Housing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 1021: An Act relative to updating and modernizing Chapter 40R

This bill updates Massachusetts' Chapter 40R to modernize housing incentives. It establishes tiered payments for cities/towns with approved "smart growth" or "starter home" zoning districts based on projected new housing units (e.g., $20,000 for up to 20% growth, $1.2 million for over 500% growth). It also adds a $6,000 per-unit bonus for new housing constructed in these districts. The bill requires the department to analyze these incentives against housing costs (using the Consumer Price Index) and mandates that increased incentives revert to original levels 10 years after enactment. The changes apply to tax years starting January 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill modernizes zoning to boost housing production, directly advancing affordable housing development through updated appropriations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 13, 2026

H 4163: An Act relative to accessory dwelling units inclusion in the subsidized housing inventory

This bill draft (HD 2511) aims to include accessory dwelling units (ADUs, like in-law suites or backyard cottages) within the state's subsidized housing inventory. It would require housing authorities to count ADUs as part of their affordable housing stock when reporting on subsidized housing availability. The bill directly affects state housing agencies, local municipalities, and developers building or converting properties with ADUs. As a draft currently being worked on by House Counsel, specific implementation details and timelines are not yet finalized. No substantive policy provisions or voting records are available in the provided context.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly includes accessory dwelling units in subsidized housing inventory, expanding affordable housing supply without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1575: An Act relative to reducing damage caused by the current foreclosure crisis in the historic districts of Massachusetts

This bill creates Historic District Stabilization Committees in Massachusetts communities facing foreclosure crises in designated historic areas. The committees, formed by local organizations, can acquire properties through eminent domain at fair market value to prevent vacant/vandalized homes. They must conduct market studies to establish a Community Appraisal Framework, manage occupied properties through homeowner counseling, and restore vacant properties to meet federal rehabilitation standards. These committees will also market acquired properties using the established framework to stabilize neighborhood values. The bill directly affects historic districts with high foreclosure rates, aiming to protect community investments without harming legitimate financial interests.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill addresses foreclosure crisis in historic districts, aiming to reduce housing damage and protect residents from displacement, aligning with tenant protection and housing stability goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Historic Preservation Mortgages

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 17, 2025

H 3932: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston

This bill exempts a specific Dorchester affordable housing and branch library project from standard public procurement laws in Massachusetts (like Chapter 149 and Chapter 7C). It allows the Boston Redevelopment Authority and Boston Public Library to bypass typical public bidding requirements for planning, construction, and property acquisition related to this single project on city-owned land. However, if the project uses federal low-income housing tax credits or tax-exempt bonds, construction contracts for related public works must follow standard Chapter 30, Section 39M rules. The bill also specifies that transferring the project to a nonprofit developer must comply with Chapter 30B, unless the entity is controlled by the library.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes construction of subsidized affordable housing project in Dorchester, directly advancing affordable housing goals through state procurement and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1516: An Act to expedite multifamily housing construction

HD 3068 requires cities and towns to permit multifamily housing (apartments or condos with >3 units) by right in zoning districts covering at least 1.5% of developable land, with a minimum density of 20 dwelling units per acre. It also mandates that accessory dwelling units (ADUs, like in-law suites) be permitted by right in all single-family zones without unreasonable restrictions on location or design. The bill streamlines approval for cluster developments (grouped housing) by eliminating the need for standard subdivision plans and requiring planning board review instead. This directly affects local zoning ordinances, developers, and residents seeking more housing options in designated areas.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to expedite multifamily housing construction, directly advancing housing development and increasing supply to address affordability needs.90% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1017: An Act to reform the emergency assistance shelter program

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1017) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to reform the emergency assistance shelter program by limiting the scope to residents of the Commonwealth. Housing.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill explicitly limits emergency shelter program scope to Commonwealth residents, restricting access to housing assistance as per 'limit' indicator in OPPOSE definition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 1006: An Act creating the Home Works Program

This bill creates the Home Works Program to provide funding for out-of-school time and summer programs for children aged 5-14 living in households receiving Emergency Assistance (a state aid program for low-income families). The program allocates "slots" covering program costs (at least 75% of local market value) and transportation, distributed based on areas with the highest number of Emergency Assistance children and program capacity. Eligible programs must meet transportation requirements or partner with Emergency Assistance residences for on-site services, and all staff must pass background checks including National Sexual Offender Registry checks. Funding is new and separate from existing Emergency Assistance resources.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates 'Home Works Program' under Housing, directly advancing housing initiatives per title and summary, aligning with funding/protecting housing policy indicators.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1503: An Act relative to the emergency housing assistance program and universal background checks

By Representatives Frost of Auburn and Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1503) of Paul K. Frost, Joseph D. McKenna and others relative to the emergency housing assistance program and universal background checks. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly references 'emergency housing assistance program,' indicating funding/support for housing needs per topic indicators.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1563: An Act relative to homeowner assets

This bill (HD 536) allows homeowners who purchased properties through the Homeowner Opportunity Program at least 30 years ago to apply for removal of a deed rider restricting their property. The housing appeals committee will create an application process starting June 1, 2026, to evaluate these requests. If approved, homeowners can sell their homes at fair market value after negotiating terms with the committee, effectively removing a long-standing ownership restriction. The bill directly affects older homeowners in the Homeowner Opportunity Program who face this specific deed limitation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves deed riders for Homeowner Opportunity Program properties, strengthening homeowner rights and enabling easier property use within housing program.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1545: An Act relative to childless individuals with chronic disabilities experiencing homelessness

HD 2857 amends Massachusetts law to expand shelter options for childless individuals with chronic disabilities experiencing homelessness. It specifically adds "individuals with disabilities as defined by chapter 179 of the acts of 1995 who require home care, caretaker services, and constant stay and housing" to eligibility criteria in Chapter 23B. The bill mandates that the state department provide hotel or motel shelter when an individual with such disabilities needs accommodations unavailable at standard overnight shelters. This change directly affects vulnerable residents with specific care needs who are currently homeless and unable to access appropriate shelter through existing systems.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses homelessness for vulnerable individuals, directly aligning with 'addresses homelessness' indicator for housing support. Explicitly cites 'Housing' in summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

Track