Housing (Homelessness)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4444: An Act further defining the purposes of the affordable housing trust in the city of Somerville

This bill expands the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust's funding purposes to include two specific areas: (1) housing-related social services like tenant mediation, legal aid, homelessness prevention, and housing counseling, and (2) startup costs for new affordable housing projects. It directly affects Somerville residents, particularly low-income households and vulnerable populations needing housing support services. Crucially, the trust can now fund these services without requiring them to be tied to physical housing units or to increase the city's affordable housing stock. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, clarifying the trust's expanded role in supporting housing stability and access.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands affordable housing trust funding for tenant services, homelessness prevention, and new affordable housing projects, directly advancing low-income housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 359: An Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the Commonwealth

This bill expands a short-term housing bridge pilot program to provide interim housing stability for older adults (60+) in Massachusetts who are at risk of eviction due to inability to pay rent. It establishes a steering committee - including housing officials, aging services representatives, homelessness advocates, and older adults with lived experience - to develop and oversee the program’s expansion. The program will ensure participants pay no more than 30% of their income for housing, with performance-based contracts funding service agencies statewide. The committee must file annual reports with the legislature and post them online, including recommendations for statewide implementation by December 31 each year.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing bridge program for seniors at risk of eviction, ensuring ≤30% income for rent - directly advances affordable housing and tenant protections for vulnerable population.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 1, 2025

H 65: Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to housing

By Representative Day of Stoneham (by request), a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 65) of Vincent Lawrence Dixon for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the right to housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill proposes constitutional right to housing, directly advancing housing access and protections as a legal entitlement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 991: An Act creating an interagency supportive housing finance and strategy board

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 991) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to create a interagency supportive housing finance and strategy board to end and prevent homelessness. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates interagency board to end/prevent homelessness via supportive housing, directly advancing affordable housing and homelessness solutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Housing Finance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1554: An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1554) of Samantha Montaño that the Department of Housing and Community Development provide for programs, policies, guidelines, priorities and preferences for the housing of formerly incarcerated persons reentering communities. Housing.

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 · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 979: An Act ensuring fair housing for homeless families

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 979) of Peter J. Durant, John R. Gaskey, Joseph D. McKenna, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and others for legislation to mandate the emergency housing assistance program only be available to residents of the commonwealth who have resided in the commonwealth for at least 1 year. Housing.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingRestricts emergency housing assistance eligibility to residents with 1+ year residency, limiting access for homeless families who may not meet this requirement.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill mandates 1-year residency for housing assistance, restricting access for recent immigrants who haven't met the requirement, thus limiting immigrant services.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1498: An Act to limit criminalization of the homeless

H 1498 would prevent Massachusetts cities and towns from imposing criminal penalties - such as fines or jail time - for minor public conduct like sleeping or sitting in public spaces when someone is experiencing homelessness. It directly affects unhoused residents who currently face legal consequences for basic survival activities in public areas. The bill requires municipalities to first ensure adequate shelter availability before enforcing such penalties, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions. This policy change aims to reduce the criminalization of homelessness while promoting access to shelter.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents criminal penalties for homeless individuals' survival activities, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions - core criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents criminal penalties for homeless individuals' basic survival activities, requiring shelter availability first. Directly addresses homelessness - a core housing issue - shifting focus from punishment to housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 976: An Act enhancing security in emergency housing programs

By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 976) of Kelly A. Dooner for legislation to enhance security in emergency housing programs. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enhances security in emergency housing programs, strengthening program effectiveness and supporting housing stability for vulnerable populations.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1506: An Act relative to prioritizing Massachusetts residents on the waitlist for emergency housing assistance

By Representative Frost of Auburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1506) of Paul K. Frost and others relative to prioritizing Massachusetts residents on the waitlist for emergency housing assistance. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrioritizes MA residents on emergency housing waitlist, advancing access to housing assistance for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 986: An Act ensuring fair housing for homeless families

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 986) of Ryan C. Fattman and Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida for legislation to ensure fair housing for homeless families. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly ensures fair housing for homeless families, directly addressing homelessness and protecting vulnerable residents per topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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