This bill (HD 1141) updates Massachusetts assistance programs for elders and people with disabilities. It requires that individuals experiencing homelessness - those with no permanent residence or staying in temporary shelters - to receive the same payment rates as those paying for shelter (like rent or mortgage), with the department creating rules to implement this. It also mandates annual budget increases for recipients based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index plus an additional percentage approved by the legislature, and sets the program's maximum benefit level equal to a similar program in Chapter 118. These changes directly affect low-income elders and disabled residents who are homeless or in temporary housing.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 87) of Liz Miranda for legislation to increase the share of cannabis revenue to communities harmed by the war on drugs. Cannabis Policy.
By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1946) of John J. Cronin, Vanna Howard, James K. Hawkins and John F. Keenan for legislation relative to the housing development incentive program. Revenue.
By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1925) of Michael J. Barrett foe legislation to impose an in-state mileage-based road usage charge on the use of clean energy vehicles. Revenue.
HD 754 creates a Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to help homeowners repair or replace residential foundations damaged by pyrite or pyrrhotite. The fund, managed by the Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, provides financial assistance for repairs, reimburses homeowners who already paid for fixes (up to the fund amount), and exempts these repairs from property taxes. It is funded through state appropriations, federal programs (like HUD's Section 108), private donations, and interest, with annual reports required to the legislature. A stakeholder working group must also develop long-term solutions by February 2026, including potential funding models like insurance surcharges. This directly affects Massachusetts homeowners with deteriorating foundations and aims to reduce municipal fiscal strain.
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2041) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to close a corporate tax haven loophole. Revenue.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1940) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation relative to a local option excise on the sale of alcoholic beverages for municipal substance abuse prevention and public health programs. Revenue.
By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1930) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation to authorize a local affordable housing surcharge. Revenue.
HD 2365 establishes a Tenant Fire Safety Trust Fund to support fire safety programs for landlords and renters in multi-unit housing. It requires landlords to install and maintain fire safety devices (like smoke detectors) and provides tax deductions for these installations under state law. The bill also mandates that landlords displaced by fire provide renters with resources and insurance details, while requiring certificates of occupancy and fire inspections before new rentals in multi-unit buildings. Violations incur daily fines (up to $20/day) or escalating penalties, with 50% of collected fines funding local inspections and the Trust Fund. This directly affects landlords, property managers, and renters in Massachusetts residential properties.
Massachusetts Bill SD 1573 establishes the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), providing rental assistance to low-income households (with 75% of vouchers targeted to households earning 30% or less of area median income) to help them afford decent, stable housing. The program sets payment standards at 100-110% of local market rent rates, limits tenant rent payments to 30% of income (with a temporary 40% exception), and requires unit inspections for safety compliance. It mandates annual data collection on voucher usage, including household demographics and location, to be reported to state legislators. The bill also sets a minimum $80 monthly administrative fee per voucher and ensures unspent funds carry over to the next fiscal year.
