Massachusetts Senate approves $575M economic development bill, bans crypto ATMs

Governor Maura Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, directing more than $1.4 million to South Boston for public safety, education, health services, senior programs and waterfront resiliency, including new facilities and expanded police and emergency response.

The Massachusetts Senate also passed a $575.4 million economic development bond bill (Bill S. 3178). The legislation provides $100 million for scientific research, $100 million for the defense industry, $75 million for artificial‑intelligence development, $25 million for robotics, and funds for downtown revitalization, early‑stage businesses, community‑development financial institutions and the arts. It introduces automatic two‑family zoning statewide, new rules for e‑scooters and e‑bikes, and requires AI developers to assess product risks. A key amendment bans crypto ATMs to protect seniors from fraud, a measure championed by Senator John Cronin.