By Representative Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5526) of James C. Arena-DeRosa (by vote of the town) that the town of Holliston be authorized to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption for debt exclusion construction projects. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5487) of Michelle L. Ciccolo and Cindy F. Friedman (by vote of the town) that the town of Lexington be authorized to establish a surcharge on certain residential development activities for the purpose of funding the creation of community housing. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
This bill allows the town of Chatham to use public funds to buy, sell, or place legal restrictions on properties to ensure they are used for year-round living or affordable housing. These restrictions can limit who lives in a home to those earning up to 250% of the area's median income or cap resale prices to keep homes affordable for future buyers. The law also permits the town to attach these rules to deeds or other agreements without needing separate approval from the state's housing department. Ultimately, the measure gives the town more flexibility to create and maintain housing options for permanent residents and low-to-moderate-income households.
This bill formally records the Department of Revenue's annual report for fiscal year 2025 as required by state law. The document includes updates to tax regulations, such as increasing the maximum credit for investments in certified housing to $15,000,000 and establishing a sales tax exemption for purchases related to offshore wind facilities. Additionally, it clarifies rules regarding tax credits for businesses creating jobs in Massachusetts and those employing individuals who are physically or mentally incapable of working. The legislation is primarily administrative, serving to codify existing financial data and regulatory adjustments rather than introducing new policy initiatives.
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.
This bill provides funding for various state agencies and programs for the fiscal year 2026, including support for substance addiction services, homelessness programs, and emergency management. It also establishes a separate State Lottery and Gaming Fund to manage lottery revenues specifically for paying prizes, operating costs, and providing aid for local property tax relief and affordable childcare. Additionally, the legislation updates laws regarding military service recognition by defining specific conflict periods and removing residency requirements for certain veterans' benefits.
Report of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (pursuant to Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2024, Section 10 of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2025, and Section 88 of Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its Emergency Housing Assistance Program bi-weekly report
By Representative Fluker-Reid of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5464) of Brandy Fluker-Reid (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to real estate transfer fees and senior property tax relief in the city of Boston. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
This bill serves as a procedural document to formally submit a biweekly report on the emergency housing assistance program for the period of April 2 to April 15, 2026. The report, prepared by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities, details data regarding families sheltered in the program during that timeframe. It includes information on exits from the program and notes any hardship waivers that were approved. The bill does not create new laws or policies but rather records existing administrative actions for the legislature's review.
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.
