HD 1735 imposes a tax on large real estate investment firms (defined as entities managing $10 million or more in assets) that own more residential properties (1-4 units) than allowed under phased ownership limits. The tax equals $10 million multiplied by the number of excess properties, calculated annually based on a declining percentage of their 2023 holdings over nine years. Revenue from this tax funds a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers purchasing residential properties, administered through the Housing Down Payment Trust Fund. The bill directly affects large investment firms managing significant residential portfolios, requiring them to reduce holdings or pay the tax, while excluding nonprofit organizations and affordable housing from its scope.
This bill authorizes the Town of Nantucket to impose a 0.5% fee on the sale of real estate within Nantucket County. The fee is paid by the seller (not the buyer) and funds must be deposited into a dedicated Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The money will directly support affordable and workforce housing projects and related capital improvements. Exemptions include transfers to government entities, but the seller must prove exemption claims to avoid the fee.
This bill exempts a specific Dorchester affordable housing and branch library project from standard public procurement laws in Massachusetts (like Chapter 149 and Chapter 7C). It allows the Boston Redevelopment Authority and Boston Public Library to bypass typical public bidding requirements for planning, construction, and property acquisition related to this single project on city-owned land. However, if the project uses federal low-income housing tax credits or tax-exempt bonds, construction contracts for related public works must follow standard Chapter 30, Section 39M rules. The bill also specifies that transferring the project to a nonprofit developer must comply with Chapter 30B, unless the entity is controlled by the library.
By Representatives Moakley of Falmouth and Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3931) of Thomas W. Moakley and David T. Vieira (by vote of the town) that the town of Falmouth be authorized to establish a real estate transfer fee upon the transfer of residential property in said town for the purpose of funding affordable housing. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Michael J. Moran of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4415) of Michael J. Moran (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the procurement and award of contracts for construction of a certain affordable housing and cultural space in the Brighton section of the city of Boston. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representatives Cataldo of Concord and Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3042) of Simon Cataldo and Carmine Lawrence Gentile (by vote of the town) that town of Concord be authorized to establish a building permit fee surcharge for affordable housing in said town. Revenue. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3443) of Christopher J. Worrell (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to the procurement and award of contracts for construction of a certain subsidized affordable housing project, including space for a branch library to be procured by the Boston Public Library, in the city of Boston. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. [Local Approval Received.]
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.
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.
HD 2664 requires Massachusetts' Department of Energy Resources to make solar incentive programs accessible to low-income renters and small businesses. It creates a verification process using income thresholds (80% of area median income or 200% of federal poverty level) or proof of participation in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or housing assistance. The bill bans credit checks for eligibility, prohibits early termination fees for residential customers, and mandates monthly updates for solar credits. Multi-unit buildings qualifying as low-income housing (e.g., under Chapter 40B) are exempt from program limits like bill credit maximums.
