Housing

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 9, 2025

H 2280: An Act to establish commonsense permitting reforms for businesses and landowners

By Representative Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2280) of Kevin G. Honan relative to zoning variances. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill addresses zoning variances for permitting reforms, typically facilitating housing development by reducing regulatory barriers. Common legislative approach to advance housing supply, though not explicitly stated.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

Track

passed both · Massachusetts · House Jul 30, 2026

H 4585: An Act authorizing the town of Auburn to offer expanded senior property tax abatements

By Representative Frost of Auburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4585) of Paul K. Frost and Michael O. Moore (by vote of the town) that the town of Auburn be authorized to offer expanded senior property tax abatements in said town. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes expanded senior property tax abatements, providing direct tax relief for seniors, aligning with support indicators for tax relief measures.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes senior property tax abatements, aiding housing affordability for seniors, a subset of affordable housing policies.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 1329: An Act temporarily protecting recently widowed spouses from foreclosure

By Representative Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1329) of Priscila S. Sousa that mortgage lenders delay foreclosure proceedings after certain borrower deaths. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill delays foreclosure for widowed spouses, protecting housing stability and property rights under tenant/owner protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

Track

signed · Massachusetts · House Sep 26, 2025

H 3979: An Act authorizing the City of Melrose to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3979) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Melrose be authorized to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption in said city. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes means-tested property tax exemption for seniors, providing targeted tax relief for low-income residents.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides tax relief for senior homeowners, reducing housing costs and increasing affordability for a vulnerable group within housing policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Taxes

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 10, 2025

S 224: An Act eliminating forced broker's fees

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 224) of Lydia Edwards, William N. Brownsberger, Cindy F. Friedman and Mike Connolly for legislation to eliminate forced real estate broker's fees. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEliminating forced broker fees reduces transaction costs for housing buyers, potentially increasing affordability and aligning with tenant/affordability indicators.80% confidence

Track

signed · Massachusetts · House Sep 26, 2025

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

By Representative Kassner of Hamilton and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3156) of Kristin E. Kassner and Bruce E. Tarr (by vote of the town) that the town of Ipswich be authorized to increase income limits for the real property senior tax deferral program in said town. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

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 Jun 29, 2026

H 3930: An Act authorizing the city of Somerville to impose a real estate transfer fee

By Representatives Connolly of Cambridge and Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3930) of Mike Connolly and Erika Uyterhoeven (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Somerville be authorized to establish a real estate transfer fee on certain real estate transactions in said city. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes Somerville to impose a real estate transfer fee, generating city revenue through taxation, directly advancing local fiscal management and tax policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReal estate transfer fees generate revenue that can fund housing programs, aligning with 'funds housing programs' indicator. No explicit use specified but common purpose of such fees.85% confidence

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 18, 2025

HD 4669: An Act to protect small lot ADUs

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Andres X. Vargas for legislation to further regulate zoning for accessory dwelling units. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects small lot ADUs, promoting housing development and increasing housing supply, directly advancing affordable housing access through zoning reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 20, 2026

H 3099: An Act authorizing the establishment of a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption

By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3099) of William C. Galvin relative to the establishment of a municipal option means tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides targeted property tax relief for low-income seniors, aligning with tax relief for lower income groups under Budget & Taxes policies.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax relief for seniors, reducing housing costs and promoting stability for vulnerable homeowners within housing affordability framework.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2542: An Act to address state sanitation code violations regarding infestations of rental units

By Representative Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2542) of Priscila S. Sousa for legislation to address state sanitation code violations regarding infestations of rental units. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses sanitation code violations in rentals, enforcing tenant living standards to protect health and safety, directly strengthening tenant protections under housing policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

Track