Housing (Affordable Housing)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3730: An Act allowing municipalities to appeal zoning provisions under the MBTA Communities Act

This bill (HD 3730) creates a new appeal process for municipalities facing challenges when implementing housing development rules under the MBTA Communities Act. It requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to establish regulations allowing towns to seek relief if they cannot meet specific infrastructure or environmental requirements, such as water supply, wastewater treatment, transportation capacity, environmental impacts, or historical property protection. The appeal would apply to zoning provisions mandating housing development near transit hubs. This directly affects municipalities seeking to build housing in MBTA communities while addressing practical local constraints.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables municipalities to bypass infrastructure hurdles in housing development, facilitating MBTA Communities Act compliance and increasing housing supply.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 29: An Act authorizing a local affordable housing surcharge

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes local housing surcharge (tax) to fund affordable housing, directly increasing revenue for public service under budget/tax framework.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes local surcharge revenue specifically for affordable housing programs, directly funding initiatives to increase housing access and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Affordable Housing

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 846: An Act relative to affordable housing and environmental adaptation dollars

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1973) of James B. Eldridge, James K. Hawkins and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to the imposition of an excise tax to provide for climate change adaptation infrastructure and affordable housing investments in the Commonwealth. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes excise tax to fund climate adaptation and affordable housing, directly advancing budget allocation for public services and infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill imposes excise tax to fund climate change adaptation infrastructure, directly supporting environmental protection through dedicated funding.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly allocates excise tax revenue to 'affordable housing investments' as a primary purpose, directly funding this topic area.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Affordable Housing

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 36: An Act simplifying inclusionary zoning

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1441) of Lydia Edwards for legislation relative to inclusionary zones in affordable housing. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingSimplifies inclusionary zoning, requiring affordable units in new developments, directly increasing affordable housing supply.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1216: An Act enabling a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1937) of Joanne M. Comerford, Adam Gomez, James B. Eldridge, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to grant a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates real estate transfer fee (tax) to fund affordable housing, directly increasing revenue for public service funding.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates local real estate transfer fee to directly fund affordable housing programs, explicitly advancing housing affordability goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3391: An Act establishing a commission to study housing affordability and density reform

This bill creates a 10-member commission to study Massachusetts housing policies and recommend reforms. The commission will analyze zoning rules (like minimum lot sizes and multi-family bans), investigate exclusionary practices limiting affordable housing, and study successful approaches from other states, using data and AI models. It will report findings and recommendations to key legislative committees within one year, focusing on making housing more affordable and dense through zoning changes and simpler permitting. The commission includes housing experts, local government representatives, home builders, legal scholars, and advocates, but the bill itself does not change laws - only studies potential reforms.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly creates commission to study zoning reforms for housing affordability/density, aiming to remove barriers like minimum lot sizes to increase affordable housing supply.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1229: An Act creating a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1971) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to create a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a graduated deed excise tax to generate revenue specifically for affordable housing funding, directly advancing public service funding under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates graduated deed excise tax revenue specifically for affordable housing funding, directly advancing housing affordability goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4767: An Act relative to Affordable Housing Trust Fund of the town of Edgartown

This bill allows Edgartown's Affordable Housing Trust to use funds for community housing projects targeting households earning up to 180% of Dukes County's median household income (as reported by HUD). It directly affects low-to-moderate-income residents in Edgartown who qualify under this income threshold. The key provision expands the trust's spending flexibility for general housing funds, while explicitly stating that Community Preservation Act funds must still follow their separate income limits. The change clarifies how existing trust resources can be applied to support more households in affordable housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands affordable housing trust fund usage for low-to-moderate-income households (up to 180% AMI), directly funding housing projects targeting qualifying residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4879: An Act facilitating the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham

This bill allows the town of Chatham to use its community preservation funds for housing projects targeting residents earning under 200% of the area median income - expanding eligibility beyond the standard definition in Massachusetts law. It requires approval from Chatham’s community preservation committee for any such spending. The policy directly affects low-to-moderate income families in Chatham seeking affordable housing through the town’s community preservation program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands use of existing community preservation funds for affordable housing, directing budget resources toward essential housing needs for low-income residents.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands community preservation funds for housing targeting ≤200% AMI residents, directly advancing affordable housing access for low-to-moderate income families in Chatham.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Affordable Housing

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4975: An Act relative to affordable housing trust fund of the town of West Tisbury

HD 4975 allows the West Tisbury Affordable Housing Trust to use its funds for community housing projects targeting households earning up to 150% of Dukes County's median income (as reported by HUD). This specifically expands the income eligibility for trust-funded housing beyond previous limits, though Community Preservation Act funds remain subject to their own income rules. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate-income households in West Tisbury seeking affordable housing through the town's trust fund. It makes no changes to other housing programs or funding sources.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands income eligibility for trust-funded housing to 150% AMI, directly advancing affordable housing access for low-to-moderate-income households in West Tisbury.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

Track