Housing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1913: An Act to promote Yes in My Back Yard

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 962) of Brendan P. Crighton, Manny Cruz, Mike Connolly, Sal N. DiDomenico and others for legislation to promote Yes in My Back Yard. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes 'Yes in My Back Yard' (YIMBY), a movement advancing housing development and reducing barriers to construction, aligning with housing development indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2281: An Act relative to local preference in affordable housing

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 963) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation relative to local preference in affordable housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes local preference for affordable housing access, advancing tenant access to housing units under development85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 974: An Act to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 245) of Adam Gomez, Robyn K. Kennedy and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to end housing discrimination, directly advancing tenant protections and fair housing access per its title and summary.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1176: An Act establishing emergency shelter priorities

By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 972) of Kelly A. Dooner for legislation to establish emergency shelter priorities. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes emergency shelter priorities, directly addressing homelessness and housing access within the housing topic area.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1112: An Act enabling a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing

HD 1112 allows Massachusetts cities and towns to implement a real estate transfer fee on property sales to fund affordable housing. The fee, collected by settlement agents during property closings, would be directed to municipal or regional housing trust funds. These funds must be used for acquiring, constructing, rehabilitating, or preserving housing for low- and moderate-income households (as defined by HUD). The bill provides definitions for key terms like "affordable housing purposes" and "settlement agent" to ensure consistent implementation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new real estate transfer fee (tax) to fund affordable housing programs, directly increasing public spending on housing through dedicated revenue streams.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates local real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing for low/moderate-income households via municipal trust funds, directly advancing housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1357: An Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the commonwealth

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 475) of Patricia D. Jehlen and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to promote housing stability for older adults across the commonwealth. Elder Affairs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly promotes housing stability for older adults, aligning with tenant protection and housing security indicators without ambiguity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1925: An Act to guarantee a tenant’s first right of refusal

This bill gives tenants in multi-unit rental properties the first right to purchase their building if the owner sells due to foreclosure, short sale, or similar circumstances. It requires tenants to form a Tenant Association (representing at least 51% of occupied units) to exercise this right, with the property then becoming Long-Term Affordable Housing (requiring 30+ years of affordability restrictions for low-income households). Municipalities must adopt this local option for it to apply, and the purchase must be structured through a Tenant Association or its designated entity to ensure the property remains affordable. The bill specifically excludes single-family homes occupied by owners and certain housing types like shelters or temporary dwellings.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates tenant purchase rights and 30+ years of affordability for low-income households, directly advancing affordable housing and tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1833: An Act to expand housing options through homesharing

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 992) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to expand housing options through homesharing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to expand housing options through homesharing, increasing housing availability and affordability per its title and summary.90% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1607: An Act prohibiting algorithmic rent setting

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 994) of Cindy F. Friedman and Julian Cyr for legislation to prohibit algorithmic rent setting. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits algorithmic rent setting, directly protecting tenants from potentially exploitative pricing practices that could reduce affordability and increase instability.92% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits algorithmic rent setting, restricting tech use in housing decisions, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of limiting technology applications.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1479: An Act to address affordable housing

This bill creates a special 3-member commission to review Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's performance in providing affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities over the past five years. The commission - appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker - will assess the agency's effectiveness and submit recommendations within one year. It directly affects the state housing agency and gateway cities (urban communities with high housing needs) by requiring a formal review of current housing efforts. The bill does not change funding or new housing requirements but mandates this independent evaluation to inform future policy.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly creates commission to review agency's performance in providing affordable housing, aiming to improve effectiveness and address housing needs in gateway cities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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