H 255 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to enabling access and empowering early educators

This bill (HD 1237) prohibits cities, towns, and landlords from imposing unreasonable restrictions on family child care homes operating in residential properties. It bans zoning rules that block such homes, prevents landlords from refusing to rent to providers based on their use, and invalidates lease clauses restricting home-based child care. The law requires cities to document costs related to these homes and treats family child care as a residential use for zoning purposes. It directly affects family child care providers, landlords, and local governments, aiming to make it easier to operate these homes in residential areas.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Feb 17, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
lower
0 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.