The Massachusetts Senate has passed a nearly $1 billion bond bill authorizing spending on an array of projects designed to improve information technology across Massachusetts.
Among the projects included in the bill approved Thursday is $100 million for information technology improvements at the Department of Transportation; $68 million to upgrade the state police's existing statewide communication network; and $60 million for improvements to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
The bill also includes $12 million for a data system to track the diagnosis, treatment, services and outcomes of individuals with autism.
Senate President Therese Murray said the spending is needed to help keep the state competitive.
The House has passed its own version of the bill.
The House and Senate bills now go to a legislative conference committee to hammer out a single compromise version.
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