Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1735: An Act ending large investor control of homes in Massachusetts

HD 1735 imposes a tax on large real estate investment firms (defined as entities managing $10 million or more in assets) that own more residential properties (1-4 units) than allowed under phased ownership limits. The tax equals $10 million multiplied by the number of excess properties, calculated annually based on a declining percentage of their 2023 holdings over nine years. Revenue from this tax funds a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers purchasing residential properties, administered through the Housing Down Payment Trust Fund. The bill directly affects large investment firms managing significant residential portfolios, requiring them to reduce holdings or pay the tax, while excluding nonprofit organizations and affordable housing from its scope.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tax on large investors to fund first-time homebuyer down payment program, directly advancing public service funding via fiscal policy.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax on large investors funds down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, directly advancing affordable housing access per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Affordable Housing Homeownership

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1320: An Act establishing a Massachusetts foreclosure prevention program

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 765) of Adam Gomez for legislation to establish a Massachusetts foreclosure prevention program. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingForeclosure prevention program directly protects homeowners from displacement, aligning with tenant protection and housing stability indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2068: An Act requiring fair housing education for all real estate licensees

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 232) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to further fair housing in real estate. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates fair housing education for real estate licensees to prevent discrimination, directly aligning with tenant protection and anti-discrimination policies in housing.95% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1342: An Act relative to the defense of private property rights through the prevention of abusive eminent domain takings in the Commonwealth

HD 1342 restricts when governments can take private property through eminent domain. It prohibits takings for private development, commercial projects, or transferring property from one owner to another for "more profitable use," requiring that takings serve a true public purpose like roads or parks. The bill mandates courts - not government claims - to decide if a proposed use is genuinely public, and if property isn't used for its intended purpose within 5 years, the government must offer to resell it to the original owner at the original price or current fair market value (whichever is lower). This directly affects property owners and government agencies using eminent domain in Massachusetts.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingRestricts eminent domain for private development, including housing projects, limiting housing development opportunities through property rights restrictions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 296: An Act allowing moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1474) of Bruce E. Tarr, David F. DeCoste, David F. DeCoste, Colleen M. Garry and other members of the General Court for legislation to allow moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows moveable tiny houses and ADUs, increasing affordable housing options and development opportunities for residents.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1681: An Act establishing the Martha’s Vineyard housing bank

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1955) of Julian Cyr for legislation to establish the Martha’s Vineyard housing bank. Revenue.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes a housing bank to fund affordable housing development and community housing initiatives, directly advancing housing affordability through financial mechanisms.90% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4359: An Act authorizing the town of Nantucket to impose a real estate transfer fee for affordable and workforce housing and related capital improvements

This bill authorizes the Town of Nantucket to impose a 0.5% fee on the sale of real estate within Nantucket County. The fee is paid by the seller (not the buyer) and funds must be deposited into a dedicated Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The money will directly support affordable and workforce housing projects and related capital improvements. Exemptions include transfers to government entities, but the seller must prove exemption claims to avoid the fee.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes 0.5% real estate transfer fee to fund affordable/workforce housing projects via dedicated trust fund, directly advancing housing affordability goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1419: An Act relative to guidelines for MBTA communities

HD 1419 modifies Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 3A, regarding MBTA communities (municipalities near transit hubs). It prohibits state grant programs from considering a community's compliance with Chapter 40A, Section 3A when awarding funds. The bill also delays the effective date of any new or revised compliance guidelines until December 31, 2028. These changes directly affect MBTA communities and state housing agencies administering grants. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill prohibits state grants from considering MBTA community compliance with housing development rules, weakening enforcement of affordable housing policies under Chapter 40A.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4200: An Act to improve municipal equity within the emergency assistance shelter program

By Representative Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1501) of Michael J. Finn for legislation to improve municipal equity within the emergency assistance shelter program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill improves equity in emergency shelter program, addressing homelessness and strengthening housing access for vulnerable populations within housing assistance.90% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3210: An Act supporting the development of children experiencing homelessness

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 215) of Marjorie C. Decker for legislation to provide services to certain children experiencing homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly addresses homelessness for children, a core housing issue, by providing services per title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Property Development

Track