Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2978: An Act promoting fair and affordable housing

HD 2978, "An Act promoting fair and affordable housing," prohibits Massachusetts local and state government entities from engaging in discriminatory housing practices. It specifically bans actions that limit housing for families with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income, families needing larger units (like those with more than two bedrooms), or based on protected characteristics including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or familial status. The bill allows individuals or the Attorney General to sue for violations within three years, seeking court orders, damages, and legal fees, while clarifying that governments can defend actions by proving a strong, non-discriminatory reason. It directly affects housing decisions by cities, towns, and state agencies regarding permits, funding, and regulations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits discrimination against low-income families (≤80% AMI) and protected groups (race, gender, etc.), advancing fair housing access and tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3370: Resolve creating a special commission on affordable housing insurance

This bill creates a 10-member commission to develop rules for how insurance companies set rates on two types of housing: properties with affordability restrictions (like subsidized units) and properties where tenants use housing vouchers. The commission includes government officials, housing advocates, community development groups, builders, and insurance representatives. It must propose specific legislation to the relevant committees by December 31, 2026, to address potential rate-setting issues affecting these housing types. The bill directly impacts insurance companies, affordable housing providers, and voucher tenants by targeting the insurance pricing framework for these properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates commission to set fair insurance rates for affordable housing properties, preventing rate hikes that could reduce affordability and maintain subsidized units.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2411: An Act accelerating housing production

By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 993) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to accelerate housing production through a combination of incentives, zoning reforms, and financing solutions. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly accelerates housing production through zoning reforms, incentives, and financing, directly advancing housing development and affordability goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2096: An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

SD 2096 creates a state program to help formerly incarcerated individuals secure housing after release. It requires state housing agencies and programs to prioritize housing for people transitioning from prison, including providing housing vouchers and connecting them to short-term and permanent housing options. The law mandates annual reviews of housing programs to track who benefits, ensure compliance with priority rules, and gather feedback from returning citizens and community organizations. It amends multiple housing statutes (including Chapters 40, 40B, and 40H) to include this priority requirement for housing projects receiving state funds.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates housing program for returning citizens, reducing recidivism by addressing reentry barriers - directly supports criminal justice reform90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates housing agencies to prioritize formerly incarcerated individuals with vouchers and housing connections, directly advancing affordable housing access for a vulnerable group.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentHousing assistance for returning citizens addresses a key barrier to employment, supporting workforce reintegration and aligning with labor/employment goals of reducing barriers to work.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 902: An Act for community housing packages

By Mr. Lewis (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 182) of Vincent Dixon, for legislation for community housing packages. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title 'community housing packages' and summary explicitly address housing initiatives, indicating funding/support for affordable housing development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1951: An Act relative to funding housing and mitigating investor real estate in seasonal communities

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 966) of Julian Cyr for legislation to fund housing and mitigating investor real estate in seasonal communities. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly funds housing and mitigates investor impacts in seasonal communities, advancing affordable housing access through direct financial support.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2108: An Act creating an office of tenant protections

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 997) of Adam Gomez for legislation to create an office of tenant protections within the executive office of housing and livable communities. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates office to strengthen tenant protections, directly aligning with housing topic indicators of protecting tenant rights and advancing housing policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1978: An Act relative to improve access to rental assistance programs

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 957) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to improve access to rental assistance programs. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to improve access to rental assistance programs, directly advancing affordable housing access and tenant support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1162: An Act providing upstream homelessness prevention assistance to families, youth, and adults

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 961) of Brendan P. Crighton and John F. Keenan for legislation to provide upstream homelessness prevention assistance to families, youth, and adults. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly provides homelessness prevention assistance, directly advancing housing stability and addressing homelessness through proactive support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1203: An Act relative to preventing algorithmic rent fixing in the rental housing market

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1016) of Michael O. Moore, Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the Preventing Algorithmic Rent Fixing in the Rental Housing Market Act. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents algorithmic rent fixing, directly protecting tenants from unfair rent increases and strengthening tenant rights in housing markets.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates algorithmic use in housing to prevent consumer harm, aligning with tech regulation for protection as per indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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