An Act establishing the Massachusetts rental assistance and financial stability program

This bill establishes Massachusetts' Rental Assistance and Financial Stability Program to support low-income renters receiving government housing aid (like vouchers or HomeBASE). It requires housing centers to help participants manage finances, set budgets, and make direct rent/utility payments through dedicated accounts, while connecting them to healthcare, food programs, and financial counseling. The program includes an online platform for account management and mandates eviction court referrals for eligible tenants. Agencies must track outcomes and report annually to lawmakers, with full implementation required by September 2026. The program directly affects households at risk of eviction who receive state rental assistance.