This bill modifies Massachusetts solar incentive programs to ensure renters and low-income customers can participate more equitably. It defines low-income multi-residential buildings as eligible for incentives if they meet state low-income housing standards or receive federal low-income housing tax credits. Under the new rules, each qualifying building counts as a single customer regardless of how many units or utility meters it contains, simplifying billing and incentive distribution for electric companies. The legislation aims to increase access to solar benefits for economically disadvantaged households without changing the underlying incentive program structure.
This bill formally acknowledges the submission of a biweekly report on the emergency housing assistance program to the legislature. The report, dated February 5, 2026, details data related to shelter applications and program activities during the period from January 22 to February 4. It serves as a procedural document to keep legislative oversight bodies informed about the current status and usage of emergency housing funds. The bill does not create new policies but rather records existing administrative actions for transparency and record-keeping purposes.
Senate, February 5, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2671),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth" (Senate, No. 2947).
H 5002, titled "An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy," legalizes small-scale marijuana possession for adults while reforming related laws. It makes possession of 1 ounce or less by people aged 21+ a non-punishable civil matter, and possession of 1-2 ounces subject only to a $100 civil penalty (no criminal charges). For those under 21, possession of up to 2 ounces requires completion of a drug awareness program to avoid increased penalties, and prohibits denial of benefits like housing or financial aid based on minor possession. The bill repeals outdated chapters (94G and 64N) and creates a Cannabis Control Commission to oversee implementation.
H 5008 is a proposed bill that would limit annual rent increases for most residential tenants in Massachusetts. It caps rent hikes at the lower of the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase or 5% per year, applying to covered dwelling units (most rentals except owner-occupied buildings with ≤4 units, regulated housing, short-term rentals, or new constructions). Landlords must use the rent amount as of January 31, 2026, as the base for future increases, and must provide written exemption notices for units that don’t qualify. Violations would be treated as unfair business practices under Chapter 93A, allowing tenants to seek remedies through the attorney general. The bill does not override existing tenant protections under state or federal law.
This bill (H 5095) limits how far in advance landlords can require tenants to sign new leases. It prohibits landlords or their agents from demanding lease agreements more than four months before the current lease ends. The law directly affects renters and residential landlords in Massachusetts by preventing long-term lease commitments that restrict tenant flexibility. The key provision is a clear, time-based restriction on lease signing timelines.
Senate, February 12, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2959) (being the text of Senate, No. 2947, printed as amended)
This bill (H 5030) simplifies property title clarity by addressing minor technical errors in recorded deeds or property documents. It states that if a property deed or similar document has a technical flaw (like an incorrect signature format, missing seal, or minor error in how it was written) and no legal challenge is filed within 10 years of its recording, the document becomes fully valid as if the error never existed. This directly affects property owners and title holders who have documents with such minor defects, removing barriers to selling, refinancing, or transferring property. The rule applies to all documents recorded on or after January 1, 2027, but does not override existing court cases challenging titles.
HD 5630 would allow the town of Reading to create a property tax exemption for seniors meeting specific income, age, and residency requirements. It directly affects seniors aged 65+ (or 60+ with a 65+ partner) who own and live in their Reading home for 10+ years, have income qualifying for the state's circuit breaker tax credit, and limited assets. The exemption amount would be set annually by Reading's select board at 100-150% of the qualifying circuit breaker credit, applied only to the primary residence. Applicants must reapply yearly with income and asset documentation, and the exemption expires after three years. The town would fund this through proportional adjustments to the residential tax levy.
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon for legislation to establish a missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program. Housing.
