Housing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1025: An Act streamlining housing permitting

S 1025, introduced by Senator Bruce Tarr, aims to simplify the process for obtaining building permits for new housing developments. The bill would directly affect local government agencies that issue permits and housing developers seeking to build new projects. Its key provision involves reducing bureaucratic delays and standardizing application requirements to make permitting more efficient. This would help speed up approvals for housing construction without specifying new requirements or timelines.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines permitting to speed housing construction approvals, directly advancing housing development by removing bureaucratic barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 22, 2025

H 2569: An Act expanding the availability of adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors

This bill amends Massachusetts housing accessibility laws to increase adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors. It requires that 5% of units in new residential buildings with 20+ units meet specific accessibility standards, including a 5-foot wheelchair turning radius in kitchens and bathrooms. The law expands requirements to include "areas not generally in public use" and updates terminology from "handicapped" to "persons with disabilities" throughout. It also allows local flexibility in setting accessibility percentages based on regional needs using data from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands adaptable housing availability for disabled/seniors, advancing accessible housing development within the topic area.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 20, 2026

S 1524: An Act relative to the Massachusetts lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1524) of James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the Massachusetts lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes lead-free housing access, addressing tenant health risks and ensuring safe housing conditions through Massachusetts lead law reforms.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1140: An Act establishing a foreclosure review division

This bill establishes a dedicated court division within Massachusetts' superior court system to handle all residential foreclosure cases. It directly affects homeowners facing foreclosure, lenders, and the court system by creating a specialized forum for these matters. Key provisions include transferring existing foreclosure cases to this division, providing resources for self-represented homeowners, and requiring the division to handle all foreclosure-related actions - including title disputes and loan modifications - concurrently with other court departments. The division must also offer mediation services and waive fees for indigent parties, aiming to streamline the process and improve access to justice in foreclosure proceedings.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes foreclosure review division to prevent wrongful foreclosures, protecting homeowners' property rights (a core housing policy aspect) without addressing tenant protections or affordability directly.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 14, 2025

H 101: An Act establishing free broadband internet access in public housing

This bill requires all public housing units in the Commonwealth to provide free broadband internet access to residents, establishing it as a standard feature of "decent, safe and sanitary dwellings" under housing law. It mandates the state department to study broadband's connection to public health, particularly in underserved communities. Housing authorities will receive state funding (appropriated by the General Court) to implement and maintain this free service, with broadband explicitly excluded from being classified as a utility. The policy directly affects public housing residents and housing authorities responsible for compliance.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides free broadband access in public housing, enhancing tenant services within affordable housing units without restricting housing policies.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes free broadband internet access in public housing, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity as a key support indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Cybersecurity

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 2347: An Act to promote Yes in God's Back Yard

HD 3756 (Section 3AA) allows religious organizations (including IRS 501(c)(3) groups or state-recognized religious entities) to build multifamily housing on land they've owned for at least three years without needing special zoning permits or facing unreasonable restrictions. The bill sets density rules: up to 50 units per acre if 20-25% of units are affordable to low/middle-income households (at 60-80% of area median income), with height limits matching existing structures or local zoning. It also exempts qualifying projects from off-street parking requirements if near transit, mandates 15-foot setbacks, and requires compliance with environmental regulations. The law directly affects religious landowners seeking to develop housing, aiming to increase affordable housing options on religious property while maintaining local zoning standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes zoning/tax barriers for religious landowners to develop multifamily housing, directly promoting housing development and affordability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 27, 2025

S 969: An Act establishing an accessory dwelling unit trust fund

This bill creates a state trust fund to help low- and moderate-income homeowners build secondary housing units (like backyard cottages or basement apartments) on their properties. It targets property owners with incomes up to 110% of the local median income (as defined by federal housing standards). The fund will provide financial assistance for pre-construction costs - such as design fees, permits, utility connections, and site preparation - but only the minimum amount needed to make the project feasible. Administered by the state housing office or designated agencies, the fund will accept state appropriations, private donations, and other sources, with unspent funds remaining in the fund rather than reverting to the general state budget.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes trust fund for accessory dwelling units, directly funding housing development to increase affordable housing supply.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 5, 2025

H 1565: An Act providing for pre-service training for members of mobile home rent control boards

This bill requires the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create an annual training program for all members of mobile home rent control boards, including both new and existing members. The training must be offered free of charge in multiple accessible locations across the state, as well as online, and must be developed with input from the Massachusetts Municipal Association. It directly affects local board members who oversee rent regulations for mobile home communities. The program aims to standardize knowledge and procedures for these boards through mandatory, accessible education.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates training for mobile home rent control board members, strengthening tenant protection enforcement within housing policy.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 1482: An Act to establish an accessory dwelling unit trust fund

HD 3790 establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Trust Fund to help low- and moderate-income property owners (earning up to 110% of the area median income) build ADUs. The fund provides financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, or reimbursements for pre-development costs like permits, design fees, site preparation, and utility connections. Administered by the Executive Office of Housing or contracted agencies (such as MassHousing), the fund uses state appropriations, grants, and investment income, with unused funds carrying over annually. Assistance is limited to the minimum amount needed to make ADU projects feasible, directly supporting property owners seeking to add secondary housing units.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes a trust fund for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), increasing housing supply and affordability through funding housing development programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 4699: An Act to study single-stair residential buildings

H 4699 creates a special commission to study safety conditions for single-stair multi-family residential buildings (up to six stories) in Massachusetts, with the goal of developing a building code amendment to potentially legalize them. The commission, composed of housing officials, fire safety experts, architects, and community representatives, must produce a report by July 31, 2026, including fire safety measures like sprinklers and emergency exits, and build on existing research. This bill does not change current laws but directs a study to address safety concerns that may enable future code changes. It directly affects future housing development rules and building safety standards, not current building owners or occupants.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill aims to legalize single-stair residential buildings, enabling more housing development by addressing code barriers and potentially increasing affordable housing options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development Zoning

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