Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to provide clearer protections and information for residential property owners facing foreclosure. It requires tax purchasers to notify homeowners within 12 days of buying their tax liens, ensuring the notice includes contact details and explains the owner's rights to redeem the property. The law also mandates that notices be sent via certified mail and posted on the property in plain language, including translations in the seven most common languages spoken in the state. Additionally, the bill defines how to calculate any remaining value owed to a homeowner after a property is sold to satisfy tax debts. These changes aim to improve transparency and ensure residents understand the steps involved in tax foreclosure processes.
Rep. Natalie Higgins
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to explicitly authorize libraries to purchase and license electronic books and digital audiobooks. It directly affects a wide range of library types, including public, school, academic, and tribal libraries, by legally defining these digital formats and the companies that provide them. The legislation clarifies that "publishers" include both traditional book sellers and digital aggregators who license collections to libraries. By updating Chapter 78 of the General Laws, the bill removes potential legal barriers that might have prevented libraries from acquiring modern digital reading materials.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to better protect homeowners by clarifying how much money they might get back if their property is sold to pay off taxes. It requires government officials and private buyers of tax liens to send clear, plain-language notices in English and seven other common languages before taking legal action or selling the debt. These notices must explain the foreclosure process, how to reclaim the property, and the specific costs involved, while also defining how any leftover value from a property sale will be returned to the former owner. Additionally, the law mandates that initial tax demands for residential homes be sent via certified mail and posted publicly to ensure owners are properly informed.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts tax lien procedures to provide clearer information and protections for residential property owners facing foreclosure. It requires tax purchasers to notify homeowners within 12 days of buying their tax debt, mandating that notices be sent via certified mail, posted on the property, and written in plain English plus the seven most common languages in the state. The legislation also defines how to calculate "excess equity" for homeowners after a sale and ensures that initial tax demands include warnings about potential property loss and available assistance programs. These changes aim to improve transparency throughout the tax collection process while maintaining the state's ability to recover unpaid taxes.
By Representative Garlick of Needham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3040) of Denise C. Garlick and others relative to providing for hybrid access to public meetings. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2964) of Erika Uyterhoeven and others for legislation to reform the charitable deduction. Revenue.
By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2761) of Marjorie C. Decker, Andres X. Vargas and others relative to establishing a child and family tax credit. Revenue.
By Representative Khan of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2860) of Kay Khan, Samantha Montaño and Natalie M. Higgins for legislation to provide for credit against taxes for the costs of certain advertising campaigns that feature digitally unaltered images of human models. Revenue.
By Representative Driscoll of Milton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3025) of William J. Driscoll, Jr., and others relative to remote access for public bodies and town meetings. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2762) of Marjorie C. Decker, Andres X. Vargas and others relative to the earned income tax credit. Revenue.