revenue to support economic development in commercial areas. This fund will be managed by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and will provide grants for district management entities and local economic development plans. The Act also amends existing laws related to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) by introducing new definitions, modifying fee exemption criteria, and establishing guidelines for BID renewals. Additionally, it mandates the Department of Revenue to publish detailed sales and use tax data and creates a special commission to investigate the use of artificial intelligence in tax compliance enforcement, with a report due by July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 7-22O, 40O-1