Housing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 13, 2025

S 196: An Act providing consumers with equal protection for all real estate appraisals

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 196) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to provide consumers with equal protection for all real estate appraisals. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents appraisal discrimination, advancing fair housing access by ensuring equal protection in real estate valuations.85% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 7, 2025

H 4251: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

This bill provides supplemental funding for Massachusetts state government operations and specific programs during fiscal year 2026. It allocates $100 million to the Executive Office for Administration and Finance as a reserve fund for responding to federal policy changes, and $30 million to the Housing Stabilization and Preservation Trust Fund. Key policy changes include expanding routine childhood immunization coverage to age 19, modifying how immunization funding recommendations are made, and allowing health plans to adjust copayments without commissioner votes. The bill affects state agencies, housing programs, public health initiatives, and healthcare providers participating in immunization programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $100M reserve fund and $30M to housing/immunization programs, directly funding public services and fiscal management as described.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands routine childhood immunization coverage to age 19, directly advancing public health programs and preventive care services.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllocates $30M to Housing Stabilization and Preservation Trust Fund, directly funding housing preservation programs per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Children's Health Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 12, 2025

H 4151: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects.

This bill allocates supplemental funding for Massachusetts' fiscal year 2025, adding specific sums to existing state budgets for critical programs. It directly affects state agencies and services, including veterans' benefits ($5.8M), child care programs ($95.6M), medical assistance ($134.5M), and senior housing initiatives (e.g., $2M for the Brooke House in Mattapan, which will provide 127 affordable units for seniors). Key mechanisms include funding for the semiquincentennial anniversary ($15M), park improvements ($6M), and transitions to new systems (e.g., $7.5M for electronic benefits cards). The bill supplements existing appropriations without creating new laws, focusing solely on funding allocations for the 2025 fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates supplemental funding for veterans' benefits ($5.8M), child care ($95.6M), medical assistance ($134.5M), and senior housing, directly increasing state spending on public services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $134.5M to medical assistance and funds senior housing/child care programs, directly strengthening healthcare services and coverage.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllocates $2M for 127 affordable senior housing units at Brooke House, directly funding affordable housing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly allocates $5.8M specifically for veterans' benefits in its fiscal year 2025 appropriations.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 28, 2025

H 362: An Act relative to partial payment

By Representative Ferrante of Gloucester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 362) of Ann-Margaret Ferrante for legislation to further regulate residential contracting agreements. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRegulating residential contracting agreements under Consumer Protection likely aims to protect tenants, aligning with housing tenant protections as per bill's focus.75% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 11, 2025

H 1523: An Act establishing an office of the condominium ombudsman

HD 3713 establishes an Office of the Condominium Ombudsman within the Attorney General's office to handle complaints from condo owners, boards, and managers. The office will resolve disputes, provide education on rights and responsibilities, and develop resources for condo associations, funded by a $50 fee paid by sellers during condo sales over $100. It also creates a Mediation Pilot Program using two mediators to help resolve conflicts without binding decisions, with eligibility based on owner income/property value and a $200 fee (waivable for low-income owners, seniors, or those deemed indigent). The ombudsman must report findings to the Attorney General, Legislature, and other agencies, and recommend policy changes. This bill directly affects all condominium owners, boards, and management associations in the state.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes condominium ombudsman program under Housing, directly addressing tenant dispute resolution and strengthening tenant protections within housing sector.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 306: An Act to guarantee a commercial tenant’s first right of refusal

By Representative Ramos of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 306) of Orlando Ramos relative to a municipal option commercial tenant first right of refusal. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGuarantees commercial tenants' first right of refusal, strengthening tenant protection against displacement in commercial properties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 1933: An Act to prevent property tax bill shocks

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1933) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation to prevent property tax bill shocks. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPrevents sudden property tax increases, protecting homeowners from financial shocks, aligning with fiscal responsibility in tax policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents property tax shocks, supporting property rights (a housing policy aspect) by protecting owners from financial instability due to unpredictable tax burdens.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 2, 2026

H 3967: An Act relative to amending the Community Preservation Act to include an extra percentage surcharge for accessibility

This bill amends the Community Preservation Act to require an additional surcharge on real property taxes in communities using the fund. The surcharge revenue must be specifically directed toward accessibility improvements for public facilities and housing. It directly affects property owners in participating communities and local governments managing Community Preservation funds. The change modifies how existing surcharge funds are allocated, prioritizing accessibility projects without altering the overall tax rate.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes real property surcharge to fund accessibility projects under Community Preservation Act, generating dedicated revenue for public service.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAmends Community Preservation Act (housing-focused) to add accessibility surcharge, advancing housing accessibility standards under preservation framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 3962: An Act relative to the Maggie Hubbard rental safety act

This bill requires safety inspections for buildings or structures used as short-term rentals in Massachusetts, such as properties rented on platforms like Airbnb. It directly affects property owners and managers who operate short-term rental units. The key provision mandates that these properties undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, including structural integrity and fire safety. The bill aims to protect tenants and residents by preventing unsafe conditions in short-term rental properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates inspections for short-term rental safety, enhancing tenant protection standards under public safety framework.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 2, 2026

H 3968: An Act relative to a tax exemption for seniors and a person with a disability

This bill creates a property tax exemption for elderly homeowners (65+) with disabilities certified by MassAbility. It allows a tax reduction equal to the difference between property tax increases and potential water/sewer cost increases, capped at $200 annually. Municipalities must verify eligibility once, but can revoke future exemptions if eligibility is later found invalid. The state will reimburse cities and towns for all tax abatements provided under this law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for seniors/disabled, offering tax relief to lower-income groups per bill's explicit tax exemption focus.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax exemptions for seniors and persons with disabilities, reducing housing costs for homeowners and supporting affordability for this group.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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