Housing (Homelessness)

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1508: An Act repealing the misused and misguided right to shelter law that is unique to Massachusetts

By Representative Gaskey of Carver, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1508) of John R. Gaskey relative to repealing the emergency housing assistance program. Housing.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill explicitly repeals emergency housing assistance program, directly weakening tenant protections and reducing housing support per title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 972: An Act establishing emergency shelter priorities

By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 972) of Kelly A. Dooner for legislation to establish emergency shelter priorities. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes emergency shelter priorities to address homelessness, directly supporting housing access for vulnerable populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1579: An Act relative to emergency shelter assistance for commonwealth residents

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1579) of Steven George Xiarhos, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., and Joseph D. McKenna relative to emergency shelter assistance for commonwealth residents. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides emergency shelter assistance for residents, directly addressing homelessness and supporting housing needs through direct aid.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 975: An Act establishing residency requirements for emergency housing assistance

By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 975) of Kelly A. Dooner for legislation to establish residency requirements for emergency housing assistance. Housing.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingEstablishes residency requirements for emergency housing assistance, restricting eligibility for housing support.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1120: An Act establishing a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1120) of Adam Gomez and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes rights for homeless individuals, directly addressing housing vulnerability and protection per topic indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 29, 2026

H 2261: An Act ending the criminalization of homelessness

By Representative Doherty of Taunton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2261) of Carol A. Doherty and James K. Hawkins relative to the criminalization of homelessness. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnds criminal penalties for homelessness, reducing unnecessary incarceration and aligning with reform goals to protect civil rights and reduce systemic inequities in criminal justice.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnds criminalization of homelessness, directly addressing housing access and protections for vulnerable populations per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 1488: An Act providing upstream homelessness prevention assistance to families, youth, and adults

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1488) of Marjorie C. Decker that the Department of Housing and Community Development be authorized to administer a residential assistance for families in transition homelessness prevention program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes housing department to administer homelessness prevention program, directly addressing housing stability through funding and prevention.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Homelessness Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1497: An Act relative to avoiding senior homelessness and maintaining senior housing stabilization of rents

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1497) of Michelle M. DuBois relative to the stabilization of rents in cities and towns facing distress in the housing market. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly stabilizes rents to prevent senior homelessness and maintain housing affordability, directly protecting tenants and advancing housing stability in distressed markets.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 26, 2025

S 2399: An Act to provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness

This bill (S 2399) creates a streamlined process for homeless youth and adults to obtain state-issued identification documents, such as driver's licenses or ID cards. It directs state agencies (likely including the DMV or social services) to establish a simplified application pathway, waiving standard fees and documentation requirements. The primary goal is to help individuals access essential services like housing, healthcare, and employment by resolving a critical barrier to identification. The bill directly affects people experiencing homelessness who lack valid ID, enabling them to navigate systems they are otherwise excluded from.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes ID barrier for homeless to access housing services, directly addressing homelessness as a housing access issue.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 293: An Act providing relief of 40B regulations for municipalities sheltering individuals on behalf of DHCD

This bill exempts municipalities ordered by the state housing agency (DHCD) or federal authorities to provide emergency shelters for more than 10 homeless individuals from Chapter 40B housing regulations for at least five years. It specifically relieves them from meeting the requirement to provide affordable housing units (currently 10% of new projects). The exemption applies only when shelters are established under government order for emergency homeless populations. This directly affects towns and cities mandated to house larger groups of homeless residents during crises.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingExempts municipalities from 10% affordable housing requirement under 40B for emergency shelters, weakening mandatory affordable housing development for specific cases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness

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