This bill (HD 3715) updates Massachusetts law to clarify who can receive low-income housing tax credits. It replaces the term "owner" with "allocatee" throughout relevant statutes, defining an "allocatee" as either a property owner or a taxpayer committing funds to a qualified housing project. This change directly affects investors and developers who provide capital for affordable housing projects but don't own the property. The key mechanism is simply updating legal definitions to include these funding providers as eligible recipients of tax credits. The bill makes no new policy changes but streamlines the existing program's administration.
HD 976 modifies Massachusetts housing laws to require zip code-level area median income (AMI) calculations in cities with over 100,000 residents for affordable housing programs. It amends multiple statutes (including Chapters 40R, 40T, 121B, and 62) to replace city-wide AMI standards with zip code-specific income thresholds for housing projects, developments, or households in large municipalities. This change directly affects affordable housing providers, developers, and residents in cities like Boston, Worcester, and Springfield by adjusting income eligibility criteria based on specific neighborhoods. The bill updates existing housing affordability rules without creating new programs or changing overall funding mechanisms.
This bill creates the GREEN Initiative to retrofit existing low- and moderate-income housing in designated "gateway" municipalities (or smaller qualifying communities) to meet ultra-energy-efficient standards. It requires retrofits to use clean heating (like heat pumps) and cooking technologies (like induction stoves), with priority for buildings under six housing units. Funding comes from utility companies (up to $30 million annually) and other sources, while protecting tenants from rent hikes tied to weatherization work through enforceable "tenant-owner agreements." The goal is to reduce emissions in affordable housing through energy-efficient upgrades powered by renewable electricity where possible.
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.
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 Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4163) of Kristin E. Kassner relative to including accessory dwelling units in subsidized housing inventory. Housing.
By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3932) 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.]
By Representatives Connolly of Cambridge and Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3056) of Mike Connolly, Carmine Lawrence Gentile and others for legislation to support affordable housing with a local option for a fee to be applied to certain real estate transactions. Revenue.
By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3194) of Samantha Montaño and others for legislation to increase the deeds excise to fund emergency assistance needs of certain low income tenants and homeowners. Revenue.
By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2356) of Christopher J. Worrell relative to local approval of inclusionary zoning. Municipalities and Regional Government.
