Budget & Taxes

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 9, 2026

H 3061: An Act addressing international real estate speculation

HD 4207 imposes a 15% fee on nonresident purchasers (individuals not U.S. citizens/nationals) buying real estate in Massachusetts cities or towns that adopt the law. The fee, paid by the buyer at closing, must be accompanied by an affidavit and certificate to clear title registration. Exemptions apply if the property is used as the buyer’s principal residence, and collected fees fund local affordable housing trust funds. Failure to pay incurs 14% annual interest and a 5% monthly penalty (capped at 25% of the fee).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes fee on foreign real estate transfers to generate revenue, directly advancing state budget funding through new income source.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 1959: An Act promoting mortgage debt relief

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1959) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to the relief of mortgage debt. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes state-funded mortgage debt relief program, increasing government spending on social assistance as a budget matter.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 18, 2026

H 3165: An Act protecting the interests of housing cooperative shareholders

HD 1526 creates a new tax deduction for resident shareholders in Massachusetts housing cooperatives. The deduction applies to shareholders who lived in their cooperative unit for the entire tax year and did not claim a federal deduction for real estate taxes or mortgage interest. This provision specifically targets housing cooperatives organized under Chapter 156B or Chapter 157 of the General Laws. The bill directly benefits qualifying cooperative residents by providing a state-level tax break.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes tax deductions for housing cooperative shareholders, directly providing tax relief under Revenue. This aligns with tax relief indicators for middle/lower income groups.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax deductions for housing cooperative shareholders, directly enhancing affordability and protecting co-op member interests within housing policy.92% confidence

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signed · Massachusetts · House Sep 26, 2025

H 3156: An Act to increase the income limit for Clause 41A, Senior Tax Deferral Program in Ipswich

This bill allows the town of Ipswich to increase the income limit for its Senior Tax Deferral Program (under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41A) to match the higher threshold in Chapter 62, Section 6, Subsection (k). It directly affects Ipswich seniors who qualify for the tax deferral program by expanding eligibility to include those with higher incomes. The town select board must vote to implement the adjustment, which would take effect for tax exemptions granted starting July 1, 2025. The change aligns Ipswich's program with a broader state income limit for similar senior tax relief.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands senior tax deferral eligibility, providing tax relief to lower-income seniors through increased income limits.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases income limits for senior tax deferral, expanding affordability for low-income seniors in Ipswich by reducing property tax burden on housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 10, 2025

H 53: An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges

This bill allocates $1.5 billion in state funds for municipal road and bridge improvements, directly affecting Massachusetts cities and towns. It provides reimbursement for eligible projects (like road reconstruction and bridge repairs) after completion, with funds distributed based on local road mileage. The bill also includes $500 million for bridge/pavement programs, $200 million for small bridge/culvert upgrades, and $185 million for congestion-reduction projects like bike lanes and pedestrian paths. Funding will be issued via state bonds, repayable from the General Fund by 2065, with municipalities required to submit project completion certifications.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $1.5B for municipal infrastructure, increasing state budget spending on public works.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $1.5B for municipal road/bridge improvements, including specific funding for infrastructure projects, bridge repairs, and congestion-reduction initiatives like bike lanes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 3047: An Act restoring the harbors and inland waters maintenance fund

This bill creates the Harbors and Inland Waters Maintenance Fund to support ongoing harbor and waterway upkeep in Massachusetts. It directs 0.05% of aviation fuel excise tax revenue (after reimbursements) into this fund, which will finance specific activities managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Key uses include continuous dredging, cleaning harbors/inland waters, removing sunken vessels and derelict piers, and maintaining state piers. The fund replaces a previously defunded account and ensures dedicated resources for navigation safety and waterway maintenance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRestores harbors/inland waters maintenance fund, directly increasing budget allocation for public infrastructure maintenance.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 2019: An Act relative to the sustainability of the family childcare sector

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2019) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation relative to certain child-care deductions for taxable purposes. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deductions for childcare, offering tax relief to families, aligning with support for fiscal policies that reduce taxable income.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 21, 2026

H 3049: An Act to exempt certain personal protection equipment from sales tax

This bill exempts specific personal protective equipment (PPE) from state sales tax. It covers masks fully covering the nose and mouth, full-face shields, gloves made of vinyl, latex, or nitrile, and polyester-cloth smocks. Consumers purchasing these listed items would no longer pay sales tax on them. The exemption is added directly to the state tax code under Chapter 64H.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts PPE from sales tax, providing direct tax relief. Aligns with 'tax relief for middle/lower income' indicator as PPE is essential for all income levels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 13, 2026

H 3086: An Act providing tax credits to certain employers that provide affordable, on-site child-care for employees

HD 3885 creates a tax credit for Massachusetts employers that establish on-site, licensed child care centers for their employees. Employers can claim a 25% credit (up to $500,000 annually) on qualified childcare expenses, including facility costs, operating expenses, and contracted services. To qualify, the child care must be affordable (costs capped by state standards based on employee salary), open to all employees without discrimination, and meet licensing requirements. The credit reduces state excise tax liability and can be carried forward for up to five years if not fully used in the initial year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits to employers offering on-site childcare, reducing tax burden and supporting family affordability through fiscal incentives.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1999: An Act ending large investor control of homes in Massachusetts

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1999) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts and create a down payment trust fund. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates down payment trust fund and references revenue, indicating fiscal funding for housing affordability program.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnds large investor control to increase affordability; creates down payment trust fund for housing access.95% confidence

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