THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 17, 2026 Page 5 BILL | FROM PAGE 1 ments to strengthen the state’s economy, support innovation, expand housing opportunities and help communities and businesses thrive. The legislation includes hundreds of thousands of dollars for local economic development projects in Malden, subject to future bond authorization, and makes targeted updates to key economic development programs, promoting job creation, reducing barriers to growth and positioning Massachusetts to remain competitive in the industries of the future. On July 13, the Massachusetts Senate referred the bill to its committee on Ways and Means. “I want to thank Speaker Mariano, House leadership, and my colleagues for their work in advancing this important legislation,” said Representative Ultrino. “This bill reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our economy and supporting communities across the Commonwealth, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Malden delegation to secure key investments for local priorities and programs that will help our community grow.” “This comprehensive economic development bill makes critical investments in key sectors of the Commonwealth’s economy, while supporting small businesses, encouraging housing production and strengthening fair housing protections, and investing in our cities and towns through efforts like downtown revitalization,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “As CoChair of the Emerging Technology Caucus, I am glad to see investments in robotics, AI, and cybersecurity that position the Commonwealth as a leader on innovation, while balancing responsible use of these advancements. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Fiola, and Chair Finn for prioritizing this legislation.” “I am very proud of the hard work of the Malden Delegation, as well as House Leadership, to pass this critical bill for the Massachusetts economy,” said Representative Donato. “This will without a doubt catapult much needed changes in Malden and communities across the entire Commonwealth.” Among its most significant provisions, the legislation: • Expands housing opportunities by creating new tools for municipalities to encourage housing production and the adaptive reuse of underutilized commercial properties. The bill streamlines local approvals for commercial-to-residential conversions, establishes a framework for multifamily housing on qualifying religious properties with affordability requirements and improves local planning and permitting through standardized site plan review procedures and training for local land use boards. • Strengthens tenant protections and fair housing by authorizing municipalities to adopt a local option tenant right of first refusal for certain multifamily property sales while enhancing oversight of the real estate profession • Improves the Commonwealth’s fiscal resilience by creating new resources to respond to federal funding uncertainty, support hospitals and community health centers, invest in critical infrastructure and provide “bridge” funding for colleges and universities facing disruptions to federal research funding • Supports entrepreneurs and small businesses by reducing the filing fee to establish a new limited liability company (LLC) from $500 to $100, making it easier and more affordable to start a business in Massachusetts • Establishes Massachusetts’ first comprehensive micromobility framework by creating statewide safety standards and operational guidelines for electric bicycles and other powered personal transportation devices • Strengthens the innovation economy by expanding incentives for the film industry and creating a new tax credit to support digital game development in Massachusetts For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 orInfo@advocatenews.net The bill includes $561 million (M) in capital authorizations, such as: • $100M for the Massachusetts Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD) to strengthen leadership in defense innovation and national security technologies • $75M to support artificial intelligence infrastructure, emerging technologies and innovation • $50M to help municipalities convert underutilized commercial properties into housing • $50M for remediation of former state-owned properties • $25M to expand business development programs supporting commercial, industrial and manufacturing projects • $25M to advance robotics research and commercialization through MassTech • $25M for downtown revitalization projects that strengthen local business districts and public spaces • $25M to support arts, culture and creative economy investments • $20M to attract international businesses and investment to Massachusetts • $20M for veterans supportive housing initiatives • $10M to strengthen food science, sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology “WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! 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