Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to offer a property tax credit to landlords who rent their small, unsubsidized apartment buildings at rates below local market limits. To qualify, landlords must rent units to low-income individuals, seniors, or families with young children, and they can receive a credit of up to $2,000 per unit, limited to six units total. Local governments can also choose to provide an additional property tax exemption for these properties, with the specific amount determined by the municipality. The program is designed to encourage affordable housing without mandating specific rent prices or tenant selection criteria, leaving the details of implementation to local communities.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2969) of Andres X. Vargas and Patrick M. O'Connor relative to providing for a local option tax credit for certain landlords. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to simplify the process for obtaining housing permits, directly impacting developers, contractors, and local government officials involved in construction. The legislation seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles by streamlining the steps required to approve new housing projects. By making the permitting system more efficient, the bill intends to accelerate the start of residential building work. The measure has already been concurred upon by the House and is currently being studied alongside a related order.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax incentive for businesses in Massachusetts that conduct research within the state. It allows eligible companies to claim an additional tax credit equal to the amount their current research spending exceeds a specific baseline, which is calculated as their average research expenses over the previous five years plus 50%. The credit is capped at 50% of the taxpayer's tax liability and can be carried forward for up to five years if not fully used. Furthermore, the legislation ensures that a company's tax bill cannot be reduced below the amount it paid in the prior year, and it outlines how these credits are applied within corporate groups filing combined returns.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a tax credit to help individuals offset the costs of commuting. It would directly affect workers who incur expenses for daily travel to and from their jobs. The key mechanism involves allowing taxpayers to claim a specific financial deduction on their income tax returns. The legislation is currently in the early stages of review and has been referred to the Revenue committee for further study.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the amount of rent that tenants can deduct from their taxable income. It directly affects individuals who pay rent and file state income taxes, aiming to reduce their overall tax liability. The legislation would adjust the specific dollar limit or percentage allowed for this deduction within the state's revenue code. As a procedural step, the bill was referred to the Revenue Committee for review and a hearing was scheduled to discuss its details.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new affordable housing projects funded by Low Income Housing Tax Credits to obtain green building certification starting in 2023. Developers must achieve third-party ratings under the LEED system or equivalent standards for energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The Department of Housing and Community Development will update its allocation rules to enforce these requirements and must publish data on the energy and water performance of these buildings after they are occupied.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow Massachusetts taxpayers to deduct 50% of their tuition payments for public colleges and universities from their state income taxes. The deduction applies only to costs paid by the taxpayer or their dependents and excludes any money already received through scholarships, grants, or financial aid. It specifically restricts the benefit to public institutions of higher education and prevents individuals from claiming both this new deduction and another existing education-related deduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts municipalities to count up to half of their manufactured home residents as income-eligible households when calculating affordable housing inventory. By including these units in official counts, towns can potentially qualify for more state funding and certification under their affordable housing plans, even if the actual income of those residents is not considered. The legislation requires local officials to submit accurate data on the number of manufactured homes to the state Department of Housing and Economic Development, which must then include these units in its calculations. Local leaders have 90 days to create regulations implementing these changes after the law takes effect.