Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4444: An Act further defining the purposes of the affordable housing trust in the city of Somerville

This bill expands the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust's funding purposes to include two specific areas: (1) housing-related social services like tenant mediation, legal aid, homelessness prevention, and housing counseling, and (2) startup costs for new affordable housing projects. It directly affects Somerville residents, particularly low-income households and vulnerable populations needing housing support services. Crucially, the trust can now fund these services without requiring them to be tied to physical housing units or to increase the city's affordable housing stock. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, clarifying the trust's expanded role in supporting housing stability and access.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands affordable housing trust funding for tenant services, homelessness prevention, and new affordable housing projects, directly advancing low-income housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 359: An Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the Commonwealth

This bill expands a short-term housing bridge pilot program to provide interim housing stability for older adults (60+) in Massachusetts who are at risk of eviction due to inability to pay rent. It establishes a steering committee - including housing officials, aging services representatives, homelessness advocates, and older adults with lived experience - to develop and oversee the program’s expansion. The program will ensure participants pay no more than 30% of their income for housing, with performance-based contracts funding service agencies statewide. The committee must file annual reports with the legislature and post them online, including recommendations for statewide implementation by December 31 each year.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing bridge program for seniors at risk of eviction, ensuring ≤30% income for rent - directly advances affordable housing and tenant protections for vulnerable population.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2734: An Act to protect residents experiencing significant elevations in rent for viable and effective affordable housing

HD 2734 is a draft bill titled "An Act to protect residents experiencing significant elevations in rent for viable and effective affordable housing." As a work-in-progress document prepared by House Counsel, it has not yet been finalized or introduced for public review. The bill's title indicates it aims to address rapid rent increases in affordable housing, but specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected groups are not detailed in the available draft text. Without access to the completed bill language, a substantive summary of its policy changes cannot be provided.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title explicitly aims to protect tenants from rent hikes in affordable housing, aligning with tenant protection and affordable housing support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1985: An Act relative to the development of single family and multi-family housing for veterans

This bill amends zoning laws to prevent local governments from blocking or unreasonably restricting housing developments that specifically serve veterans. It requires that any single or multi-family housing project with a veteran preference (as defined in state law) and an affordable housing deed restriction must not face zoning barriers like special permits or unreasonable restrictions. The law directly affects housing developers and local zoning boards by limiting their ability to deny such projects through discretionary approval processes. This creates a clearer path for building veteran-focused housing that remains affordable long-term, without altering existing housing requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barriers for veteran-focused affordable housing projects, enabling development that meets affordability requirements95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves zoning barriers for veteran-specific housing, enabling access to housing services and supporting veterans' housing needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 1, 2025

H 65: Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to housing

By Representative Day of Stoneham (by request), a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 65) of Vincent Lawrence Dixon for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the right to housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill proposes constitutional right to housing, directly advancing housing access and protections as a legal entitlement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2511: An Act relative to accessory dwelling units inclusion in the subsidized housing inventory

This bill draft (HD 2511) aims to include accessory dwelling units (ADUs, like in-law suites or backyard cottages) within the state's subsidized housing inventory. It would require housing authorities to count ADUs as part of their affordable housing stock when reporting on subsidized housing availability. The bill directly affects state housing agencies, local municipalities, and developers building or converting properties with ADUs. As a draft currently being worked on by House Counsel, specific implementation details and timelines are not yet finalized. No substantive policy provisions or voting records are available in the provided context.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates counting ADUs in subsidized housing inventory, expanding affordable housing availability by including accessory units in reported stock.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1492: An Act expanding the definition of affordable housing to include manufactured homes

By Representative DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1492) of David F. DeCoste relative to expanding the definition of affordable housing to include manufactured homes. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands affordable housing definition to include manufactured homes, directly advancing access to affordable housing options per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1521: An Act ensuring continued rights for public housing residents

By Representative Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1521) of Kevin G. Honan relative to the rights for public housing residents. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill ensures continued rights for public housing residents, directly protecting tenant protections in affordable housing as per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1504: An Act relative to mobile homes as affordable housing

By Representative Frost of Auburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1504) of Paul K. Frost, David F. DeCoste and Joseph D. McKenna relative to the inclusion of mobile homes in the definition of affordable housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly expands affordable housing definition to include mobile homes, increasing accessible housing options under the topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1528: An Act relative to public housing restrictions

By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1528) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to public housing restrictions. Housing.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill title explicitly references 'public housing restrictions,' directly indicating intent to limit public housing access per 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

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