Housing

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2026

H 3910: An Act authorizing the city of Somerville to enact right to purchase legislation

By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3910) of Erika Uyterhoeven and Patricia D. Jehlen (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Somerville be authorized to establish a program to provide certain tenants and entities the right to purchase the residential property in which the tenants reside when that residential property is being offered for sale. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes Somerville tenants to purchase their homes when sold, strengthening tenant protections against displacement and supporting affordable housing stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 12, 2026

H 1544: An Act to guarantee a tenant’s first right of refusal

By Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1544) of Jay D. Livingstone, Rob Consalvo and others relative to tenant’s first right of refusal. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGuarantees tenant's first right of refusal on property sales/leases, strengthening tenant protections in housing development and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 2308: An Act relative to multi-family zoning in MBTA communities

By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2308) of Marc T. Lombardo, Colleen M. Garry and John R. Gaskey relative to multi-family zoning in MBTA communities. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill permits multi-family zoning in MBTA communities, increasing housing supply and affordability through zoning reform, directly advancing housing development goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 17, 2025

H 374: An Act providing for tenant agents

By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 374) of William C. Galvin relative to tenant agents. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes tenant agents to strengthen tenant rights and protections in housing disputes, directly advancing tenant protection under housing policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 20, 2025

H 1518: An Act relative to starter homes

By Representative Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1518) of Kevin G. Honan relative to single-family home construction. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes single-family starter home construction, a standard method to expand affordable housing availability and support first-time homebuyers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 20, 2025

HD 5342: An Act relative to reaffirming the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa relative to the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly addresses homelessness rights, aligning with housing support indicators like protecting vulnerable populations and advancing housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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signed · Massachusetts · House Apr 1, 2026

H 4768: An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey certain parcels of land in the city of Brockton

This bill authorizes Massachusetts to transfer a specific parcel of land in Brockton (bounded by Beaumont Ave, Quincy St, Crescent St, and Burrill Ave) to Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston for $1. The land must be used exclusively for affordable housing (for households earning ≤80% of area median income) and a community services center offering food, childcare, or vocational training. If the transfer isn't completed by December 31, 2030, the state may competitively sell or lease the land after appraisals and public notice, with a reversion clause requiring the land to return to the state if purposes change. The transfer includes enforceable restrictions to ensure the land serves its intended community purposes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates land transfer for affordable housing (≤80% AMI) with community services, directly advancing housing access and development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1989: An Act relative to fairness in home sales

This bill prohibits discrimination against certain homebuyers during home sales transactions. It directly affects individuals facing bias from sellers or real estate agents based on protected characteristics. The key provision would require sellers and agents to avoid discriminatory practices in the sales process. The bill aims to create fairer home-buying experiences by banning specific discriminatory acts under state law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents housing discrimination in home sales, directly aligning with tenant/buyer protection indicators under housing policy.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 459: An Act relative to the creation of a branch of the Boston Public Library within an affordable housing development in the Dorchester section of the City of Boston

This bill authorizes the creation of a Boston Public Library branch within a Dorchester affordable housing development. It modifies standard public procurement rules for the library's construction, requiring the project to follow specific sections of Chapter 149 (instead of general public contracting laws) and triggering Chapter 30's Section 39M if low-income housing tax credits or similar funding is used. The bill directly affects the Boston Public Library, the housing developer, and residents of the Dorchester development by streamlining contract rules for this specific project. It does not alter broader library services or housing policies.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates library branch within Dorchester affordable housing development, enhancing community resources in existing affordable housing project per summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 512: An Act requiring notice to landlords relating to gas or electric shutoffs

This bill requires utility companies (gas or electric) to notify landlords when tenants fall behind on payments or when service termination is planned. Landlords who provide written notice that their property is a rental, include a valid mailing address, and request notifications must receive written notice within 14 days of delinquent charges or 14 days before a service termination. The bill applies only to landlords who proactively opt-in by submitting the required written information. It does not change utility shutoff policies but mandates specific notification procedures to landlords for rental properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires utility companies to notify landlords of tenant payment issues, preventing sudden shutoffs that could lead to tenant displacement, strengthening tenant protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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