This bill amends Massachusetts' MBTA Communities Act to update housing requirements for municipalities near transit. It requires MBTA communities to either adopt zoning allowing 10% more multifamily units than their latest census count, build 5% of census-based housing units, or implement an approved housing plan to maintain funding eligibility. Communities must also meet a 25% threshold of multifamily housing units in their latest census data to comply. The bill uses the previous census data for the first four years after new census results are released. These changes directly affect all Massachusetts cities and towns classified as MBTA communities.
This bill appropriates $425 million from the General Fund to provide supportive services and safe shelter for unhoused families in Massachusetts, directly affecting families experiencing homelessness. Key provisions require these funds to be used for specific housing-related services outlined in prior legislation and allow transfers to state agencies or workforce programs supporting this population. The bill also makes technical changes to eligibility rules for the emergency housing assistance program, specifying that families with children or pregnant women may remain eligible for up to six consecutive months of aid (removing prior restrictions on weekly terminations). These funds are available through June 2026 and must follow existing laws governing public fund disbursement.
This bill amends Harwich's Affordable Housing Trust Bylaw to define "attainable housing" and clarify the trust's purpose. It specifies that attainable housing includes units for households earning 80% to 200% of the area median income (adjusted for household size), not just low/moderate-income households. The trust can now use funds to create or preserve this type of housing, alongside traditional affordable housing, to benefit a broader range of local residents. The bill focuses on updating definitions rather than creating new programs.
HD 4728 requires the Executive Office of the Trial Court to submit a monthly report on eviction cases (summary process cases) involving permanent rental protections. The report must detail the number of cases filed, court actions taken, and case outcomes. This data will provide transparency on how rental protection measures are applied in Massachusetts court proceedings.
By Representative DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1491) of David F. DeCoste relative to statewide public housing applications and the centralized waitlist system. Housing.
This bill transmits a report detailing Massachusetts' plan to phase out the use of hotels and motels in the Emergency Housing Assistance (EA) Program by December 2025. The report outlines a five-phase closure schedule (with 32 hotels remaining as of April 2025, targeting full elimination by year-end) and emphasizes moving families into stable housing instead of transferring them between shelters. It prioritizes closing higher-cost or less-accessible hotels, provides families with advance notice and rehousing support, and aligns closures with contract terms. The plan directly affects homeless families currently housed in hotel shelters (approximately 25% of the EA system as of April 2025), aiming to transition them to permanent housing solutions.
By Representative Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1520) of Kevin G. Honan for legislation to establish an apprentice training program to expedite the re-occupancy of vacant units of state-assisted housing. Housing.
By Representative Day of Stoneham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1487) of Michael S. Day relative to low-income housing eligibility for disabled veterans. Housing.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2002) of Dylan A. Fernandes 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.
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.
