Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4278: An Act authorizing the city of Cambridge to impose a real estate transfer fee

HD 4278 authorizes Cambridge to charge a 2% fee on real estate transfers exceeding $1 million, applying to property sales or major ownership changes in Cambridge. The fee is paid by sellers (not buyers) and excludes government transfers, affordable housing properties, and certain corrections to prior transfers. Collected by the Middlesex South registry of deeds at the time of property recording, all fees fund Cambridge's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The exemption threshold automatically adjusts yearly based on Boston-area inflation data.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directly funds Cambridge's Affordable Housing Trust Fund through a 2% transfer fee on high-value sales, advancing affordable housing programs as specified in the summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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signed · Massachusetts · House Oct 8, 2025

H 4532: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston

This bill exempts construction and redevelopment activities for affordable housing and a branch library at 555-559 Columbia Road in Dorchester, Boston, from standard public contracting rules (like Chapter 149). Instead, it requires adherence to specific sections of Chapter 149 (26-27H) for procurement, while allowing property acquisition costs to exceed typical limits. The exemption applies if the project uses low-income housing tax credits or federal funding, but standard rules for public works contracts still apply in those cases. The bill also specifies that transferring the project to certain nonprofit or redevelopment entities must follow Chapter 30B rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts affordable housing construction from standard contracting rules to facilitate development using low-income tax credits, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1983: An Act relative to unlawful practices in the servicing and foreclosure of a subordinate mortgage

By Representative Sangiolo of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1983) of Amy Mah Sangiolo, Patrick Joseph Kearney and David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf relative to the servicing and foreclosure of subordinate mortgages. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill targets unlawful foreclosure practices, protecting property rights related to housing through judicial oversight of subordinate mortgage servicing.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 3, 2025

S 648: An Act to protect open space, historical resources, and community housing from coastal threats

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 648) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to community preservation funds for seawall repairs. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects open space/historical resources from coastal threats via seawall repairs funding, directly aligning with environmental conservation under Environment committee.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly protects community housing from coastal threats via seawall repair funding, aligning with housing preservation and protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 2, 2026

H 1561: An Act requiring notice to landlords relating to gas or electric shutoffs

By Representative Roy of Franklin, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1561) of Jeffrey N. Roy relative to requiring notices to landlords relating to gas or electric shutoffs. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to receive notice before utility shutoffs, preventing sudden tenant disruptions and strengthening tenant protections under housing policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 10, 2025

S 232: An Act requiring fair housing education for all real estate licensees

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 232) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to further fair housing in real estate. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires fair housing education for real estate licensees to prevent discrimination, aligning with tenant protection and anti-discrimination policies in housing.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 20, 2026

H 4415: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and cultural space in the Brighton section of the city of Boston

By Representative Michael J. Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4415) of Michael J. Moran (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the procurement and award of contracts for construction of a certain affordable housing and cultural space in the Brighton section of the city of Boston. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes construction of affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, Boston, directly advancing affordable housing access per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 3041: An Act encouraging home ownership by establishing a first time home buyers savings account

By Representative Cahill of Lynn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3041) of Daniel Cahill relative to the establishment of first-time homebuyer savings accounts and providing for an income tax deduction for certain amounts contributed to such accounts. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides income tax deduction for first-time homebuyers, offering tax relief to lower/middle-income individuals, aligning with fiscal support measures.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tax-deductible savings accounts for first-time homebuyers, directly advancing home ownership accessibility and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 1249: An Act prohibiting body size discrimination

This bill (S 1249) prohibits discrimination based on body size in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It directly affects employers, landlords, and businesses that provide services to the public by making it illegal to deny opportunities or services due to a person's weight or body size. The key provision establishes a new legal standard where body size becomes a protected characteristic, similar to race or gender. The bill would require organizations to comply with this non-discrimination rule, applying to all covered entities within the state.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits body size discrimination in housing, directly preventing tenant discrimination and strengthening protections under housing policy.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits body size discrimination in employment, establishing it as a protected characteristic like race/gender, directly advancing workers' rights in hiring and workplace treatment.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 785: An Act relative to fair wages on government subsidized construction projects

HD 785 requires that workers on construction projects receiving specific government tax incentives (like tax increment financing, housing credits, or historic rehabilitation credits) be paid at least the minimum wage rates set by the state commissioner. It directly affects mechanics, apprentices, teamsters, chauffeurs, and laborers working on buildings funded through these programs. Employers must follow existing wage reporting rules (G.L. ch. 149, Section 27B), submit weekly payroll records to the tax relief authority, and make these records available for public inspection upon request. This bill ensures wage standards are tied to the tax benefits provided for these projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates fair wages for workers on housing credit-funded projects, strengthening labor standards for affordable housing development.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates state minimum wage for workers on government-subsidized construction projects, protecting wage rights and aligning with labor protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage

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