Housing (Homelessness)

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jan 29, 2025

HD 4306: An Act to reform, dissolve and recreate the housing authorities and end housing choice and benefit racial discrimination

HD 4306 proposes to reform Massachusetts housing authorities by dissolving current agencies and creating new ones to end racial discrimination in housing choices and benefits. The bill requires housing authorities to prioritize and expedite housing for displaced families, the elderly, and people with disabilities - groups currently left homeless due to mismanagement of state and federal rehousing funds. It mandates that housing authorities stop using allocated funds for excessive staff salaries and instead use these resources immediately to rehouse vulnerable residents. The bill aims to ensure taxpayer funds are directed toward ending homelessness, rather than perpetuating systemic neglect.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnds racial discrimination in housing, prioritizes vulnerable groups (homeless, elderly, disabled), and redirects funds from excessive salaries to housing programs, directly advancing affordable housing and tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 970: An Act ensuring fair housing for homeless families

This bill amends an existing emergency housing assistance program by adding a requirement that applicants must be U.S. citizens. It directly affects homeless families residing in the Commonwealth who are not U.S. citizens, restricting their access to this program. The key provision changes the program's eligibility rules to exclude non-citizens, overriding any conflicting laws or regulations. The bill does not create new housing but modifies who can receive existing emergency housing aid.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingExcludes non-citizen homeless families from emergency housing aid, restricting access to existing assistance program per eligibility change.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationExcludes non-citizens from state housing aid program, restricting access to a state service based on citizenship status.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3363: An Act relative to prioritizing Massachusetts residents on the waitlist for emergency housing assistance

HD 3363 requires Massachusetts' housing agencies to give priority to residents who have lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months when offering available spots in the emergency housing assistance program. This change directly affects individuals already on the waitlist for emergency housing who meet the residency requirement. The bill overrides current procedures to ensure long-term Massachusetts residents are prioritized over others when housing becomes available. It does not create new housing but modifies how existing emergency housing assistance is allocated.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrioritizes long-term MA residents for emergency housing, directing assistance to established state residents to address homelessness and strengthen access to affordable housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3920: An Act setting a housing production goal for the Commonwealth

This bill establishes a statewide goal for Massachusetts to produce 400,000 new housing units by 2040, including 80,000 affordable units for households earning under 80% of the Area Median Income (with specific targets of 20,000 for under 60% and 20,000 supportive housing units for under 30%). It requires the Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities to annually report to state legislators on progress toward these goals, including breakdowns by unit type (market-rate, accessible, senior, and affordability tiers). The reports must also track foreign property purchases and short-term rentals. This directly affects state housing agencies, local municipalities, and developers by setting measurable targets and mandating transparency.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingSets 400k housing goal including 80k affordable units (20k for <60% AMI), mandates annual progress reports - directly advances affordable housing targets.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2096: An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

SD 2096 creates a state program to help formerly incarcerated individuals secure housing after release. It requires state housing agencies and programs to prioritize housing for people transitioning from prison, including providing housing vouchers and connecting them to short-term and permanent housing options. The law mandates annual reviews of housing programs to track who benefits, ensure compliance with priority rules, and gather feedback from returning citizens and community organizations. It amends multiple housing statutes (including Chapters 40, 40B, and 40H) to include this priority requirement for housing projects receiving state funds.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates housing program for returning citizens, reducing recidivism by addressing reentry barriers - directly supports criminal justice reform90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates housing agencies to prioritize formerly incarcerated individuals with vouchers and housing connections, directly advancing affordable housing access for a vulnerable group.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentHousing assistance for returning citizens addresses a key barrier to employment, supporting workforce reintegration and aligning with labor/employment goals of reducing barriers to work.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1162: An Act providing upstream homelessness prevention assistance to families, youth, and adults

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 961) of Brendan P. Crighton and John F. Keenan for legislation to provide upstream homelessness prevention assistance to families, youth, and adults. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly provides homelessness prevention assistance, directly advancing housing stability and addressing homelessness through proactive support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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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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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2190: An Act promoting housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1011) of Liz Miranda for legislation to promote housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly strengthens HomeBASE program to promote housing stability for families, directly advancing affordable housing protections and tenant stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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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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