This bill (HD 686) changes how the state calculates income for veterans applying for certain Commonwealth services. It specifically excludes veterans' disability benefit payments from being counted as income when determining eligibility for state programs like housing assistance, food aid, or other support services. The key provision, found in Section 1, amends existing law to ensure these benefits do not reduce a veteran's access to other state services they qualify for based on income. This directly affects veterans receiving disability payments who apply for additional state assistance programs.
By Representative Ramos of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 306) of Orlando Ramos relative to a municipal option commercial tenant first right of refusal. Community Development and Small Businesses.
By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1933) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation to prevent property tax bill shocks. Revenue.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 196) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to provide consumers with equal protection for all real estate appraisals. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
HD 5030 allows the town of Swampscott to extend its existing property tax exemption for disabled residents to include individuals under age 70 who have lived in the town continuously for at least 10 years and hold a Social Security disability determination. The bill modifies current law to align the income and estate qualifications for this exemption with existing standards. Swampscott’s annual town meeting may choose each year whether to provide this tax relief, opting out until reauthorized. This is a procedural change to an existing local tax program, not a new policy.
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 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.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1019) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation relative to manufactured housing communities. Housing.
This bill authorizes the Town of Eastham to charge a 3% fee on real estate transfers exceeding $1, paid by the buyer at closing. The fee funds Eastham's Affordable Housing Trust Fund or Wastewater Stabilization Fund, as determined by the Select Board. Exemptions include first-time homebuyers (who must live in the home for 5 years), government transfers, family transfers, and certain charitable or affordable housing transactions. The fee is a personal debt of the buyer, with interest accruing on unpaid amounts at the same rate as real estate taxes.
This bill (HD 157) changes who pays brokerage fees in rental agreements. It requires that fees charged by licensed real estate brokers or salespeople must be paid only by the landlord or tenant who directly hired them to arrange the lease. The law prevents landlords from passing these fees onto tenants through the lease contract, or tenants from being charged by brokers they didn't personally engage. This directly affects landlords, tenants, and brokers involved in residential rental transactions.
