Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House May 26, 2026

HD 6070: A communication from the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (see item 7004-9030 of Section 2 of Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Alternative House Voucher Program (AHVP) report for expenditures for fiscal year 2025

This bill serves as a formal submission of the Alternative Housing Voucher Program's financial and operational report for fiscal year 2025 to state legislators. The document details that the program assisted over 850 disabled households with an average monthly subsidy of $1,459, totaling expenditures of approximately $16.3 million for that year. It further outlines ongoing efforts to expand housing options through mobile vouchers and project-based awards, noting that most participants are single adults living in small units. The report provides specific data on leased units, outstanding vouchers, and future funding projections without proposing new policy changes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill submits a report on the Alternative House Voucher Program, which provides financial subsidies to disabled households, directly supporting affordable housing access.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6037: An Act expanding the exemption for residential property in the town of Wellfleet

This bill expands a property tax exemption for homeowners in the town of Wellfleet, allowing them to exclude up to 35 percent of their home's assessed value from taxation. The exemption applies specifically to a taxpayer's principal residence or a year-round home occupied by a Wellfleet resident, with the town responsible for defining who qualifies as a resident. To receive this benefit, property owners must submit a written application to the town's board of assessors by the standard deadline, and the final tax bill cannot reduce the property's taxable value below 10 percent of its full worth.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by expanding property tax exemptions for homeowners, reducing their tax burden.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands property tax exemptions for homeowners, reducing housing costs and supporting residential property stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 5373: An Act relative to certain easements

This bill clarifies that land lots designated for Native American communities in Aquinnah and Mashpee are owned in full fee simple absolute, removing any restrictions on selling or transferring the property. It directs the superior court to establish forty-foot wide public easements for vehicle access and utility lines to these lots if they currently lack such access, ensuring residents can safely use their land. The legislation explicitly excludes any lands owned by federally recognized tribes, whether held in fee or in trust, and does not alter federal jurisdiction or tribal sovereignty over those reserved lands.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill clarifies full ownership for Native American housing lots and establishes public easements for vehicle access and utilities, directly enhancing housing security and development potential.85% confidence

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Aug 27, 2026

H 5418: An Act authorizing the town of Wakefield to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5418) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian (by vote of the town) that the town of Wakefield be authorized to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption in said town. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes a means-tested senior property tax exemption, providing direct tax relief to lower-income seniors and reducing their financial burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a means-tested property tax exemption for seniors, reducing housing costs and supporting affordable housing for elderly residents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 1, 2026

HD 6180: An Act providing for tenant representation on the Great Barrington Housing Authority board

This bill allows one resident from the town of Sheffield to serve on the Great Barrington Housing Authority board, either as an appointed or elected member. The change modifies existing state housing laws to permit this specific cross-town representation while keeping other board rules intact. It directly affects the composition of the housing authority by expanding the pool of eligible candidates beyond Great Barrington residents.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands tenant representation on the housing authority board, strengthening tenant protections and community involvement in housing governance.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 30, 2026

H 5456: An Act amending Chapter 305 of the Acts of 2016 relative to the year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in the town of Provincetown

By Representative Luddy of Orleans and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5456) of Hadley Luddy (by vote of the town) relative to the year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in the town of Provincetown. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a year-round market rate rental housing trust fund in Provincetown, directly funding housing development and availability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Renters

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6087: An Act authorizing the town of Wakefield to establish a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption

This bill authorizes the town of Wakefield to create a property tax exemption specifically for senior citizens who meet certain income and residency requirements. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old, have lived in the town for at least 10 years, and have income levels that would make them eligible for the state's circuit breaker tax credit. The exemption amount is set annually based on the previous year's circuit breaker credit, and the town's assessors review applications to ensure applicants do not have excessive assets. The program is designed to run for a maximum of three years before expiring.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief to low-income seniors, aligning with fiscal support for vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax relief for low-income seniors, enhancing affordability and protecting housing stability for vulnerable residents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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signed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 5392: An Act authorizing the town of North Attleborough to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption

Substituted by the House, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 4526) [Local Approval Received]. April 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a means-tested property tax exemption for seniors, providing tax relief to lower-income individuals and reducing their financial burden.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a property tax exemption for seniors, reducing housing costs and supporting affordable housing for elderly residents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SD 3719: Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth 2024 Annual Report

Report of the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission (pursuant Section 16W of Chapter 6A of the General Laws) submitting its 22024 annual report of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill requires annual reporting on unaccompanied homeless youth, addressing homelessness which is directly related to housing needs and support services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 5301: An Act to regulate junk fees in rental housing and advance housing production

This bill addresses two main areas: regulating unfair fees in rental housing and encouraging housing production. It limits what landlords and brokers can charge tenants, allowing only first and last month's rent, a security deposit, and key costs, while prohibiting extra fees for lease renewals or adding optional charges like internet or insurance unless clearly described and opt-out options are provided. The bill also caps late payment penalties at five percent of monthly rent and restricts when landlords can charge attorney fees to tenants. Additionally, it promotes housing development by reducing parking requirements near transit stations, defining underutilized land for redevelopment, and ensuring publicly owned property is prioritized for low and moderate income housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects tenant rights by limiting unfair fees and late penalties, while encouraging housing production through regulatory reforms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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