Housing

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 12, 2026

H 1571: An Act to make home repair affordable and stabilize communities

HD 2932 creates a "whole home repairs program" to help homeowners and small landlords with essential home repairs. Homeowners with income at or below 80% of the area median income can receive grants (up to $50,000 per unit) for health/safety repairs, energy efficiency improvements, or accessibility modifications. Small landlords (owning ≤5 properties/15 units) can get loans (also capped at $50,000 per unit) for similar repairs on affordable rental units, with loan forgiveness possible if they maintain the property for 15 years, limit rent increases, and avoid serious violations. The program requires coordination with existing housing resources and includes funding for workforce development in home repair jobs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to make home repairs affordable and stabilize communities, directly advancing affordable housing access and community stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 3934: An Act establishing the town of Plymouth Land Bank

By Representatives Badger of Plymouth and LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Michelle L. Badger (by vote of the town) for legislation to establish a Plymouth land bank in the town of Plymouth. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes Plymouth Land Bank to acquire/manage properties for housing development, aligning with affordable housing initiatives per bill summary.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Nov 10, 2025

HD 5258: A communication from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (see item 7004-0100 Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting a report to divert families from emergency assistance shelters

HD 5258 is a procedural bill transmitting a report from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities about diverting families from emergency assistance shelters. The report details the HomeBASE program, which provides financial assistance to families to avoid emergency shelter use and transition to permanent housing, referencing a $1,182 weekly average cost for emergency shelter per family. It includes data on diversion outcomes, such as 409 of 454 families exiting the program to permanent housing, and aligns with similar diversion strategies used in other states.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill transmits report on HomeBASE program that diverts families from shelters to permanent housing, reducing homelessness and supporting affordable housing initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 22, 2025

H 1476: An Act to codify pet-friendly elderly housing policies and ensure pet parity across housing authorities

This bill (HD 1307) formalizes pet-friendly policies for elderly residents in state-aided public housing across Massachusetts. It directly affects elderly tenants by prohibiting housing authorities from banning dogs based on breed, size, or appearance, requiring declawing, charging pet deposits over $160 or one month’s rent, or evicting solely for having a pet. Key provisions include banning breed restrictions, limiting deposits, and requiring housing authorities to update pet ownership regulations. An advisory group, including tenant advocates and animal welfare representatives, will help develop housing-specific pet policies and guidance for housing authorities. The bill aims to standardize pet access while ensuring housing authorities comply with these new requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCodifies pet-friendly policies for elderly housing tenants, strengthening tenant protections by preventing pet discrimination in state-aided housing.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 17, 2026

H 274: An Act establishing a bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness

HD 847 establishes a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, defining this group to include those in shelters, vehicles, parks, or transitional housing. It guarantees specific rights such as free use of public spaces without discrimination based on housing status, access to medical care (including pandemic-related services), and the ability to vote without requiring a fixed address. The law also prohibits discrimination in employment and housing based on housing status and protects privacy of information shared with shelters. It amends existing anti-discrimination laws (chapters 151B and 51) to explicitly include "housing status" as a protected category.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes rights for homeless individuals, directly addressing housing insecurity per support indicator 'addresses homelessness'90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 4759: An Act relative to modernizing Chapter 40R

H 4759 modernizes Massachusetts' housing incentive program under Chapter 40R by creating new payment structures for cities and towns that adopt specific zoning districts. It establishes tiered payments based on projected new housing units (e.g., $20,000 for up to 20% growth, $1.2 million for 501%+ growth) for "smart growth" and "starter home" zoning districts, plus $6,000 per new unit for completed housing in those districts. The bill also requires the state department to analyze these payments against housing costs (using the Consumer Price Index) to ensure consistency. These changes apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and directly affect municipalities with approved zoning districts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates state payments ($20k-$1.2M) for cities adopting housing zones, directly funding public housing incentives through state budget allocations.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds municipalities with tiered payments based on new housing units in designated 'smart growth' and 'starter home' zones, directly incentivizing affordable housing development under Chapter 40R.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 313: An Act encouraging smart growth and starter home zoning adoption

This bill provides financial incentives to Massachusetts cities and towns that adopt "smart growth zoning districts" or "starter home zoning districts." It establishes two payment systems: (1) a tiered payment based on projected new housing units (e.g., $20,000 for up to 20 units, $1.2 million for 500+ units), and (2) a $6,000 per-unit bonus paid upon issuance of building permits for new housing in these districts. The payments are funded by state appropriations and require department approval of the zoning districts. It directly affects local governments that implement these zoning policies to encourage new housing development.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill encourages smart growth and starter home zoning adoption, directly advancing affordable housing development through zoning reforms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1509: An Act to promote housing cooperatives

HD 815 establishes the Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. The center will provide education, outreach, and research to expand resident-owned cooperative housing, particularly for low-to-moderate income residents, and coordinate resources. The bill allocates $100 million in fiscal year 2026 specifically for acquiring, rehabilitating, and preserving cooperative housing properties through agencies like the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. It also requires the center to issue annual reports on cooperative housing activities and fund distribution. This creates a dedicated state infrastructure to support cooperative housing development and preservation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPromotes housing cooperatives, a model increasing affordable housing options and strengthening tenant ownership rights through collective management.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 31, 2026

H 4783: An Act relative to reaffirming the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa relative to the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly addresses homelessness, a core housing issue, by reaffirming rights of homeless individuals, aligning with housing protection indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 247: An Act to promote housing cooperatives

This bill establishes a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives within CEDAC to support cooperative housing ownership, primarily for low-to-moderate income residents. The center will provide education, outreach, research, and grants to expand resident-owned housing, preserve existing cooperative properties, and promote cooperative models to policymakers. It allocates $100 million in fiscal year 2026 for acquiring, rehabilitating, and supporting housing cooperatives through state agencies like the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. The center must annually report on housing cooperative activities and submit recommendations for improving cooperative housing access.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $100M for housing cooperatives, a public program supporting low-to-moderate income residents, directly funding a state initiative.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $100M for housing cooperatives targeting low-to-moderate income residents, promoting affordable ownership through grants, rehab, and policy advocacy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Housing Finance

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