Notices of Public Hearing (Published 8/4/2023)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
321 CMR 3.02

In accordance with the Mass. Gen. Laws, Ch. 131, Sec. 5, and Ch. 30A, Sec. 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a hybrid public hearing on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, on proposed regulatory amendments to 321 CMR 3.02 Hunting of Particular Game in Massachusetts. The proposed amendments extend the dates of the deer archery season in Wildlife Management Zones 1-9 by two weeks.

Interested persons can attend the hearing and provide oral comments either in person or via a Zoom video webinar. The Hearing Officer, MassWildlife staff, and Board members will be present at the physical meeting location given above. Note that the hearing, which will begin at 1:00 p.m., will be held in the same webinar as the August monthly business meeting (begins at 10:00 a.m.) Attendees can enter and exit the webinar at any time. Instructions for how to join can be found at Mass.gov/MassWildlife/FWBoard.

The proposed regulatory amendments relative to 321 CMR 3.02 are posted at Mass.gov/MassWildlife/Hearings so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the hybrid hearing. The instructions to join the webinar are also contained in the draft regulations document posted on the public hearings page above. Written public comments will be accepted for 2 weeks after the hearing, until Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 5:00 p.m.

Please note: If you have a disability or medical condition and would like to request special accommodation or if you will require language interpretation services, please contact Susan Sacco via email at your earliest convenience: susan.sacco@mass.gov.

Small Business Impact Statement
321 CMR 3.00: Hunting

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  0

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No.

• Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?

  No.

• Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?

  (Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)
  No.

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
205 CMR 256.05(1), 205 CMR 256.05

Notice is hereby provided that in accordance with G.L. c. 30A § 2, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (“Commission”) will convene a public hearing for purposes of gathering comments, ideas, and information relative to the proposed adoption of regulations. The regulations were promulgated pursuant to G.L. c. 23N, § 4, as part of the Commission’s regulatory process, and concern the following regulations:

205 CMR 230.00 – Review of a Proposed Agreement with a Category 3 Licensee

205 CMR 256.05 – Advertising to Youth

Scheduled hearing date and time:

Conference Call Number: 1-646-741-5292
Participant Code: 112 702 8485

A complete copy of the draft regulations referenced above may be downloaded by visiting www.massgaming.com, clicking on ‘Regulations and Compliance’ and selecting the ‘Proposed Rulemaking’ Section.

Anyone wishing to offer comments on these regulations can email Judith.Young@massgaming.gov and request the virtual hearing link to appear and speak. Alternatively, written comments may also be submitted to the same email address with ‘Regulation Comment’ in the subject line.

Comments must be received by 5:00PM EST on August 14, 2023.

CMR No: 205 CMR 230.00
Small Business Impact Statement

This regulation was adopted as part of the process of promulgating regulations governing sports wagering in the Commonwealth, and is primarily governed by G.L. c. 23N, §4. This regulation sets out the process for Category 1 or 2 operators to obtain Commission approval of “agreements related to mobile or digital sports wagering with a category 3 licensee” in accordance with Section 6(b)(4) of c. 23N.

The regulation applies to sports wagering operators and the Commission. Accordingly, this regulation is unlikely to have an impact on small businesses. Under G.L. c.30A, §2, the Commission offers the following responses to the statutory questions:

1. Estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed regulation: This regulation is unlikely to have an impact on small businesses.
2. State the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for compliance with the proposed regulation: There are no projected reporting, recordkeeping, or other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with this regulation.
3. State the appropriateness of performance standards versus design standards: No standards applicable to small businesses are set forth. Provided standards are performance standards.
4. Identify regulations of the promulgating agency, or of another agency or department of the Commonwealth, which may duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation: There are no conflicting regulations in 205 CMR, and the Commission is unaware of any conflicting or duplicating regulations of any other agency or department of the Commonwealth.
5. State whether the proposed regulation is likely to deter or encourage the formation of new businesses in the Commonwealth: This amendment is unlikely to have any impact on the formation of new businesses in the Commonwealth.

