This bill allows the state of Massachusetts to remove specific land use restrictions on a parcel in Revere, enabling the current owner to develop the property more freely. Under the legislation, the owner must pay the state the full market value of these restrictions, which will be determined by an independent appraisal reviewed by the Inspector General. As a condition of the release, at least 10 percent of any new housing units built on the land must be affordable for households earning up to 80 percent of the area's median income for a period of 20 years. The bill also requires the owner to cover all costs related to the legal and engineering work needed to finalize the land transfer.
This bill extends the deadline for the House Education Committee to submit its final report on a specific legislative document from its original date to Friday, July 17, 2026. The measure overrides standard House rules to grant the committee additional time to complete its review of the current House document numbered 3895. By adopting this order, the legislature allows the committee more time to analyze the document before any further action is required.
Senate, July 6, 2026 -- The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2112) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to increased safety standards in the construction industry, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3134).
This bill establishes a new fee for the town of Lexington to help pay for affordable community housing. It requires developers who demolish existing single- or two-family homes to build new ones to pay a surcharge based on the square footage of their new construction, unless the project is specifically for community housing. The town's select board will set the fee amount, which will be adjusted annually for inflation, and the money collected will go into a dedicated trust fund for housing projects. A building permit cannot be finalized until this fee is paid, and the town must review the program's effectiveness every seven years.
This bill allows the town of Chatham to use public funds to buy, sell, or place legal restrictions on properties to ensure they are used for year-round living or affordable housing. These restrictions can limit who lives in a home to those earning up to 250% of the area's median income or cap resale prices to keep homes affordable for future buyers. The law also permits the town to attach these rules to deeds or other agreements without needing separate approval from the state's housing department. Ultimately, the measure gives the town more flexibility to create and maintain housing options for permanent residents and low-to-moderate-income households.
This bill authorizes the town of Southborough to issue a new liquor license to Costco Atlantic Liquors, Inc., allowing the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption at their location on Coslin Drive. The license will operate under standard state regulations but is explicitly exempt from a specific section of the General Laws regarding certain restrictions. The law also establishes rules for transferring the license to other businesses at the same address and requires the return of the license to the town if it is cancelled or no longer in use.
This bill allows the city of Easthampton to issue up to eight new liquor licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages. These licenses must be issued according to existing state laws, with one specific exception regarding certain transfer restrictions. The city cannot move these new licenses to a different location within the city, but they can be transferred to a new business at the same address if all taxes and fees are paid. If a license holder stops operating or fails to renew, the license returns to the city to be issued to a new applicant at that same location.
This bill authorizes the Town of Provincetown to collect a 0.5% fee on the purchase price of real estate transactions valued at $1 million or more. The fee is the responsibility of the buyer and must be paid directly to the town at the time of the transfer, with funds split equally between two housing trust accounts. Several exemptions apply, including transfers to family members, government entities, and first-time homebuyers who commit to living in the home for five years. If the fee is not paid, the buyer will owe interest and face legal action to recover the debt.
This bill authorizes the town of Weston to issue a special on-premises alcohol license to Weston Breakfast, LLC, located at 31 Center Street. The license allows the sale of all alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, specifically within the dining room and other areas approved by the town's licensing authority. While the license can be transferred to a new applicant at the same location under certain conditions, it cannot be moved to a different address. The act also outlines procedures for returning the license to the town if it is cancelled or not renewed, and sets a two-year deadline for issuing the initial license.
By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner and others relative to senior property tax credits. Revenue.
This bill imposes a real estate transfer fee on residential property sales in Falmouth where the purchase price is $1 million or more. Sellers pay a graduated fee: 1% on amounts over $1 million up to $1.5 million, plus additional percentages for higher tiers (e.g., 1.5% on amounts over $1.5 million up to $2 million, and 2% above $2 million). All collected fees go directly to the Falmouth Affordable Housing Fund, which uses them for affordable housing projects. Exemptions include government transfers, family sales, charitable organizations, and properties under existing affordable housing restrictions. The fee applies to residential transfers only, with sellers required to submit documentation verifying the purchase price and fee amount.
By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1922) of Michael J. Barrett and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the Massachusetts fund for vulnerable countries most affected by climate change. Revenue.
