The bill aims to enhance equity for rural communities in the state by amending Chapter 7 of the General Laws to include a new section, Section 63. This section defines "rural communities" as municipalities with a population density of less than 500 persons per square mile or a total population of less than 7,000, based on the latest U.S. decennial census. It mandates that the secretary direct all relevant state agencies to waive the required local fund match for grant programs aimed at these rural communities, particularly those that plan to regionalize or share services and have a median household income below the state average.

Additionally, the bill requires the secretary to ensure that these agencies identify and inform rural communities about discretionary grant programs and incentives available for regionalization or service-sharing initiatives. Furthermore, the secretary is tasked with providing an annual report by July 1 to various legislative committees and members representing rural areas, detailing the implementation of this section. This legislation seeks to support rural communities in accessing state grants and resources more effectively.