205 CMR 230.00
Small Business Impact Statement

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (“Commission”) hereby files this Small Business Impact Statement in accordance with G.L. c. 30A, §2, relative to the proposed amendments to 205 CMR 256.05(1) SPORTS WAGERING ADVERTISING.

This regulation was promulgated as part of the process of promulgating regulations governing sports wagering in the Commonwealth, and is authorized by G.L. c. 23N, §4. It is intended to carry out the Commission’s mandate to promulgate regulations governing the advertising of sports wagering pursuant to G.L. c. 23N, § 4(c)(ii). The amendments being made are minor changes to address branding practices by operators.

This regulation is unlikely to have an impact on small businesses as it governs the behavior of Sports Wagering Operators who are not small businesses. Under G.L. c.30A, §2, the Commission offers the following responses to the statutory questions:

1. Estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed regulation: This regulation is unlikely to have an impact on small businesses.
2. State the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other administrative costs required for compliance with the proposed regulation: There are no projected reporting, recordkeeping, or other administrative costs required for small businesses to comply with this regulation.
3. State the appropriateness of performance standards versus design standards: No standards applicable to small businesses are set forth. Provided standards are performance standards.
4. Identify regulations of the promulgating agency, or of another agency or department of the Commonwealth, which may duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation: There are no conflicting regulations in 205 CMR, and the Commission is unaware of any conflicting or duplicating regulations of any other agency or department of the Commonwealth.
5. State whether the proposed regulation is likely to deter or encourage the formation of new businesses in the Commonwealth: This amendment is unlikely to have any impact on the formation of new businesses in the Commonwealth.

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
101 CMR 352.00: Rates for Certain Children's Behavioral Health Services

Under to the authority of M.G.L. c. 118E and in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) will hold a remote public hearing on August 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. relative to the emergency adoption of: 101 CMR 352.00: Rates for Certain Children's Behavioral Health Services

The regulation is in effect as an emergency on August 1, 2023. There is no fiscal impact on cities and towns.

EOHHS is adopting amendments to 101 CMR 352.00: Rates for Certain Children’s Behavioral Health Services. 101 CMR 352.00 governs the rates of payment used by state governmental units, including MassHealth, for certain children’s behavioral health (CBHI) services rendered by eligible providers.

Effective August 1, 2023, the emergency amendments increase the rates for Intensive Care Coordination (ICC), Family Support and Training (FS&T), In-Home Behavioral Services (IHBS), and Therapeutic Mentoring (TM) services. These services are provided by Bachelor’s (BA) level and Master’s (MA) level clinicians to eligible members under 21 years of age with significant behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs.

Rate increases were determined using MA and BA level model budgets updated with 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) salary benchmarks and FY2021 Uniform Financial Report (UFR) data and the application of a two-year prospective cost adjustment factor. As a result, rates for these services will increase by an average of 32.7%.

Effective January 3, 2023, youth Mobile Crisis Intervention (YMCI) rates for settings other than emergency departments have been established in a new regulation 101 CMR 305.00: Rates for Behavioral Health Services Provided in Community Behavioral Health Centers. This emergency regulation retains the current rates for Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) services in emergency departments and refers to rates in 101 CMR 305.00 for YMCI services in other settings. All other rates are proposed to remain at their current levels.

EOHHS is proposing these changes, subject to federal approval, to ensure that payments are consistent with efficiency, economy, and quality of care and satisfy the requirements of M.G.L. 118E, sections 13C and 13D. There is no anticipated impact on MassHealth expenditure, as there is no current fee-for-service (FFS) utilization of these services. The actual change in annualized expenditures may vary depending on actual utilization of services.

To register to testify at the hearing and to get instructions on how to join the hearing online, go to www.mass.gov/service-details/executive-office-of-health-and-humanservices-public-hearings. To join the hearing by phone, call (646) 558-8656 and enter meeting ID 935 397 8200# when prompted.

