Housing

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 9, 2026

H 3164: An Act to ensure fair taxation of affordable housing

This bill amends property tax assessment rules to require local assessors to consider recorded restrictions on a property's use when determining its fair cash value for taxation. It specifically affects affordable housing properties that have legal limits on rent or sale prices documented in their deeds. The key change mandates that assessors factor these restrictions into valuation calculations, rather than treating all properties equally under current rules. This adjustment aims to ensure affordable housing is taxed based on its actual restricted use, potentially lowering tax burdens for qualifying properties.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill aims for 'fair taxation of affordable housing' by adjusting property tax classification, aligning with tax relief for lower-income housing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill ensures fair taxation of affordable housing via real property classification, reducing tax burdens to support affordability and development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3278: An Act creating a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing

HD 3193 modifies Massachusetts' property transfer tax by creating graduated rates for home sales over $250,000. For sales between $250,000-$500,000, the tax rate increases to 1.1x the existing rate; higher tiers apply for sales exceeding $500,000, $1 million, and $2 million. The bill directly affects sellers of higher-value homes by increasing their tax burden, with all revenue from these higher rates required to fund housing initiatives. Specifically, the tax revenue must be split equally between housing crisis programs and Affordable Housing Act initiatives established under Chapter 150 of the 2024 Acts. (Note: The "existing rate" referenced is not specified in the bill text.)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates graduated tax specifically to fund affordable housing, directly allocating revenue to a public service program per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates graduated deed tax revenue specifically for affordable housing funding, directly advancing housing access through dedicated financial mechanism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 963: An Act relative to local preference in affordable housing

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 963) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation relative to local preference in affordable housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes local preference for affordable housing, prioritizing community access and strengthening tenant opportunities in housing programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1930: An Act authorizing a local affordable housing surcharge

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1930) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation to authorize a local affordable housing surcharge. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes local tax surcharge (revenue source) specifically to fund affordable housing programs, directly advancing public service funding through taxation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes local surcharge revenue specifically for affordable housing funding, directly advancing housing affordability goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1024: An Act ensuring affordability in perpetuity

This bill requires all low or moderate income housing built under a comprehensive permit to remain affordable permanently, rather than for a limited period. It directly affects developers and housing authorities using Chapter 40B's comprehensive permitting process for such projects. The key provision (added as Section 21A) mandates that affordability restrictions apply "in perpetuity" for these units. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to ensure housing affordability in perpetuity, directly advancing affordable housing goals per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1556: An Act to improve the accuracy of the counting of existing affordable housing stock

This bill amends Massachusetts' Chapter 40B law to clarify how affordable housing is counted. It redefines "low or moderate income housing" to explicitly include federally or state-subsidized housing built or operated by public agencies, nonprofits, or limited-dividend groups. Crucially, it adds that 50% of homes in manufactured housing communities (as defined in Chapter 140) must be counted toward a city or town's affordable housing threshold, using documentation from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities' inventory. This change directly affects cities and towns required to meet affordable housing thresholds under Chapter 40B by expanding the types of housing that count toward that requirement.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands affordable housing definition to include manufactured homes, increasing reported affordable housing stock and aligning with affordability goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1576: An Act relative to creating a permanent affordability homeownership program

This bill creates a state program to develop permanently affordable homeownership options for low and moderate income buyers in Massachusetts. It requires that new homes funded under the program maintain affordability for at least 99 years and be part of projects with 1-25 housing units. Funds can only support homes in mixed-use developments if they are permanently affordable for households earning 70-120% of the area median income. The program mandates annual reporting on funded projects, including grant amounts, units created, and affordability levels.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates permanent affordability homeownership program for low/moderate income buyers, directly advancing affordable housing access through development and construction funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1494: An Act relative to improve access to rental assistance programs

HD 4092 requires Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing to create regulations by January 1, 2024, allowing landlords to apply for rental assistance programs on behalf of their tenants. This directly affects tenants eligible for programs like the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, Alternative Housing Voucher Program, and Rental Assistance for Families in Transition. The key provision mandates that housing authorities and contracted agencies accept these landlord-submitted applications for rental assistance. The bill aims to simplify access to housing support by removing a barrier that previously required tenants to apply directly.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to improve access to rental assistance programs, directly advancing affordable housing support for tenants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1554: An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

HD 2987 creates a state program to help formerly incarcerated people secure housing. The Department of Housing will coordinate a "reentry and formerly incarcerated persons program" requiring agencies to provide housing assistance before and after release, including financial support like housing vouchers. The bill mandates annual reviews of housing programs to track who benefits (using demographic data) and improve services based on feedback from formerly incarcerated people. It also adds priority preferences for this group in multiple state-funded housing initiatives, including affordable housing projects and public housing developments.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides housing programs for formerly incarcerated persons, reducing recidivism and supporting reentry - key criminal justice reform measure.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates housing programs for formerly incarcerated persons, advancing access to affordable housing through Department initiatives and priorities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1567: An Act establishing a statewide affirmatively furthering fair housing framework

HD 1742 requires developers planning large-scale housing projects (35+ residential units) to complete and submit a fair housing assessment to the state housing department and local municipality at least 180 days before construction begins. The assessment must analyze the project’s potential impacts on housing discrimination, displacement, and fair housing access, plus detail how the development will minimize harm and actively promote fair housing - defined as affordable, safe, non-discriminatory, and accessible housing. Noncompliance may result in fines issued by the executive office of housing. This bill directly affects developers of major apartment buildings and condominium associations, imposing a new pre-construction review process focused on preventing housing inequity.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes fair housing assessments for large developments to prevent discrimination, aligning with 'prevents housing discrimination' indicator.90% confidence

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