Housing

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 13, 2026

S 3157: An Act relative to zoning for housing production

Senate, July 13, 2026 -- The committee on Municipalities and Regional Government to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1433) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to zoning for multi-family housing production, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3157).

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title and summary explicitly focus on zoning for multi-family housing production, indicating intent to increase housing supply.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6207: An Act to establish a surcharge on specific residential development activities for the purpose of funding the creation of community housing

This bill establishes a new fee for the town of Lexington to help pay for affordable community housing. It requires developers who demolish existing single- or two-family homes to build new ones to pay a surcharge based on the square footage of their new construction, unless the project is specifically for community housing. The town's select board will set the fee amount, which will be adjusted annually for inflation, and the money collected will go into a dedicated trust fund for housing projects. A building permit cannot be finalized until this fee is paid, and the town must review the program's effectiveness every seven years.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds affordable community housing by imposing a surcharge on developers, directly advancing housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6219: An Act to increase the value of estates eligible for abatements pursuant to M.G.L. chapter 59, section 5, clauses seventeenth D and forty-first C in the town of Shrewsbury

This bill allows the town of Shrewsbury to adjust the financial requirements for property tax exemptions for elderly residents. It lowers the minimum age to receive these exemptions from 70 to 65 and raises the maximum estate value limits to $61,490 for single applicants and $84,549 for married couples. The bill also increases the allowable income threshold to $29,879 for single people and $44,818 for married couples, with all monetary limits automatically adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index. These changes directly affect seniors in Shrewsbury who wish to qualify for reduced property taxes under state law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands property tax exemptions for elderly residents, providing tax relief and reducing the financial burden on lower-income seniors.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands property tax exemptions for elderly residents by lowering age and raising income limits, enhancing affordability and protecting housing access for seniors.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6234: An Act authorizing the town of Holliston to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption for debt exclusion construction projects

This bill authorizes the town of Holliston to create a temporary property tax exemption for senior citizens living in homes that have received debt exclusion funding for construction projects. To qualify, applicants must be at least 60 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 income tax credit. The Select Board will set the annual exemption amount between 10% and 40% of the applicant's previous circuit breaker credit, and the Board of Assessors can deny the exemption if the applicant has excessive assets. The program is designed to expire three years after the bill takes effect, though the town may choose to renew it for additional three-year periods.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides targeted tax relief for low-income seniors, reducing their financial burden and aligning with fiscal support for vulnerable populations.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax exemptions for seniors in debt-exclusion homes, directly aiding affordable housing access and protecting vulnerable residents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 11, 2026

H 5496: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

This bill appropriates additional state funds for fiscal year 2026 to support various government programs, including substance addiction services, homelessness initiatives, and transportation snow removal. It also establishes a new State Lottery and Gaming Fund to manage lottery revenues specifically for prize payments, administrative costs, and affordable childcare grants. Furthermore, the legislation amends laws regarding military service recognition to define specific conflict periods and remove residency requirements for certain veteran benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates funds for essential services and establishes a new lottery fund to support programs like childcare and prize payments.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly appropriates state funds for homelessness initiatives, which directly addresses housing stability and support for vulnerable populations.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill amends laws regarding military service recognition to define specific conflict periods, indicating support for veteran recognition.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Homelessness Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 8, 2026

H 5473: An Act relative to authorizing the conveyance of certain parcels of land in the city of Fall River

This bill authorizes the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to transfer 21.55 acres of vacant land in Fall River to the city's Redevelopment Authority for a price of $1. The transferred land will be used for residential, commercial, and other economic development projects under an existing urban renewal plan. Any money earned from selling or leasing this land must be placed into the state's Transportation Trust Fund, with at least $10 million specifically designated to help fund a new parking garage and maintenance of local paths and sidewalks. The law also requires independent appraisals of future land sales to be reviewed by state officials and includes a clause that the land will return to the state if it is not developed.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill transfers vacant land for residential and economic development, directly advancing housing supply and urban renewal.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs funds from land sales into the Transportation Trust Fund to support transportation projects.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6238: An Act authorizing the city of Salem to increase the short-term rental community impact fee for the purpose of school and municipal facilities

This bill allows the City of Salem to raise the fee charged on short-term rental properties from 3 percent to a maximum of 6 percent of the rent for each stay. The additional money collected from this increase must be placed in a special fund dedicated exclusively to planning, building, and maintaining schools and other municipal facilities. The law specifically targets professionally managed and owner-adjacent short-term rental units, ensuring the new revenue supports local infrastructure without affecting the city's ability to seek outside grants.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases revenue for schools and municipal facilities by raising fees on short-term rentals, directly funding public infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly directs increased revenue from short-term rentals to fund planning, building, and maintaining schools, directly advancing educational infrastructure.90% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingIncreasing short-term rental fees restricts access to affordable housing options and limits housing development potential.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

HD 6127: The annual report from the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (under Section 6M(c)(8) of Chapter 62 and Section 38EE(c)(8) of Chapter 63 of the General Laws) submitting the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) annual report for calendar year 2025.

This bill requires the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities to submit an annual report detailing the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program for calendar year 2025. The document will outline how the program, which allocates up to $15 million in funding, supports housing projects such as the historic Gay Head Church Parsonage in Aquinnah. By placing the report on file, the legislation ensures public access to information about the tax credit's distribution and impact on community housing initiatives.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates reporting on a tax credit program that funds housing projects, indicating support for housing development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 7, 2026

H 5508: An Act relative to veterans’ housing stability

By Representative Hong of Lowell, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Tara T. Hong for legislation to establish a veteran rental assistance bridge program. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a veteran rental assistance bridge program, directly funding housing stability and preventing homelessness for veterans.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes a rental assistance bridge program to improve veterans' housing stability, directly advancing veteran benefits and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Veteran Housing

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 11, 2026

SD 3905: Department of Revenue FY25 Annual Report

This bill requires the Department of Revenue to submit its annual report for fiscal year 2025 as mandated by state law. The legislation also clarifies rules regarding tax credits for investments in certified housing and offshore wind facilities, allowing taxpayers to claim these benefits through 2025. Additionally, it adjusts the aggregate limit for certain tax credits to $15,000,000. These provisions are designed to update existing tax codes related to renewable energy and housing development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill clarifies tax credit rules for renewable energy and housing, adjusting limits to $15M, which strengthens fiscal management and promotes economic development.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill extends tax credits for offshore wind investments through 2025 and adjusts aggregate limits, directly supporting renewable energy development.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill extends tax credits for investments in certified housing through 2025 and adjusts credit limits, financially supporting housing development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind Property Development

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