You may also submit written testimony instead of, or in addition to, live testimony. To submit written testimony, please email your testimony to ehs-regulations@mass.gov as an attached Word or PDF document or as text within the body of the email with the name of the regulation in the subject line. All written testimony must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Individuals who are unable to submit testimony by email should mail written testimony to EOHHS, c/o D. Briggs, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171. Written testimony will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on August 18, 2023. EOHHS specifically invites comments as to how the amendments may affect beneficiary access to care.

To review the current draft of the proposed actions, go to www.mass.gov/servicedetails/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings or request a copyin writing from MassHealth Publications, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171.

Special accommodation requests may be directed to the Disability Accommodations Ombudsman by email at ADAAccommodations@mass.gov or by phone at (617) 847-3468 (TTY: (617) 847-3788 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled). Please allow two weeks to schedule sign language interpreters. EOHHS may adopt a final, revised version of the emergency regulation taking into account relevant comments and any other practical alternatives that come to its attention.

In case of inclement weather or other emergency, hearing cancellation announcements will be posted on the MassHealth website at www.mass.gov/service-details/executiveoffice-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings.

101 CMR 352.000
Small Business Impact Statement

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  There are 80 providers governed by the proposed regulation.

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No. Small businesses will not have to create, file, or issue additional reports as a result of the proposed amendments to 101 CMR 352.00.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No. Small businesses will not have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures as a result of the proposed amendments to 101 CMR 352.00.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No. Small businesses are not required by 101 CMR 352.00 to provide additional administrative oversight. The proposed regulation establishes the rates to be paid by governmental units for certain children’s behavioral health services.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No. 101 CMR 352.00 does not require small businesses to hire additional employees to remain in compliance.

• Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?

  No. Small businesses are not required by 101 CMR 352.00 to hire other employees to remain in compliance.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?

  No. 101 CMR 352.00 does not require small businesses to purchase any particular product or make any capital investments.

• Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?

  (Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)
  No. Performance standards are not more appropriate than design or operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective of establishing rates for EOHHS health care services as the proposed regulation is required by statute under M.G.L. Chapter 118E, Section 13C.

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No. There are no other regulations that duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  Yes. This regulation uniformly requires all providers to periodically file cost data.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No. 101 CMR 352.00 does not require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. The proposed regulation is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses as this proposed regulation establishes uniform governmental rates of payment certain children’s behavioral health services.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. The proposed regulation is not likely to deter or encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts as this proposed regulation establishes uniform governmental rates of payment for certain children’s behavioral health services.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. The proposed regulation does not distinguish between small and other businesses.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. The proposed regulation does not distinguish between small and other businesses.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. The proposed regulation does not distinguish between small and other businesses.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. Distinguishing between small and other businesses would not be practicable to implement the proposed regulation.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No. The proposed regulation does not have an adverse impact on small businesses.

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
101 CMR 433.00

Under the authority of M.G.L. c. 118E and in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) will hold a remote public hearing on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. relative to the proposed repeal of the following regulation.

101 CMR 433.00: Rates for Certain Health and Human Services Programs

There is no fiscal impact on cities and towns.

101 CMR 433.00 will be repealed effective July 1, 2023. Beginning July 1, 2023, the rates for all services described in 101 CMR 433.00 will revert to the applicable rates set forth in the corresponding “parent” rate regulation for each service.

To register to testify at the hearing and to get instructions on how to join the hearing online, go to www.mass.gov/service-details/executive-office-of-health-and-human-services-public-hearings. To join the hearing by phone, call (646) 558-8656 and enter meeting ID 935 397 8200# when prompted.

