Housing

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4171: An Act relative to the emergency housing assistance program and universal background checks

By Representatives Frost of Auburn and Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1503) of Paul K. Frost, Joseph D. McKenna and others relative to the emergency housing assistance program and universal background checks. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes emergency housing assistance program, directly funding housing support for vulnerable residents per title and summary.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3493: An Act to end child homelessness

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 226) of Michelle M. DuBois relative to child homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly targets ending child homelessness, directly advancing housing stability and protections for vulnerable populations under housing policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4242: An Act relative to the Maggie Hubbard rental safety act

This bill requires safety inspections for buildings or structures used as short-term rentals in Massachusetts, such as properties rented on platforms like Airbnb. It directly affects property owners and managers who operate short-term rental units. The key provision mandates that these properties undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, including structural integrity and fire safety. The bill aims to protect tenants and residents by preventing unsafe conditions in short-term rental properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates safety inspections for short-term rentals to protect tenants from unsafe conditions, directly advancing tenant safety protections per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2421: An Act relative to ensuring the equitable protection of homestead

HD 2421 expands homestead exemptions to provide greater financial protection for vulnerable homeowners in Massachusetts. It adds a 25% additional exemption for residents aged 65+ or those with a documented disability meeting federal SSI criteria, while setting annual exemption limits between $250,000 and $1.25 million based on county median home values - adjusted yearly for inflation. First-time homebuyers earning under 120% of area median income qualify for a temporary 10% exemption boost during their first five years. The bill also requires the state to launch an education campaign about homestead rights and publish annual reports tracking exemption usage and impacts, effective January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands homestead exemptions for vulnerable homeowners (65+/disabled) and adds affordability boost for first-time buyers under 120% AMI, directly advancing housing protection and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 985: An Act relative to 40B condominium units

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 985) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to develop an expense reimbursement program relative to 40B condominium units. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates expense reimbursement for 40B condominium units, directly supporting affordable housing development under MA's 40B law which advances housing access.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 1474: An Act allowing moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1474) of Bruce E. Tarr, David F. DeCoste, Colleen M. Garry, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to allow moveable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows permanent tiny houses and accessory dwelling units, increasing housing options and affordability without restrictions.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 1020: 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 and affordable housing management under housing-related oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 3252: An Act improving older adult tax relief to address the rising cost of homeownership

By Representative Stanley of Waltham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3252) of Thomas M. Stanley relative to property tax relief for older adults. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for older adults, directly reducing their tax burden and aligning with tax relief for vulnerable groups under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax relief for older homeowners to address rising homeownership costs, directly supporting housing affordability for a vulnerable group.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 4144: An Act relative to energy affordability, independence and innovation

H 4144 creates a new funding mechanism to support building decarbonization and energy efficiency programs across Massachusetts. It imposes a 2.5 mills per kilowatt-hour charge on electricity consumers (excluding municipal light plant users) and pools funds from cap-and-trade programs and other sources to finance these initiatives. The law requires 20% of these funds to target low-income residential buildings, with additional priority for moderate-income households, renters, and small businesses. Electric distribution companies and municipal energy groups must submit a statewide decarbonization plan every three years, detailing cost-effective programs to reduce fossil fuel use and energy costs while meeting greenhouse gas targets.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes new electricity tax to fund decarbonization programs, creating dedicated revenue stream for essential energy initiatives per budget/funding indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds decarbonization and energy efficiency programs via new charge, prioritizes low-income buildings, aligns with renewable energy advancement and infrastructure investment.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds building decarbonization and energy efficiency programs via new electricity charge and cap-and-trade funds, directly advancing climate goals and reducing emissions.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill targets 20% of funds to low-income residential buildings and prioritizes renters, directly advancing affordable housing through energy efficiency programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 9, 2026

H 316: An Act to promote Massachusetts business competitiveness and affordable living

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 316) of Steven George Xiarhos and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., for an investigation by a special committee on Massachusetts business competitiveness and affordable living, which shall be charged with oversight of matters to improve the ability of businesses, to form and thrive under law, and to lower the cost of living for residents and families. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to lower cost of living for residents, directly addressing housing affordability as part of its goal to promote affordable living.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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