Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3248: An Act to promote Yes in My Back Yard

This bill allows municipalities to permit duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and townhomes (up to five units total) on residential lots without zoning restrictions, as long as reasonable regulations like site plans and setbacks don't make development infeasible. It also eliminates minimum parking requirements for new residential projects and establishes streamlined approval for "Missing-Middle Housing Subdivisions" (smaller residential lots, max 10,000 sq ft each). The bill directly affects homeowners, developers, and municipalities by expanding housing options on existing residential properties. Key provisions require local zoning to allow these housing types "as of right" and create standardized subdivision guidelines for smaller lots. The changes apply to areas with municipal water/sewer systems and take effect 365 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers for multi-unit housing, eliminates parking requirements, and streamlines approval for missing-middle housing - directly increasing housing supply and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4035: An Act advancing the Massachusetts social housing program

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1478) of Mike Connolly relative to the development of mixed income social housing to be administered by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Authority. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly advances mixed-income social housing development via MHFA, aligning with affordable housing funding and program strengthening indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4215: An Act financing housing first programs and housing for all in Massachusetts

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1480) of Mike Connolly for legislation to authorize supplemental financing of housing first programs, state public housing renovations, and other housing programs and to make related changes in certain laws. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes supplemental financing for housing first programs, public housing renovations, and housing initiatives, directly funding affordable housing efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Housing Finance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4123: An Act improving emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 216) of Marjorie C. Decker, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Samantha Montaño relative to emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly improves emergency housing assistance for homeless children/families, directly addressing homelessness and advancing housing support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4444: An Act further defining the purposes of the affordable housing trust in the city of Somerville

This bill expands the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust's funding purposes to include two specific areas: (1) housing-related social services like tenant mediation, legal aid, homelessness prevention, and housing counseling, and (2) startup costs for new affordable housing projects. It directly affects Somerville residents, particularly low-income households and vulnerable populations needing housing support services. Crucially, the trust can now fund these services without requiring them to be tied to physical housing units or to increase the city's affordable housing stock. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, clarifying the trust's expanded role in supporting housing stability and access.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands affordable housing trust funding for tenant services, homelessness prevention, and new affordable housing projects, directly advancing low-income housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 359: An Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the Commonwealth

This bill expands a short-term housing bridge pilot program to provide interim housing stability for older adults (60+) in Massachusetts who are at risk of eviction due to inability to pay rent. It establishes a steering committee - including housing officials, aging services representatives, homelessness advocates, and older adults with lived experience - to develop and oversee the program’s expansion. The program will ensure participants pay no more than 30% of their income for housing, with performance-based contracts funding service agencies statewide. The committee must file annual reports with the legislature and post them online, including recommendations for statewide implementation by December 31 each year.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing bridge program for seniors at risk of eviction, ensuring ≤30% income for rent - directly advances affordable housing and tenant protections for vulnerable population.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2734: An Act to protect residents experiencing significant elevations in rent for viable and effective affordable housing

HD 2734 is a draft bill titled "An Act to protect residents experiencing significant elevations in rent for viable and effective affordable housing." As a work-in-progress document prepared by House Counsel, it has not yet been finalized or introduced for public review. The bill's title indicates it aims to address rapid rent increases in affordable housing, but specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected groups are not detailed in the available draft text. Without access to the completed bill language, a substantive summary of its policy changes cannot be provided.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title explicitly aims to protect tenants from rent hikes in affordable housing, aligning with tenant protection and affordable housing support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1985: An Act relative to the development of single family and multi-family housing for veterans

This bill amends zoning laws to prevent local governments from blocking or unreasonably restricting housing developments that specifically serve veterans. It requires that any single or multi-family housing project with a veteran preference (as defined in state law) and an affordable housing deed restriction must not face zoning barriers like special permits or unreasonable restrictions. The law directly affects housing developers and local zoning boards by limiting their ability to deny such projects through discretionary approval processes. This creates a clearer path for building veteran-focused housing that remains affordable long-term, without altering existing housing requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers for veteran-focused affordable housing projects, enabling development that meets affordability requirements95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves zoning barriers for veteran-specific housing, enabling access to housing services and supporting veterans' housing needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 1, 2025

H 65: Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to housing

By Representative Day of Stoneham (by request), a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 65) of Vincent Lawrence Dixon for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the right to housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill proposes constitutional right to housing, directly advancing housing access and protections as a legal entitlement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2511: An Act relative to accessory dwelling units inclusion in the subsidized housing inventory

This bill draft (HD 2511) aims to include accessory dwelling units (ADUs, like in-law suites or backyard cottages) within the state's subsidized housing inventory. It would require housing authorities to count ADUs as part of their affordable housing stock when reporting on subsidized housing availability. The bill directly affects state housing agencies, local municipalities, and developers building or converting properties with ADUs. As a draft currently being worked on by House Counsel, specific implementation details and timelines are not yet finalized. No substantive policy provisions or voting records are available in the provided context.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates counting ADUs in subsidized housing inventory, expanding affordable housing availability by including accessory units in reported stock.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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