This bill expands property tax relief for seniors in Auburn by adjusting the town's existing senior exemption program. It raises the base exemption amount from $500 to $1,500, adds eligibility for seniors over 70 living with children under 70 (who occupy the home as their primary residence), and replaces fixed income thresholds with income limits tied to 50% of HUD's Area Median Income (adjusted for household size). The changes apply to Auburn properties and increase income limits for exemption from $28,000/$30,000 to $80,000/$110,000. It directly affects Auburn residents aged 70+ who meet the new income and residency criteria.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1524) of James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the Massachusetts lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing. Public Health.
By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1140) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to establish a foreclosure review division. The Judiciary.
By Representative Sena of Acton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 101) of Danillo A. Sena and others for an investigation by the Department of Public Health of broadband internet access and its relation to the public health objectives. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Hong of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2347) of Andres X. Vargas, Tara T. Hong and Vanna Howard relative to zoning ordinances and taxation of land owned by religious sects or denominations for multifamily housing. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 969) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Patricia D. Jehlen, Mike Connolly and Manny Cruz for legislation to establish an accessory dwelling unit trust fund. Housing.
By Representative Saunders of Belchertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1565) of Aaron L. Saunders relative to an education and training program for new and existing members of mobile home rent control boards. Housing.
By Representatives Cruz of Salem and Ramos of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1482) of Manny Cruz, Orlando Ramos and others for legislation to establish an accessory dwelling unit trust fund. Housing.
H 4699 creates a special commission to study safety conditions for single-stair multi-family residential buildings (up to six stories) in Massachusetts, with the goal of developing a building code amendment to potentially legalize them. The commission, composed of housing officials, fire safety experts, architects, and community representatives, must produce a report by July 31, 2026, including fire safety measures like sprinklers and emergency exits, and build on existing research. This bill does not change current laws but directs a study to address safety concerns that may enable future code changes. It directly affects future housing development rules and building safety standards, not current building owners or occupants.
By Representative Flanagan of Dennis, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1502) of Christopher Richard Flanagan that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities establish and operate a program to provide assistance to seniors and persons with disabilities to make accessibility modifications to primary residences. Housing.
