Housing

signed · Massachusetts · House Jun 25, 2026

H 5442: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and cultural space in the Brighton section of the city of Boston

This bill exempts a specific redevelopment project by the Boston Housing Authority in Brighton from most state laws governing public construction contracts. The project aims to create affordable, mixed-income housing, cultural spaces, and musician rehearsal rooms on two designated parcels. Instead of following standard procurement rules, the bill requires the project to adhere only to specific sections of Chapter 149 regarding public works. This change allows the authority more flexibility in selecting contractors and managing the acquisition of land needed to complete the development.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates affordable mixed-income housing and cultural spaces, directly advancing housing availability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

HD 5979: A communication from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (see Section 16W of Chapter 6A of the General Laws) submitting the Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth annual report for fiscal year 2024

This bill is a procedural action that places a formal communication on file, submitting the 2024 annual report from the Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth to the legislature. The report details findings from the Youth Count survey, which tracks where unaccompanied homeless youth stayed the night before the survey to understand their living situations. By filing this document, the bill fulfills a requirement established in 2014 to review resources and conditions affecting this specific population.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill submits an annual report on unaccompanied homeless youth, directly addressing homelessness and housing conditions for vulnerable populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House May 26, 2026

HD 6070: A communication from the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (see item 7004-9030 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Alternative House Voucher Program (AHVP) report for expenditures for fiscal year 2025

This bill serves as a formal submission of the Alternative Housing Voucher Program's financial and operational report for fiscal year 2025 to state legislators. The document details that the program assisted over 850 disabled households with an average monthly subsidy of $1,459, totaling expenditures of approximately $16.3 million for that year. It further outlines ongoing efforts to expand housing options through mobile vouchers and project-based awards, noting that most participants are single adults living in small units. The report provides specific data on leased units, outstanding vouchers, and future funding projections without proposing new policy changes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill submits a report on the Alternative House Voucher Program, which provides financial subsidies to disabled households, directly supporting affordable housing access.95% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 5373: An Act relative to certain easements

This bill clarifies that land lots designated for Native American communities in Aquinnah and Mashpee are owned in full fee simple absolute, removing any restrictions on selling or transferring the property. It directs the superior court to establish forty-foot wide public easements for vehicle access and utility lines to these lots if they currently lack such access, ensuring residents can safely use their land. The legislation explicitly excludes any lands owned by federally recognized tribes, whether held in fee or in trust, and does not alter federal jurisdiction or tribal sovereignty over those reserved lands.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill clarifies full ownership for Native American housing lots and establishes public easements for vehicle access and utilities, directly enhancing housing security and development potential.85% confidence

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Aug 27, 2026

H 5418: An Act authorizing the town of Wakefield to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption

This bill authorizes the town of Wakefield to create a property tax exemption specifically for senior citizens who meet certain income and residency requirements. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old, have lived in the town for at least 10 years, and have income levels that would make them eligible for the state's circuit breaker tax credit. The exemption amount is set annually based on the previous year's circuit breaker credit, and the town's assessors review applications to ensure applicants do not have excessive assets. The program is designed to run for a maximum of three years before expiring.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes a means-tested senior property tax exemption, providing direct tax relief to lower-income seniors and reducing their financial burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a means-tested property tax exemption for seniors, reducing housing costs and supporting affordable housing for elderly residents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 30, 2026

H 5456: An Act amending Chapter 305 of the Acts of 2016 relative to the year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in the town of Provincetown

This bill amends the Year-Round Market Rate Rental Housing Trust Fund in Provincetown to explicitly include year-round ownership opportunities alongside rental housing. By changing the fund's name to the Year-Round Market Rate Housing Trust Fund, the legislation broadens its scope to support both renting and buying homes for residents. The changes also update the board structure to include two alternates and clarify that the fund can address both rental and ownership needs. These adjustments allow the town to use the trust fund for a wider range of housing solutions without altering its core funding or operational rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in Provincetown, directly funding housing development and availability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Renters

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signed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 5392: An Act authorizing the town of North Attleborough to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption

Substituted by the House, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 4526) [Local Approval Received]. April 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a means-tested property tax exemption for seniors, providing tax relief to lower-income individuals and reducing their financial burden.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a property tax exemption for seniors, reducing housing costs and supporting affordable housing for elderly residents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SD 3719: Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth 2024 Annual Report

Report of the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission (pursuant Section 16W of Chapter 6A of the General Laws) submitting its 22024 annual report of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill requires annual reporting on unaccompanied homeless youth, addressing homelessness which is directly related to housing needs and support services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 5301: An Act to regulate junk fees in rental housing and advance housing production

This bill addresses two main areas: regulating unfair fees in rental housing and encouraging housing production. It limits what landlords and brokers can charge tenants, allowing only first and last month's rent, a security deposit, and key costs, while prohibiting extra fees for lease renewals or adding optional charges like internet or insurance unless clearly described and opt-out options are provided. The bill also caps late payment penalties at five percent of monthly rent and restricts when landlords can charge attorney fees to tenants. Additionally, it promotes housing development by reducing parking requirements near transit stations, defining underutilized land for redevelopment, and ensuring publicly owned property is prioritized for low and moderate income housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects tenant rights by limiting unfair fees and late penalties, while encouraging housing production through regulatory reforms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 5222: An Act relative to preventing algorithmic rent fixing in the rental housing market

This bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to prevent companies from using software to coordinate rental prices among landlords. It defines "service providers" as any entity that collects rental data and recommends prices to landlords, and prohibits landlords from paying these services to set or influence rent amounts. The law also bans agreements among landlords not to compete with each other on pricing and makes it easier for tenants to sue for violations by removing barriers like arbitration clauses and class-action waivers. Landlords who violate the rules could face legal penalties, and successful plaintiffs would be entitled to recover their legal costs and attorney fees.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents algorithmic rent fixing and protects tenant rights by banning price coordination among landlords, directly supporting affordable housing and tenant protections.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill regulates tech companies to protect consumers from algorithmic price-fixing, enhancing consumer protection in digital markets.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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