Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to prohibit local and state governments from using land use rules or funding decisions to exclude affordable housing. It specifically defines discriminatory practices as actions that limit housing for low-income families, households with multiple bedrooms, or residents protected by existing fair housing categories like race and disability. The legislation allows individuals to sue for damages and legal fees if they are harmed by such exclusions, while permitting government entities to defend their actions if they can prove a legitimate public interest that cannot be met through less discriminatory means.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units, also known as in-law suites, in single-family residential areas on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. The legislation defines these units as self-contained living spaces with separate entrances that cannot be sold separately from the main home and must be at least 450 square feet but no larger than half the size of the primary dwelling or 900 square feet. A key provision requires that at least one person in either the main house or the new unit must be elderly or have a disability, while still permitting municipalities to limit the total number of such units to a minimum of 5 percent of existing housing. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for parking, requiring no more than one additional space, and allows local governments to regulate setbacks and building height.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to create a program that helps families, youth, and adults avoid becoming homeless by providing cash assistance and services. It allows individuals at risk of eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off to receive aid even before they have received official legal notices, using certified statements from landlords or utility companies to verify their financial struggles. The program specifically targets households earning at or below 50% of the area median income, with at least half of the funds reserved for those living at or below 30% of that income. Eligible recipients include families with children under 21, seniors, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth, and the financial aid is limited to covering actual unpaid rent, mortgage, or utility bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to create a five-year plan aimed at ending homelessness for unaccompanied adults by shifting resources from temporary shelters to permanent housing. The legislation requires the state to conduct a study predicting future shelter needs and to prioritize the construction of permanent supportive housing and non-congregate shelters, which offer private rooms with doors and walls, over mass dormitory-style congregate shelters. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of specific housing strategies for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and LGBTQ+ individuals, while also exploring alternative construction methods like modular units and repurposed hotels to increase affordable capacity.

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2398) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others relative to access to parole. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Alternative Housing Voucher Program to help low-income adults with disabilities afford rental housing in Massachusetts. It establishes a specific voucher system administered by local housing authorities that provides financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and moving costs. To qualify, households must have an income at or below 80% of the area median, and the head of the household must be between 18 and 62 years old. The program requires recipients to contribute at least 25% to 30% of their net income toward rent and utilities, while setting payment standards based on fair market rent values.

By Representatives Rogers of Cambridge and Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2394) of David M. Rogers, Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to the right of persons incarcerated in correctional institutions, state prisons, jails or houses of correction to confer with news media representative. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts housing laws to give tenants a first right of refusal when their rental property is being sold due to foreclosure. It applies specifically to multi-family rental buildings and excludes small owner-occupied homes or temporary shelters. Under the new rules, landlords must notify tenants and a designated nonprofit group before selling the property, allowing these parties to match the highest offer made by outside buyers. The law also defines specific terms like "affiliate" and "designee" to clarify who can participate in the purchase process.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Board of Registration in Midwifery within the Department of Public Health to oversee the licensing and regulation of midwives in the state. The board will consist of nine appointed members, including experienced midwives, obstetricians, and a public representative, with a specific requirement to consider racial disparities in maternal health during appointments. Additionally, the legislation expands the state's allied health professions board to include lactation consultants and updates various laws to formally recognize certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives in official definitions and hospital settings. The bill also mandates that the insurance commission cover postpartum depression screenings for state employees and allows coverage for medically necessary donor human milk for infants at high risk of certain conditions.

By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2342) of Natalie M. Higgins, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the crime laboratory within the Department of the State Police conduct an audit of offender DNA profiles included on the state DNA databank system. Public Safety and Homeland Security.