Rep. Mike Connolly

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the automatic ban on voting for people convicted of felonies in Massachusetts. By deleting specific language from state election laws, it allows individuals who have served their sentences to vote again without needing a separate court order. The legislation directly affects formerly incarcerated citizens, restoring their ability to participate in elections once they are no longer in prison. The bill is written as an emergency measure to take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and regional transit authorities to create programs offering free or discounted fares to low-income riders. To establish these programs, the agencies must conduct a detailed analysis of expected ridership, revenue impacts, and costs, while also gathering public input from diverse communities. The legislation requires these authorities to submit their implementation plans and findings to state lawmakers by October 15, 2023. Additionally, the bill allows regional authorities to consider offering completely free fares if that option proves more cost-effective than a means-tested approach.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide housing goal to build 427,000 new units in Massachusetts by 2040, with specific targets for affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. It requires the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to submit annual reports detailing progress on these goals, including data on market-rate units, accessibility features, senior housing, foreign property purchases, and short-term rentals. Additionally, the bill adds a definition for "bus station" to clarify that it refers to a building with walls and a foundation at the intersection of bus lines, excluding simple shelters.

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.

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.

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 establishes a statewide housing goal to build 427,000 new units in Massachusetts by 2040, with specific targets for affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. It requires the state housing secretary to report annually on progress toward these goals, including details on unit types, accessibility, and foreign property purchases. Additionally, the bill mandates that zoning laws allow high-density, mixed-use housing near transit hubs without minimum parking requirements, provided that at least 10% to 15% of the units are set aside for lower-income households.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal option for Massachusetts municipalities to allow tenants to have the first opportunity to buy their rental homes if those homes are being sold due to foreclosure or other financial transactions. Under the proposed law, a tenant association representing at least 51% of the occupied units would be formed to negotiate a purchase directly with the property owner, provided the new owner commits to keeping the housing affordable for at least thirty years. The legislation defines specific terms such as "Housing Accommodation" and "Long-Term Affordable Housing" to ensure clarity and sets strict criteria for which properties and organizations can participate in this process. Ultimately, the bill empowers local communities to decide whether to implement this tenant protection measure, aiming to prevent displacement and maintain affordable housing stock.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to fund the development of mixed-income social housing, directly affecting local and regional housing authorities and residents seeking affordable homes. It authorizes the Massachusetts Housing Finance Authority to issue $100 million in taxable bonds to establish a revolving loan fund that provides financial assistance for these projects. The legislation mandates that funded developments maintain public ownership, include a significant portion of below-market rent units for at least 99 years, and meet strict energy efficiency standards by excluding new gas hookups. Additionally, the program gives priority to projects that do not rely on existing Low Income Housing Tax Credits or tax-exempt volume caps.