By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 648) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to community preservation funds for seawall repairs. Environment and Natural Resources.
This bill amends Massachusetts law to exempt certain communities from specific requirements of the MBTA Communities Act. Communities that already qualify for "safe harbor" status under the state's affordable housing law (M.G.L. c. 40B) will no longer need to meet additional housing requirements under M.G.L. c. 40A, Section 3A. The key change is a direct exemption for these communities from Section 3A’s housing development mandates, streamlining compliance for municipalities already meeting 40B standards. This affects local governments in Massachusetts that have met the safe harbor criteria under the 40B housing law.
This bill requires utility companies (gas or electric) to notify landlords when tenants fall behind on payments or when service termination is planned. Landlords who provide written notice that their property is a rental, include a valid mailing address, and request notifications must receive written notice within 14 days of delinquent charges or 14 days before a service termination. The bill applies only to landlords who proactively opt-in by submitting the required written information. It does not change utility shutoff policies but mandates specific notification procedures to landlords for rental properties.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 232) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to further fair housing in real estate. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Representative Michael J. Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4415) of Michael J. Moran (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the procurement and award of contracts for construction of a certain affordable housing and cultural space in the Brighton section of the city of Boston. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]
HD 2739 creates a Massachusetts tax-advantaged savings account to help first-time homebuyers. It allows individuals to open a designated savings account (with a financial institution) to save for down payments and closing costs on a single-family home, with tax deductions for contributions (up to $10,000 annually for individuals or $20,000 for joint filers). The account must be used within 15 years for eligible home purchases by a qualified beneficiary (a Massachusetts resident who hasn’t owned a home in 3 years), with a lifetime cap of $100,000 in contributions and earnings. Unused funds after the 15-year period become taxable income. The bill applies specifically to Massachusetts income tax returns and does not provide direct grants or loans.
This bill (S 1249) prohibits discrimination based on body size in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It directly affects employers, landlords, and businesses that provide services to the public by making it illegal to deny opportunities or services due to a person's weight or body size. The key provision establishes a new legal standard where body size becomes a protected characteristic, similar to race or gender. The bill would require organizations to comply with this non-discrimination rule, applying to all covered entities within the state.
This bill requires purchasers of 40B affordable condominium units to pay all common expenses (like maintenance or utilities) as outlined in their condo's master deed. It also mandates the state's Executive Office of Housing to create a reimbursement program for these buyers to cover those costs. The bill explicitly prohibits other unit owners in the same condo complex from subsidizing the common expenses of 40B affordable units. This directly affects buyers of 40B-affordable units and changes how their housing costs are structured.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1474) of Bruce E. Tarr, David F. DeCoste, Colleen M. Garry, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to allow moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1020) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide pre-service training free of charge for members of mobile home rent control boards. Housing.
