Housing

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1504: An Act relative to mobile homes as affordable housing

This bill changes Massachusetts law to automatically classify all mobile homes as "affordable housing" under Chapter 40B of the General Laws. It directly affects mobile home owners, developers, and local municipalities by ensuring mobile homes qualify for the state's affordable housing program without needing separate approval. The key provision removes barriers by requiring towns to allow mobile home developments as part of their affordable housing obligations under Chapter 40B. This policy change simplifies eligibility for mobile homes in affordable housing initiatives without creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly expands affordable housing definition to include mobile homes, increasing accessible housing options under the topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1528: An Act relative to public housing restrictions

HD 2258 requires Massachusetts public housing programs to prioritize applicants eligible for federal assisted housing under 42 U.S.C. section 1436a over applicants who are not federally eligible. It directly affects individuals applying for state-assisted housing in Massachusetts who may not qualify for federal programs. The bill's key provision states that non-federally eligible applicants cannot be given priority or displace federally eligible applicants in the housing selection process. This amendment to Chapter 121B of the General Laws ensures federal eligibility status determines priority for public housing placements.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill title explicitly references 'public housing restrictions,' directly indicating intent to limit public housing access per 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 1010: An Act relative to creating a permanent affordability homeownership program

SD 988 creates a state program to fund permanently affordable homeownership units for low- and moderate-income buyers (defined as 70-120% of area median income). Administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the program requires units to remain affordable for at least 99 years and limits projects to 1-25 units, including within mixed-use developments. Funds can only support new homeownership units meeting income and affordability criteria. Annual reports will detail funded projects, grant amounts, units created, and affordability levels.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly creates a permanent affordability homeownership program, directly advancing affordable housing access and funding per title/summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 9, 2026

S 965: An Act promoting fair and affordable housing

SD 811 amends Massachusetts law to prohibit discriminatory land use practices that limit affordable housing access. It directly affects local and state government bodies (like zoning boards and housing authorities) by banning policies or decisions that exclude housing for families with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income, families needing more bedrooms, or people based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The law allows individuals or the Attorney General to sue for violations, seeking court orders, damages (including punitive damages for intentional discrimination), and recovery of legal fees. It includes limited exceptions where governments prove their actions were necessary for a substantial, legitimate purpose and no less discriminatory alternative existed.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly prevents housing discrimination and promotes fair/affordable housing per title and summary, aligning with key support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 993: An Act accelerating housing production

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 993) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to accelerate housing production through a combination of incentives, zoning reforms, and financing solutions. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to accelerate housing production via incentives, zoning reforms, and financing solutions, directly advancing housing development goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 1004: An Act to create affordable homes for persons with disabilities

This bill creates the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to provide rental assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. It directly affects disabled adults aged 18-62 with household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (as set by HUD). The program offers mobile or project-based vouchers covering rent, with households paying 25-30% of their income (depending on utilities), while payments cannot exceed 120% of HUD's fair market rent for the unit size. Unspent funds from the designated budget line (7004-9030) carry over annually to support the program.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly creates affordable housing for disabled persons, directly advancing affordable housing access as per topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 18, 2025

H 1478: An Act advancing the Massachusetts social housing program

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1478) of Mike Connolly relative to the development of mixed income social housing to be administered by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Authority. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly advances social housing program via mixed-income development, directly increasing affordable housing options through MHFA administration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 9, 2026

H 302: An Act relative to housing production plans

HD 1414 requires cities and towns to develop and get department approval for comprehensive housing production plans. Once approved, municipalities can block housing applications that don’t align with the plan’s goals for up to two years. The bill gives local governments authority to shape development to meet their specific housing needs. It directly affects housing developers and applicants in communities with approved plans.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title explicitly addresses housing production plans, directly supporting housing development as a core topic element.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 983: An Act to promote housing cooperatives

S 983, sponsored by Senator James B. Eldridge, aims to support housing cooperatives but lacks specific details in the provided abstract. The bill's title indicates a general intent to promote cooperative housing models, though the abstract does not describe concrete mechanisms like financial incentives, regulatory changes, or eligibility criteria. Without additional context on the bill's provisions, it is unclear who would be directly affected (e.g., residents, developers, or local governments) or how the legislation would function. For a complete summary, the full text of the bill or additional legislative details would be required.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title explicitly promotes housing cooperatives, a model for affordable housing. No contradictory language; intent aligns with advancing affordable housing options.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 996: An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

S 996 establishes a state-administered reentry housing program to help formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable housing after release. The program, managed by the state department of housing, will coordinate with correctional facilities and community organizations to provide housing options, short-term housing assistance, and financial supports like housing vouchers. It requires all state-funded housing programs (including those under Chapters 40B, 40H, and 40R) to prioritize formerly incarcerated people and those about to be released. The department must annually review these programs, collect demographic data, and report outcomes to legislative committees on housing and community development.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates housing program for returning citizens to reduce recidivism, directly advancing criminal justice reform through rehabilitation support.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates state-administered housing program with vouchers and prioritizes formerly incarcerated in state-funded housing programs (Chapters 40B/H/R), advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Community Development Property Development

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