By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to add multi-family housing constructed in compliance with the state’s transit-oriented development statute to the list of facilities exempted from the single-parcel rule. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to expand access to the Family Self-Sufficiency Program in the commonwealth. Housing.
HD 1112 allows Massachusetts cities and towns to implement a real estate transfer fee on property sales to fund affordable housing. The fee, collected by settlement agents during property closings, would be directed to municipal or regional housing trust funds. These funds must be used for acquiring, constructing, rehabilitating, or preserving housing for low- and moderate-income households (as defined by HUD). The bill provides definitions for key terms like "affordable housing purposes" and "settlement agent" to ensure consistent implementation.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1130) of Adam Gomez for legislation to facilitate alternatives to foreclosure through the Massachusetts Foreclosure Mediation Program. The Judiciary.
HD 4021 protects tenants in Massachusetts from landlord retaliation related to immigration status. It prohibits landlords from threatening to report a tenant's immigration status (unless required by law) or suing to evict based solely on that status. Landlords can still follow legal requirements like court orders, verify financial qualifications, or address lease violations. Tenants who face prohibited actions can seek actual damages, up to $2,000 per violation, attorney fees, or other court-ordered relief. The bill explicitly states immigration status cannot be used in housing rights cases unless directly relevant to the claim.
This bill modifies fees collected under Chapter 64D to redirect funds into three specific trust funds: the Global Warming Solutions Trust Fund (for climate programs), the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund. It increases certain fees (e.g., from $1.50 to $1.71) and requires that funds deposited into these trusts prioritize investments in environmental justice populations and regional equity. The bill also creates tax credits for low-income home sellers (25% of the fee payment) and for sellers to first-time homebuyers, with eligibility tied to income thresholds and joint tax filing. These changes aim to channel revenue toward housing affordability and climate adaptation efforts while specifying allocation rules for the trust funds.
SD 1982 requires Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing to conduct a study on future shelter and housing needs using population-based ratios to determine required capacity for permanent supportive housing and non-congregate shelters (individual rooms with doors, not dorm-style). It mandates a 5-year plan to build new non-congregate shelters and permanent supportive housing (subsidized housing with support services), prioritizing conversion of existing congregate shelters where feasible. The bill specifically directs the creation of targeted housing strategies for unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness, with priority for elderly, disabled, medically complex, and LGBTQ+ individuals, including exploring modular construction and repurposed hotels. This legislation directly affects unaccompanied homeless adults in Massachusetts and aims to shift the state's emergency response system away from congregate shelter models.
This bill creates a permit system for recovery housing (sober homes) in Massachusetts, requiring operators to apply for a "determination of need permit" from the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. It prohibits new recovery housing in designated "impacted communities" (neighborhoods meeting specific criteria like low income, high minority populations, or language barriers). Operators must submit detailed information including location, staff details, rules, and proof that only residents with disabilities (as defined by law) will reside there. Existing recovery housing must apply for permits by June 30, 2024, and new operators must obtain permits before opening. The bill aims to regulate recovery housing placement while prioritizing environmental justice communities.
This bill allows municipalities to adopt inclusionary zoning ordinances requiring new developments to include up to 13% affordable housing units. It directly affects local governments and developers building new residential projects in areas with such ordinances. Key provisions include requiring a density bonus (allowing more units than standard zoning permits) and ensuring the ordinance does not hinder overall housing production. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities may issue guidelines to support implementation, but the bill itself sets the framework for local adoption.
By Representative Mendes of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1552) of Rita A. Mendes for legislation to create an interagency supportive housing finance and strategy board. Housing.
