Housing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1357: An Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the commonwealth

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 475) of Patricia D. Jehlen and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to promote housing stability for older adults across the commonwealth. Elder Affairs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly promotes housing stability for older adults, aligning with tenant protection and housing security indicators without ambiguity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1925: An Act to guarantee a tenant’s first right of refusal

This bill gives tenants in multi-unit rental properties the first right to purchase their building if the owner sells due to foreclosure, short sale, or similar circumstances. It requires tenants to form a Tenant Association (representing at least 51% of occupied units) to exercise this right, with the property then becoming Long-Term Affordable Housing (requiring 30+ years of affordability restrictions for low-income households). Municipalities must adopt this local option for it to apply, and the purchase must be structured through a Tenant Association or its designated entity to ensure the property remains affordable. The bill specifically excludes single-family homes occupied by owners and certain housing types like shelters or temporary dwellings.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates tenant purchase rights and 30+ years of affordability for low-income households, directly advancing affordable housing and tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1833: An Act to expand housing options through homesharing

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 992) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to expand housing options through homesharing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to expand housing options through homesharing, increasing housing availability and affordability per its title and summary.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1607: An Act prohibiting algorithmic rent setting

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 994) of Cindy F. Friedman and Julian Cyr for legislation to prohibit algorithmic rent setting. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits algorithmic rent setting, directly protecting tenants from potentially exploitative pricing practices that could reduce affordability and increase instability.92% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyProhibits algorithmic rent setting, restricting tech use in housing decisions, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of limiting technology applications.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1479: An Act to address affordable housing

This bill creates a special 3-member commission to review Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency's performance in providing affordable and low-income housing in gateway cities over the past five years. The commission - appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker - will assess the agency's effectiveness and submit recommendations within one year. It directly affects the state housing agency and gateway cities (urban communities with high housing needs) by requiring a formal review of current housing efforts. The bill does not change funding or new housing requirements but mandates this independent evaluation to inform future policy.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly creates commission to review agency's performance in providing affordable housing, aiming to improve effectiveness and address housing needs in gateway cities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2190: An Act promoting housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1011) of Liz Miranda for legislation to promote housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly strengthens HomeBASE program to promote housing stability for families, directly advancing affordable housing protections and tenant stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1682: An Act relative to zoning for housing production

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1433) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to zoning for multi-family housing production. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill targets zoning reforms to increase multi-family housing production, directly advancing affordable housing supply through municipal policy changes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 58: An Act relative to tax credits for affordable housing

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2077) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to tax credits for affordable housing. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax credits for affordable housing, a form of tax relief supporting public housing programs and lower-income housing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax credits to fund affordable housing development, directly advancing the topic through revenue incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1414: An Act relative to housing production plans

HD 1414 requires cities and towns to develop and get department approval for comprehensive housing production plans. Once approved, municipalities can block housing applications that don’t align with the plan’s goals for up to two years. The bill gives local governments authority to shape development to meet their specific housing needs. It directly affects housing developers and applicants in communities with approved plans.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires municipalities to develop housing production plans to guide development, advancing housing goals through structured local planning.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2260: An Act relative to affordable housing and the preservation of a community's water resources

This bill amends Massachusetts' Chapter 40B housing law by redefining "consistent with local needs" for zoning regulations affecting low/moderate income housing. It explicitly requires that local requirements (like design or environmental rules) must protect water resources or open spaces, apply equally to all housing types, and be reasonable compared to regional housing needs. The definition applies when a community has over 10% low/moderate income housing (per census) or when a project would exceed specific land-use thresholds for new housing construction. This directly affects local zoning boards, developers, and communities determining housing project approvals. The change aims to balance housing development with resource protection while ensuring uniform application of regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires local housing regulations to protect water resources, directly advancing environmental preservation under housing law amendments.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAmends Chapter 40B to require zoning regulations not to hinder low/moderate income housing development, advancing affordable housing goals while adding environmental safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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