Housing (Property Development)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 902: An Act for community housing packages

By Mr. Lewis (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 182) of Vincent Dixon, for legislation for community housing packages. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title 'community housing packages' and summary explicitly address housing initiatives, indicating funding/support for affordable housing development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1414: An Act relative to housing production plans

HD 1414 requires cities and towns to develop and get department approval for comprehensive housing production plans. Once approved, municipalities can block housing applications that don’t align with the plan’s goals for up to two years. The bill gives local governments authority to shape development to meet their specific housing needs. It directly affects housing developers and applicants in communities with approved plans.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires municipalities to develop housing production plans to guide development, advancing housing goals through structured local planning.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2260: An Act relative to affordable housing and the preservation of a community's water resources

This bill amends Massachusetts' Chapter 40B housing law by redefining "consistent with local needs" for zoning regulations affecting low/moderate income housing. It explicitly requires that local requirements (like design or environmental rules) must protect water resources or open spaces, apply equally to all housing types, and be reasonable compared to regional housing needs. The definition applies when a community has over 10% low/moderate income housing (per census) or when a project would exceed specific land-use thresholds for new housing construction. This directly affects local zoning boards, developers, and communities determining housing project approvals. The change aims to balance housing development with resource protection while ensuring uniform application of regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires local housing regulations to protect water resources, directly advancing environmental preservation under housing law amendments.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAmends Chapter 40B to require zoning regulations not to hinder low/moderate income housing development, advancing affordable housing goals while adding environmental safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3248: An Act to promote Yes in My Back Yard

This bill allows municipalities to permit duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and townhomes (up to five units total) on residential lots without zoning restrictions, as long as reasonable regulations like site plans and setbacks don't make development infeasible. It also eliminates minimum parking requirements for new residential projects and establishes streamlined approval for "Missing-Middle Housing Subdivisions" (smaller residential lots, max 10,000 sq ft each). The bill directly affects homeowners, developers, and municipalities by expanding housing options on existing residential properties. Key provisions require local zoning to allow these housing types "as of right" and create standardized subdivision guidelines for smaller lots. The changes apply to areas with municipal water/sewer systems and take effect 365 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers for multi-unit housing, eliminates parking requirements, and streamlines approval for missing-middle housing - directly increasing housing supply and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4035: An Act advancing the Massachusetts social housing program

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1478) of Mike Connolly relative to the development of mixed income social housing to be administered by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Authority. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly advances mixed-income social housing development via MHFA, aligning with affordable housing funding and program strengthening indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1985: An Act relative to the development of single family and multi-family housing for veterans

This bill amends zoning laws to prevent local governments from blocking or unreasonably restricting housing developments that specifically serve veterans. It requires that any single or multi-family housing project with a veteran preference (as defined in state law) and an affordable housing deed restriction must not face zoning barriers like special permits or unreasonable restrictions. The law directly affects housing developers and local zoning boards by limiting their ability to deny such projects through discretionary approval processes. This creates a clearer path for building veteran-focused housing that remains affordable long-term, without altering existing housing requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers for veteran-focused affordable housing projects, enabling development that meets affordability requirements95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves zoning barriers for veteran-specific housing, enabling access to housing services and supporting veterans' housing needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 18, 2025

H 1478: An Act advancing the Massachusetts social housing program

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1478) of Mike Connolly relative to the development of mixed income social housing to be administered by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Authority. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly advances social housing program via mixed-income development, directly increasing affordable housing options through MHFA administration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 9, 2026

H 302: An Act relative to housing production plans

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 302) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to housing production plans. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title explicitly addresses housing production plans, directly supporting housing development as a core topic element.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 996: An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

S 996 establishes a state-administered reentry housing program to help formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable housing after release. The program, managed by the state department of housing, will coordinate with correctional facilities and community organizations to provide housing options, short-term housing assistance, and financial supports like housing vouchers. It requires all state-funded housing programs (including those under Chapters 40B, 40H, and 40R) to prioritize formerly incarcerated people and those about to be released. The department must annually review these programs, collect demographic data, and report outcomes to legislative committees on housing and community development.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates housing program for returning citizens to reduce recidivism, directly advancing criminal justice reform through rehabilitation support.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates state-administered housing program with vouchers and prioritizes formerly incarcerated in state-funded housing programs (Chapters 40B/H/R), advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 11, 2025

H 1524: An Act restoring the Commonwealth's public housing

By Representative Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1524) of Kevin G. Honan relative to construction and development of state-aided or federally assisted public housing projects. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly restores public housing projects, advancing affordable housing development and state-aided housing initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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