Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4504: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston

This bill exempts a specific Dorchester affordable housing and branch library project from standard public procurement laws in Massachusetts (like Chapter 149 and Chapter 7C). It allows the Boston Redevelopment Authority and Boston Public Library to bypass typical public bidding requirements for planning, construction, and property acquisition related to this single project on city-owned land. However, if the project uses federal low-income housing tax credits or tax-exempt bonds, construction contracts for related public works must follow standard Chapter 30, Section 39M rules. The bill also specifies that transferring the project to a nonprofit developer must comply with Chapter 30B, unless the entity is controlled by the library.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts Dorchester affordable housing project from procurement rules to facilitate development, advancing housing access on city-owned land.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 6, 2026

H 3931: An Act establishing a real estate transfer fee upon the transfer of residential property in the Town of Falmouth for the purpose of funding affordable housing

By Representatives Moakley of Falmouth and Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3931) of Thomas W. Moakley and David T. Vieira (by vote of the town) that the town of Falmouth be authorized to establish a real estate transfer fee upon the transfer of residential property in said town for the purpose of funding affordable housing. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates real estate transfer fee (tax) to fund affordable housing, directly allocating tax revenue to public service program.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes real estate transfer fee specifically to fund affordable housing in Falmouth, directly advancing housing affordability goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Mar 13, 2025

HD 1876: An Act establishing the town of Plymouth Land Bank

By Representatives Badger of Plymouth and LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Michelle L. Badger (by vote of the town) for legislation to establish a Plymouth land bank in the town of Plymouth. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes Plymouth Land Bank to manage properties for housing development, directly advancing affordable housing goals per bill summary.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate May 1, 2025

SD 2861: Executive Office for Administration and Finance Hotel Closure Plan

Report of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (pursuant to Section 11 of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its plan to phase out the use of hotels and motels for emergency housing assistance not later than December 31, 2025

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingPhases out hotels/motels for emergency housing by 2025, reducing current emergency housing assistance program.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2365: An Act relative to problem properties, enhancing fire safety and addressing resident displacement

HD 2365 establishes a Tenant Fire Safety Trust Fund to support fire safety programs for landlords and renters in multi-unit housing. It requires landlords to install and maintain fire safety devices (like smoke detectors) and provides tax deductions for these installations under state law. The bill also mandates that landlords displaced by fire provide renters with resources and insurance details, while requiring certificates of occupancy and fire inspections before new rentals in multi-unit buildings. Violations incur daily fines (up to $20/day) or escalating penalties, with 50% of collected fines funding local inspections and the Trust Fund. This directly affects landlords, property managers, and renters in Massachusetts residential properties.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deductions for fire safety installations and establishes a Tenant Fire Safety Trust Fund, using fiscal tools to fund safety programs95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes Tenant Fire Safety Trust Fund, mandates fire safety devices for landlords, and requires tenant resources after displacement, directly enhancing tenant protections and housing safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House May 15, 2025

HD 4652: A monthly report of the Executive Office of the Trial Court (under Section 15 of Chapter 239 of the General Laws, as amended by Section 64 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023) submitting its report on filings, actions, and dispositions of summary process cases relative to permanent rental protections

HD 4652 requires the Executive Office of the Trial Court to submit a monthly report on eviction cases (summary process cases) involving permanent rental protections. The report must detail case filings, actions taken, and dispositions related to these protections. This procedural bill directly affects the Executive Office of the Trial Court by mandating regular data collection and submission to the legislature.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates reporting on eviction cases involving permanent rental protections, enabling legislative oversight to monitor tenant protection effectiveness and inform future policy decisions.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 2, 2026

H 3120: An Act to provide municipalities with the option to freeze residential tax rate or valuation for the elderly with means tested criteria

By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3120) of James K. Hawkins and Steven S. Howitt for legislation to provide municipalities with the option to freeze residential tax rate or valuation for the elderly with means tested criteria. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax freeze option for elderly with means-tested criteria, directly offering tax relief to lower-income seniors under municipal discretion.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFreezes property taxes for elderly homeowners with income criteria directly supports housing affordability and stability for a vulnerable group, preventing displacement due to rising costs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 17, 2026

H 3234: An Act creating a local option property tax cap for low-income seniors

By Representatives Scanlon of North Attleborough and Cataldo of Concord, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3234) of Adam J. Scanlon, Simon Cataldo and Adrianne Pusateri Ramos for legislation to create a local option property tax cap for low-income seniors. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates property tax cap for low-income seniors, providing direct tax relief to lower-income group, aligning with support indicators for fiscal relief.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates property tax cap for low-income seniors, aiding housing affordability and preventing displacement for vulnerable homeowners.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 1014: An Act to provide sewer and water rate relief

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1014) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to establish a low-income sewer and water assistance program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes low-income sewer/water assistance, directly reducing housing cost burdens for vulnerable residents, aligning with affordable housing support.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 3220: An Act spurring intelligent development on MBTA property

By Representative Robertson of Tewksbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3220) of David Allen Robertson for legislation to establish tax credits for certain development on Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority property. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes tax credits for development on MBTA property, providing tax relief which aligns with fiscal support for development incentives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax credits incentivize housing development on MBTA property, increasing housing supply and aligning with housing development goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill provides tax credits for development on MBTA property, incentivizing transit-oriented projects that advance public transit infrastructure and align with transportation policy goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Development

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