Rep. Mike Connolly

Senate, December 8, 2025 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1010) of Liz Miranda, Sal N. DiDomenico and Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to create a permanent affordability homeownership program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2762).

Maddy summarySD 988 creates a state program to fund permanently affordable homeownership units for low- and moderate-income buyers (defined as 70-120% of area median income). Administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the program requires units to remain affordable for at least 99 years and limits projects to 1-25 units, including within mixed-use developments. Funds can only support new homeownership units meeting income and affordability criteria. Annual reports will detail funded projects, grant amounts, units created, and affordability levels.

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 192) of Nick Collins for legislation to adopt regulations for the licensing of pipefitters and refrigeration technicians. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

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.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 55) of Joanne M. Comerford, Hannah Kane, Jason M. Lewis, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to strengthen local food systems. Agriculture.

Maddy summarySD 1771 establishes a statewide Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants and owner-occupants facing housing-related legal actions, such as evictions or termination of housing subsidies. Eligible individuals must qualify as indigent (e.g., receiving public assistance, earning ≤80% of area median income, or unable to afford legal fees without hardship). The program, funded by dedicated state appropriations and administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, requires landlords to provide a standardized form explaining legal aid eligibility to tenants. Designated nonprofit organizations will deliver full legal counsel through partner attorneys, with oversight from an advisory committee and a phased 5-year implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives tenants in multi-family residential buildings (excluding certain types like single-family homes or shelters) a first right to purchase their property if the owner sells due to foreclosure, short sale, or deed in lieu. To qualify, at least 51% of tenant-occupied units must form a Tenant Association. If the association meets requirements, it gets priority to buy the property before outside buyers, and the property must later be maintained as long-term affordable housing for 30 years through recorded deed restrictions. Municipalities can choose to adopt this local option.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 984) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to regulate junk fees in rental housing. Housing.

By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1794) of Michael D. Brady, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to require administrators of certain retirement plans to disclose conflicts of interest. Public Service.

Maddy summarySD 1476 requires gas companies to obtain written consent from city councils or select boards before digging in municipal streets and to share detailed project information within 30 days of a request. This directly affects municipalities (cities/towns) and gas companies, mandating disclosure of pipeline age, leaks, repair plans, and project details like street segments and safety risks. The bill also adds a requirement for gas companies to submit infrastructure repair plans to affected municipalities 3 days before department approval, allowing 90 days for municipal feedback. These provisions aim to increase transparency and local input into gas utility work while maintaining existing regulatory frameworks.