Housing (Property Development)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4504: An Act relative to certain affordable housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts Dorchester affordable housing project from procurement rules to facilitate development, advancing housing access on city-owned land.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 3220: An Act spurring intelligent development on MBTA property

By Representative Robertson of Tewksbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3220) of David Allen Robertson for legislation to establish tax credits for certain development on Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority property. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes tax credits for development on MBTA property, providing tax relief which aligns with fiscal support for development incentives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax credits incentivize housing development on MBTA property, increasing housing supply and aligning with housing development goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill provides tax credits for development on MBTA property, incentivizing transit-oriented projects that advance public transit infrastructure and align with transportation policy goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3247: An Act to promote the development of abandoned buildings

By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3247) of Michael J. Soter, Joseph D. McKenna and Marcus S. Vaughn for legislation to further regulate tax deductions for renovation of abandoned buildings. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill regulates tax deductions for renovation of abandoned buildings to prevent abuse, closing loopholes and promoting fiscal responsibility.80% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly promotes development of abandoned buildings through tax deduction regulations, advancing housing development without restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 3, 2025

H 3443: 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

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.]

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates subsidized affordable housing project with library space, directly advancing affordable housing initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 11, 2026

H 215: An Act supporting the development of children experiencing homelessness

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 215) of Marjorie C. Decker for legislation to provide services to certain children experiencing homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses homelessness through services for children, directly supporting housing stability for vulnerable populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Property Development

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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 1066: An Act relative to industrial development finance authorities

HD 1066 amends Massachusetts' industrial development finance authority (IDFA) laws to expand eligibility for financing. The key change (Section 3) adds rental housing - including low- and moderate-income housing under Chapter 40B - to the definition of "industrial enterprise," allowing IDFAs to finance such projects. This directly affects municipalities and developers seeking to use IDFA bonds for housing developments. The bill clarifies bond issuance authority (Section 4) and removes outdated references to "MIFA" and other administrative terms throughout the chapter. These changes streamline financing for housing projects under IDFA programs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands IDFA financing to include low/moderate-income rental housing under Chapter 40B, enabling bond funding for affordable housing projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Property Development Renters

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 767: An Act promoting resilience against the heat-related impacts of climate change

This bill establishes a state-funded program to provide cooling assistance to low-income households with vulnerable members, including seniors, young children, and people with certain health conditions. It requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to administer the program, prioritizing households at highest risk, and prohibits utility shutoffs for cooling during extreme heat (95°F+ heat index) or poor air quality. The bill also mandates a study on housing temperature standards and creates an extreme heat task force to develop emergency response plans and coordinate cooling solutions across state agencies. These provisions directly affect low-income residents in Massachusetts facing heat-related health risks, with program eligibility tied to income limits (60% of state median income).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for cooling assistance program targeting vulnerable households, directly funding a public service through state budget appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits utility shutoffs for cooling during extreme heat, protecting vulnerable consumers in the energy utility sector.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directly addresses climate change impacts through heat resilience program, prioritizing vulnerable populations and prohibiting utility shutoffs during extreme heat events, aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds cooling assistance for low-income housing residents via Department of Housing, prohibits utility shutoffs during heat events, directly advancing housing affordability and tenant protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Climate Change Community Development Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1220: An Act encouraging smart growth and starter home zoning adoption

This bill provides financial incentives to Massachusetts cities and towns that adopt "smart growth zoning districts" or "starter home zoning districts." It establishes two payment systems: (1) a tiered payment based on projected new housing units (e.g., $20,000 for up to 20 units, $1.2 million for 500+ units), and (2) a $6,000 per-unit bonus paid upon issuance of building permits for new housing in these districts. The payments are funded by state appropriations and require department approval of the zoning districts. It directly affects local governments that implement these zoning policies to encourage new housing development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly funds housing incentives through state appropriations, allocating new budget resources to encourage zoning adoption.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides direct state funding incentives for municipalities to adopt zoning that increases housing supply (starter homes), explicitly advancing affordable housing development through financial rewards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2932: An Act to make home repair affordable and stabilize communities

HD 2932 creates a "whole home repairs program" to help homeowners and small landlords with essential home repairs. Homeowners with income at or below 80% of the area median income can receive grants (up to $50,000 per unit) for health/safety repairs, energy efficiency improvements, or accessibility modifications. Small landlords (owning ≤5 properties/15 units) can get loans (also capped at $50,000 per unit) for similar repairs on affordable rental units, with loan forgiveness possible if they maintain the property for 15 years, limit rent increases, and avoid serious violations. The program requires coordination with existing housing resources and includes funding for workforce development in home repair jobs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly funds energy efficiency improvements as a key eligible repair category for grants and loans, directly advancing energy efficiency standards.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides grants/loans for health/safety repairs targeting low-income homeowners and affordable rental units, directly advancing housing affordability and stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Landlords Property Development Tenant Rights

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