You may also submit written testimony instead of, or in addition to, live testimony. To submit written testimony, please email your testimony to ehs-regulations@mass.gov as an attached Word or PDF document or as text within the body of the email with the name of the regulation in the subject line. All written testimony must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Individuals who are unable to submit testimony by email should mail written testimony to EOHHS, c/o D. Briggs, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171. Written testimonywill be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 11, 2023. EOHHS specifically invitescomments as to how the repeal may affect beneficiary access to care for MassHealth-covered services.

To review the proposed repeal, go to www.mass.gov/service-details/executive-office-of-health-andhuman- services-public-hearings or request a copy in writing from MassHealth Publications, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171. To view or download related supporting materials, go to www.mass.gov/service-details/proposed-regulations-supporting-materials.

Special accommodation requests may be directed to the Disability Accommodations Ombudsman by email at ADAAccommodations@mass.gov or by phone at (617) 847-3468 (TTY: (617) 847-3788 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled). Please allow two weeks to schedule sign language interpreters.

In case of inclement weather or other emergency, hearing cancellation announcements will be posted on the MassHealth website at www.mass.gov/service-details/executive-office-of-health-and-humanservices- public-hearings.

101 CMR 433.00
Small Business Impact Statement

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  Approximately 200 providers

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No. As the regulation is proposed to be rescinded, small businesses are not affected by this action.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No. As the regulation is proposed to be rescinded, small businesses are not affected by this action.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No. As the regulation is proposed to be rescinded, small businesses are not affected by this action.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No. As the regulation is proposed to be rescinded, small businesses are not affected by this action.

• Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?

  No. As the regulation is proposed to be rescinded, small businesses are not affected by this action.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?

  No. As the regulation is proposed to be rescinded, small businesses are not affected by this action.

• Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?

  (Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)
  No. As the regulation is proposed to be rescinded, small businesses are not affected by this action.

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No. N/A. The regulation is proposed to be rescinded.

Department of Revenue

830 CMR 62B.2.1

The Department of Revenue (“DOR”) is holding this public hearing remotely. Details and instructions for participating and testifying remotely (such as through a phone line or online connection) at the remote public hearing will be published online at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/public-hearings-dor and are included in this notice below. If you plan to testify at the remote hearing, DOR strongly encourages you to register in advance; see below for instructions. DOR encourages you to submit written testimony in addition to, or instead of, providing testimony at the hearing; see below for instructions. Additionally, requests for copies of the proposed regulation will not be accepted in person. Details for obtaining copies of the proposed regulation are set forth below.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82352029018?pwd=RFY1ZVZJVS9WZ0xDa1BGWHVSaV FRQT09 Meeting ID: 823 5202 9018 Passcode: 847406

Dial by your location 309-205-3325 US Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/khQF4Twzd

Pursuant to the provisions of General Laws Chapter 14, Section 6(1), Chapter 30A, Section 2, and Chapter 62C, Section 3, the Commissioner will hold a public hearing on the following proposed regulation: 830 CMR 62B.2.1 Withholding of Taxes on Wages and Other Payments

Scheduled Hearing Date: Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Subject Matter: 830 CMR 62B.2.1 explains the requirements of employers and other persons to withhold the Massachusetts income tax on wages and payments, as required by M.G.L. c. 62B, §§ 1 through 12. This proposed regulation amends Section (4)(b) to clarify that 1) winnings from sports wagers are subject to the same Massachusetts income tax withholding rules as winnings from wagers placed at gaming establishments and 2) only lottery winnings in excess of $600, and that are not otherwise subject to withholding under federal law, are subject to Massachusetts income tax withholding.

Information: Individuals who notify DOR of their intent to testify at the hearing will be afforded an earlier opportunity to speak. Speakers are strongly encouraged to notify DOR of their intention to testify at the hearing by emailing their full name, mailing address and organization or affiliation, if any to RulesandRegs@dor.state.ma.us by August 29, 2023.

Individuals may also submit written testimony by emailing the Rulings and Regulations Bureau at RulesandRegs@dor.state.ma.us.

