Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3363: An Act relative to prioritizing Massachusetts residents on the waitlist for emergency housing assistance

HD 3363 requires Massachusetts' housing agencies to give priority to residents who have lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months when offering available spots in the emergency housing assistance program. This change directly affects individuals already on the waitlist for emergency housing who meet the residency requirement. The bill overrides current procedures to ensure long-term Massachusetts residents are prioritized over others when housing becomes available. It does not create new housing but modifies how existing emergency housing assistance is allocated.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrioritizes long-term MA residents for emergency housing, directing assistance to established state residents to address homelessness and strengthen access to affordable housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 876: Resolve creating a special commission on affordable housing insurance

This bill establishes a 10-member special commission to develop rules for insurance companies setting rates on two types of housing: properties with affordability restrictions (like rent-controlled units) and properties where tenants use housing vouchers. The commission, including housing advocates, industry representatives, and agency heads, must create a framework for these rates and report its findings to key legislative committees by December 31, 2026. It directly affects insurance companies and the affordable housing sector by targeting how insurance costs are determined for these specific properties. The bill itself does not change current law but creates a process for potential future policy recommendations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates commission to prevent insurance rate discrimination against affordable housing (rent-controlled/voucher units), protecting tenant access and maintaining existing affordable stock.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1706: An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets

HD 1706 prevents landlords from evicting tenants solely due to having a pet during a state of emergency (unless the pet causes harm), and bans breed-based restrictions in housing rules, condo bylaws, and tenant screening. It limits additional rent for common household pets to 1% of monthly rent per dog or cumulatively for other pets, while exempting service animals. The bill also prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing premiums based on dog breed, except for designated dangerous dogs. These changes apply to residential landlords, housing authorities, and insurers, aiming to reduce pet-related housing barriers.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents pet-related evictions, bans breed discrimination, limits pet fees, and protects tenant rights - directly strengthening tenant protections in housing policy.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3912: An Act promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts

HD 3912 creates a state-funded program providing free legal representation to low-income tenants and homeowners facing eviction or housing subsidy termination in Massachusetts. It directly affects eligible individuals who qualify based on income (80% of area median income or less), public assistance status, or inability to pay court costs without hardship. The program, administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, will fund designated legal aid organizations to provide "full legal representation" in covered housing cases, including eviction proceedings. These organizations must serve low-income communities, ensure language access, and work with an advisory committee of housing advocates and tenants.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides free legal counsel to low-income tenants facing eviction, strengthening tenant protections and housing stability through state funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3920: An Act setting a housing production goal for the Commonwealth

This bill establishes a statewide goal for Massachusetts to produce 400,000 new housing units by 2040, including 80,000 affordable units for households earning under 80% of the Area Median Income (with specific targets of 20,000 for under 60% and 20,000 supportive housing units for under 30%). It requires the Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities to annually report to state legislators on progress toward these goals, including breakdowns by unit type (market-rate, accessible, senior, and affordability tiers). The reports must also track foreign property purchases and short-term rentals. This directly affects state housing agencies, local municipalities, and developers by setting measurable targets and mandating transparency.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingSets 400k housing goal including 80k affordable units (20k for <60% AMI), mandates annual progress reports - directly advances affordable housing targets.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Zoning

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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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