This bill amends the definition of "real estate tax payment" to expand eligibility for an existing tax credit for older homeowners. It now includes 50% of paid water and sewer charges (where communities don't assess them) and 50% of homeowner's insurance costs when calculating the credit. The change directly affects older adults owning residential property who pay real estate taxes, making more expenses count toward their credit. For multi-unit properties, the bill clarifies that shared costs like water, sewer, and insurance are included proportionally.
H 4144 creates a new funding mechanism to support building decarbonization and energy efficiency programs across Massachusetts. It imposes a 2.5 mills per kilowatt-hour charge on electricity consumers (excluding municipal light plant users) and pools funds from cap-and-trade programs and other sources to finance these initiatives. The law requires 20% of these funds to target low-income residential buildings, with additional priority for moderate-income households, renters, and small businesses. Electric distribution companies and municipal energy groups must submit a statewide decarbonization plan every three years, detailing cost-effective programs to reduce fossil fuel use and energy costs while meeting greenhouse gas targets.
By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 316) of Steven George Xiarhos and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., for an investigation by a special committee on Massachusetts business competitiveness and affordable living, which shall be charged with oversight of matters to improve the ability of businesses, to form and thrive under law, and to lower the cost of living for residents and families. Community Development and Small Businesses.
HD 677 requires all real estate license applicants and renewing brokers/salespeople in Massachusetts to complete specific education on fair housing. New applicants must take 40 classroom hours, including at least 4 hours on fair housing law or diversity. Renewing licensees must complete 6-12 hours of continuing education, including at least 2 hours on fair housing law and 4 hours from other topics like accessibility or agency law. This bill directly affects all individuals holding or seeking a Massachusetts real estate license by mandating these education components.
This bill amends Massachusetts law to redefine "preservation" as protecting personal or real property from coastal threats like flooding, sea-level rise, and storm surge. It specifically includes measures such as building or repairing beaches, dunes, and seawalls to safeguard open spaces, historical sites, and community housing. The law change directly affects coastal communities by enabling these protective infrastructure projects under the "preservation" framework. This update modifies existing Chapter 44B definitions without creating new programs or funding.
HD 2365 establishes a Tenant Fire Safety Trust Fund to support fire safety programs for landlords and renters in multi-unit housing. It requires landlords to install and maintain fire safety devices (like smoke detectors) and provides tax deductions for these installations under state law. The bill also mandates that landlords displaced by fire provide renters with resources and insurance details, while requiring certificates of occupancy and fire inspections before new rentals in multi-unit buildings. Violations incur daily fines (up to $20/day) or escalating penalties, with 50% of collected fines funding local inspections and the Trust Fund. This directly affects landlords, property managers, and renters in Massachusetts residential properties.
H 4457 (An Act to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth) directly affects real estate brokers and salespeople in Massachusetts. The bill requires new license applicants to complete 4 hours of fair housing training and existing license holders to complete 2 hours of fair housing or diversity training during renewal. It mandates automatic license suspensions (60 days for first violations, 180 days for repeat violations within two years) when the state fair housing agency or court finds a broker violated anti-discrimination laws. The bill also updates the real estate board's composition to include fair housing experts and tenant representatives, and requires quarterly public reporting of discrimination-related complaints and disciplinary actions.
This bill authorizes the Town of Nantucket to impose a 0.5% fee on the sale of real estate within Nantucket County. The fee is paid by the seller (not the buyer) and funds must be deposited into a dedicated Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The money will directly support affordable and workforce housing projects and related capital improvements. Exemptions include transfers to government entities, but the seller must prove exemption claims to avoid the fee.
This bill (HD 2889) updates Massachusetts' lead law to require landlords to eliminate lead hazards in rental properties before leasing. Starting July 1, 2026, landlords in designated "High Risk Communities" (areas with high childhood lead exposure rates) must abate lead paint or materials before renting, regardless of whether children under 6 live there. By July 1, 2030, this requirement expands to all rental properties statewide. The bill also prohibits landlords from suing parents for lead exposure and adds housing justice expertise to oversight boards.
This bill allows homeowners who purchased Chapter 40B affordable housing properties before 2010 to sell them at fair market value without maintaining the 40B status. Upon sale, the property loses its 40B designation, becomes regular market housing, and the selling town must add an equivalent number of new affordable units to compensate for the lost 40B housing. Homeowners must also pay back any reduced HOA fees they received during their ownership. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will implement these changes.