Please submit electronic testimony as an attached Word document or as text within the body of the email with the name of the regulation in the subject line. All submissions must include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Individuals who are unable to submit testimony by email should mail written testimony to the Rulings and Regulations Bureau, Post Office Box 9566, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-9566. Written testimony must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on August 30, 2023.

Copies of the proposed regulation will be sent electronically via e-mail to practitioners who are on the Rulings and Regulations Bureau's e-mail list. In addition the proposed regulation is posted on the Department of Revenue's Web site at: www.mass.gov/service-details/proposed-regulations-dor

830 CMR 62B.2.1
Small Business Impact Statement

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2 and 3)

830 CMR 62B.2.1 explains the requirements of employers and other persons to withhold the Massachusetts income tax on wages and payments, as required by M.G.L. c. 62B, §§ 1 through 12. There are no current small businesses impacted by this proposed regulation. No projected reporting, record keeping, or other administrative costs directed at small businesses have been identified as required for compliance with the proposed regulation. Additionally, the proposed regulation does not contain design or performance standards directed at small businesses and does not duplicate or conflict with other regulations of the Department. The Department has not identified any regulations of other agencies that conflict with this proposed regulation. And finally, the proposed regulation is likely to neither deter nor encourage the formation of new businesses, small or otherwise, in the Commonwealth.

Department of Transitional Assistance
106 CMR 702.000

The Department proposes to amend its regulations under the authority of M.G.L. c. 18, s. 10 and pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 3. The Department describes the substance of the proposed actions as amendments to regulations found at 106 CMR 702.000: The Eligibility Process.

The proposed amendments regard Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) eligibility requirements including clarifying that TAFDC clients can meet their initial job search requirement by registering with Jobquest through MassHire. The amendments also incorporate the use of online applications, remove the requirement for voluntary withdrawals or case closures to be in writing, and add Massachusetts’ Paid Family and Medical Leave to the list of other potential benefits a client must apply for before applying for Transitional Cash Assistance Program (TCAP) benefits.

All persons desiring to submit data, views or arguments concerning these proposed actions shall file the same with the Policy Program Support, Department of Transitional Assistance, 600 Washington Street, 5th floor Boston, Massachusetts 02111, or via E-mail DTA.LegalNoticeComment@MassMail.State.MA.US, on or before 8/11/23 @ 5pm.

It is anticipated that these regulations will not go into effect before 8/18/23. All persons desiring to review the current draft of the proposed actions may go to www.mass.gov/dta/legalnotices, request a copy in writing to the above address, via E-mail DTA.LegalNoticeComment@MassMail.State.MA.US or by phone (617)-348-8470.

The Department may adopt a revised version of the proposed actions taking into account relevant comments and any other practical alternatives which come to the Department's attention.

106 CMR 702.000 Transitional Cash Assistance Programs The Eligibility Process
Small Business Impact Statement

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  None

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No.

• Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?

  No.

• Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?

  (Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)
  No.

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
106 CMR 703.000: Nonfinancial Eligibility

The Department proposes to amend its regulations under the authority of M.G.L. c. 18, s. 10 and pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 3. The Department describes the amendments to regulations found at 106 CMR 703.000: Nonfinancial Eligibility.

The amendments regard changes to the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) nonfinancial eligibility rules including the expansion of work participation options for certain immigrants receiving TAFDC benefits on behalf of their children. They allow that upon reapplication TAFDC clients may receive another 60 days to look for work before work program enrollment.

The regulations also streamline immunization and nonquestioned citizenship verification, and clarify acceptable TAFDC living arrangements. Also, if it is not in the child’s best interest, relative caregivers are no longer required to cooperate with child support enforcement.

The amendments allow the use of new disability verification tools for TAFDC and EAEDC clients and clarify EAEDC eligibility for certain noncitizen children.

