Housing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2314: An Act to facilitate alternatives to foreclosure

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1130) of Adam Gomez for legislation to facilitate alternatives to foreclosure through the Massachusetts Foreclosure Mediation Program. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill facilitates foreclosure mediation to prevent homeowners from losing housing, protecting property rights and preventing displacement. Directly advances housing stability through foreclosure alternatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2544: An Act providing for pre-service training for members of mobile home rent control boards

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1020) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide pre-service training free of charge for members of mobile home rent control boards. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides free pre-service training for mobile home rent control board members, strengthening tenant protections in affordable housing through effective board oversight.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2213: An Act to provide sewer and water rate relief

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1014) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to establish a low-income sewer and water assistance program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes low-income sewer/water assistance program, directly supporting housing affordability for vulnerable residents through utility cost relief.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1318: An Act relative to automatic re-enrollment in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This bill (HD 1318) requires Massachusetts agencies administering LIHEAP to automatically re-enroll eligible households for the next heating season without requiring a new application, provided they continue to meet federal and state income and other eligibility criteria. It directly affects low-income households currently receiving fuel assistance through LIHEAP, simplifying their continued access to energy help. The key mechanism mandates that the state's housing agency develop a system ensuring automatic re-enrollment for the defined heating season (November 1 to April 30, unless adjusted by the agency). This change aims to reduce administrative barriers for households that qualify, ensuring uninterrupted assistance during cold months.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAutomates LIHEAP re-enrollment for low-income households, ensuring continued energy assistance directly supporting housing affordability without bureaucratic barriers.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2272: An Act ending large investor control of homes in Massachusetts

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1999) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts and create a down payment trust fund. Revenue.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnds large investor control (protecting tenants) and creates down payment trust fund (funding affordable housing access).95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3774: An Act relative to voluntary municipal right of first refusal

This bill allows municipalities to voluntarily participate in a program giving them the first right to purchase certain properties for affordable housing. It directly affects property owners of buildings with three or fewer units or mid-size multifamily buildings who receive an offer to sell. Municipalities must be notified by the owner when a sale offer is received, then have 120 days to inspect, match the sale price, and buy the property to maintain as permanently deed-restricted affordable housing. Owners of qualifying properties receive up to $500 per unit (capped at $10,000 per property) plus recording costs, with total program payments limited to $5 million. The program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development under new regulations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables municipalities to acquire properties for permanent affordable housing via right of first refusal, directly advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 705: An Act improving access to the Housing Court

HD 705 requires the Housing Court to hold at least one session each week in Nantucket County and at least one session each week in Dukes County. This directly affects residents and renters in these two counties who use the Housing Court for housing disputes, improving their local access to court services. The bill amends the General Laws to mandate these specific weekly sessions in both locations. This change is limited to scheduling requirements and does not alter the court's jurisdiction or other procedures.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingImproves tenant access to Housing Court for disputes in Nantucket/Dukes Counties, strengthening tenant rights through better court accessibility.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4373: An Act establishing a real estate transfer fee upon the transfer of residential property in the Town of Falmouth for the purpose of funding affordable housing

This bill imposes a real estate transfer fee on residential property sales in Falmouth where the purchase price is $1 million or more. Sellers pay a graduated fee: 1% on amounts over $1 million up to $1.5 million, plus additional percentages for higher tiers (e.g., 1.5% on amounts over $1.5 million up to $2 million, and 2% above $2 million). All collected fees go directly to the Falmouth Affordable Housing Fund, which uses them for affordable housing projects. Exemptions include government transfers, family sales, charitable organizations, and properties under existing affordable housing restrictions. The fee applies to residential transfers only, with sellers required to submit documentation verifying the purchase price and fee amount.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingImposes transfer fee on high-value residential sales to directly fund affordable housing projects via dedicated fund, explicitly advancing housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3381: An Act establishing the Martha’s Vineyard housing bank

HD 3381 establishes a transfer fee on property sales in Dukes County towns (Martha’s Vineyard) to fund year-round affordable housing preservation. The bill requires purchasers to pay a fee of 0.5% to 2% on the portion of a property’s sale price exceeding a set threshold, with rates potentially varying by property type or price. The collected fees will support a regional housing trust fund managed by member towns to maintain properties as permanently affordable for low- and moderate-income households. This directly affects property buyers and sellers in Dukes County, with the fee applying to most real estate transactions to generate dedicated funding for housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes transfer fee to fund affordable housing preservation, directly supporting low/moderate-income housing through dedicated trust fund.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3171: An Act establishing a zero carbon renovation fund

This bill creates a $300 million Zero Carbon Renovation Fund to support energy upgrades in existing buildings across Massachusetts. It directly affects affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, public schools, municipal buildings, and certified small businesses by funding renovations that must include all-electric systems, on-site renewable energy, and low-carbon materials. The fund covers costs for energy efficiency improvements and necessary pre-renovation repairs like lead paint removal or electrical upgrades. Administered by multiple state agencies, the fund prioritizes environmental justice communities and gateway cities while ensuring unspent funds carry over annually.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds $300M for zero-carbon building renovations requiring on-site renewables, all-electric systems, and energy efficiency, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds zero-carbon building renovations with renewable energy and low-carbon materials, directly reducing emissions and advancing climate goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingDirectly funds energy upgrades for affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, and necessary repairs like lead paint removal, advancing housing sustainability and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Environmental Justice Affordable Housing

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