All persons desiring to submit data, views or arguments concerning these proposed actions shall file the same with the Policy Program Support, Department of Transitional Assistance, 600 Washington Street, 5th floor Boston, Massachusetts 02111, or via E-mail DTA.LegalNoticeComment@MassMail.State.MA.US, on or before 8/11/23 @ 5pm.

It is anticipated that these regulations will not go into effect before 8/18/23. All persons desiring to review the current draft of the proposed actions may go to www.mass.gov/dta/legalnotices, request a copy in writing to the above address, via E-mail DTA.LegalNoticeComment@MassMail.State.MA.US or by phone (617)-348-8470.

The Department may adopt a revised version of the proposed actions taking into account relevant comments and any other practical alternatives which come to the Department's attention.

106 CMR 703.000 Transitional Cash Assistance Programs Nonfinancial Eligibility
Small Business Impact Statement

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  None

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No.

• Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?

  No.

• Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?

  (Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)
  No.

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
106 CMR 707:000: Employment Services Program

The Department proposes to amend its regulations under the authority of M.G.L. c. 18, s. 10 and pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 3. The Department describes the amendments to regulations found at 106 CMR 707:000: Employment Services Program.

The amendments regard participation in the Pathways To Work Program, including ensuring that clients who, after being sanctioned for not meeting the work requirement rules, can immediately regain eligibility for Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) benefits once they resume or start to meet the requirement. For former TAFDC clients, the amendments remove the time limits for child care services; the Department will adhere to Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s time limits.

They also provide for clients to receive child care for more time in certain circumstances when they have an approved Pathways to Work plan, and streamline verification requirements for transportation stipends for eligible Pathways to Work program participants.

All persons desiring to submit data, views or arguments concerning these proposed actions shall file the same with the Policy Program Support, Department of Transitional Assistance, 600 Washington Street, 5th floor Boston, Massachusetts 02111, or via E-mail DTA.LegalNoticeComment@MassMail.State.MA.US, on or before 8/11/23 @ 5pm.

It is anticipated that these regulations will not go into effect before 8/18/23. All persons desiring to review the current draft of the proposed actions may go to www.mass.gov/dta/legalnotices, request a copy in writing to the above address, via E-mail DTA.LegalNoticeComment@MassMail.State.MA.US or by phone (617)-348-8470.

The Department may adopt a revised version of the proposed actions taking into account relevant comments and any other practical alternatives which come to the Department's attention.

106 CMR 707.000 Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Pathways to Work
Small Business Impact Statement

(As required by M.G.L. c. 30A §§ 2, 3 & 5)

• Estimate of the Number of Small Businesses Impacted by the Regulation:

  None

• Will small businesses have to create, file, or issue additional reports?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to implement additional recordkeeping procedures?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to provide additional administrative oversight?

  No.

• Will small businesses have to hire additional employees in order to comply with the proposed regulation?

  No.

• Does compliance with the regulation require small businesses to hire other professionals (e.g. a lawyer, accountant, engineer, etc.)?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to purchase a product or make any other capital investments in order to comply with the regulation?

  No.

• Are performance standards more appropriate than design/operational standards to accomplish the regulatory objective?

  (Performance standards express requirements in terms of outcomes, giving the regulated party flexibility to achieve regulatory objectives and design/operational standards specify exactly what actions regulated parties must take.)
  No.

• Do any other regulations duplicate or conflict with the proposed regulation?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to cooperate with audits, inspections or other regulatory enforcement activities?

  No.

• Does the regulation require small businesses to provide educational services to keep up to date with regulatory requirements?

  No.

• Is the regulation likely to deter the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No.

• Is the regulation likely to encourage the formation of small businesses in Massachusetts?

  No.

• Does the regulation provide for less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Does the regulation establish less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Did the agency consolidate or simplify compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses?

  No.

• Can performance standards for small businesses replace design or operational standards without hindering delivery of the regulatory objective?

  No.

• Are there alternative regulatory methods that would minimize the adverse impact on small businesses?

  No.