Sen. Jamie Eldridge

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to help families, youth, and adults avoid homelessness by providing cash assistance for rent and utility bills before a crisis occurs. It targets households earning at or below 50% of the area median income who face risks like eviction or utility shut-offs, with at least half of the funds reserved for those earning less than 30% of the area median income. The program allows eligible individuals to receive up to 12 months of financial support for past-due and future housing costs, even if they have not yet received official legal notices from landlords or utility companies. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to submit an annual report detailing application statistics and demographic data to ensure transparency.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill creates a new Alternative Housing Voucher Program to help low-income adults with disabilities afford rental housing. It establishes a system where the state provides mobile and project-based vouchers to households where the head is between 18 and 62 years old and earns no more than 80 percent of the area's median income. Under the program, recipients must pay at least 25 percent of their net income toward rent, and the state sets voucher amounts based on factors like household size and location. The legislation also removes an existing legal provision regarding housing regulations to make way for this new initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to create a centralized, searchable database containing detailed information about subsidized housing units across the state. The data will be made available to local municipalities, state agencies, and other public entities and will include specifics such as the total number of units, income restrictions, unit sizes, and the expiration dates of affordability periods. By mandating that this information be updated at least annually and formatted for machine reading and screen readers, the legislation aims to improve transparency and allow local governments better access to existing housing inventory.

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 requires that on public construction projects in Massachusetts costing over one million dollars, a specific percentage of work hours be performed by apprentices in approved training programs. The law mandates that five percent of these hours be done by apprentices six months after the bill passes, increasing to ten percent after one year, and reaching fifteen percent after two years. It applies to contractors and subcontractors who hire hourly workers for projects where prevailing wage rules are in effect. The goal is to create more opportunities for skilled workers to learn their trades while working on state-funded projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state housing department to create a centralized, machine-readable database containing detailed information about subsidized housing developments across Massachusetts. The data collected will include the total number of units, income restrictions, bedroom and bathroom counts, square footage, and specific locations for both new and existing projects. Municipalities, state agencies, and other public entities will have access to this information to better understand the housing landscape, with the database required to be updated at least once per year. The changes take effect on December 31, 2025, and will repeal an existing subsection of the relevant housing chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to give local community development corporations and other eligible nonprofit groups the right to purchase foreclosed multi-family buildings before they are sold to banks or auctioned. It directly affects lenders, property owners, and community organizations by requiring them to offer these properties to qualified local groups first, provided the groups can match the highest bid received. The legislation defines specific types of organizations that qualify, such as tenant associations and housing authorities, and mandates that any purchase must be used for long-term affordable housing with recorded restrictions. By creating this priority purchase option, the bill aims to keep multi-family residential properties in the hands of local entities dedicated to preserving or creating affordable housing opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that on construction projects in Massachusetts exceeding one million dollars, a specific percentage of work hours be performed by apprentices in approved training programs. The law mandates that contractors and subcontractors follow a phased schedule where 5% of hours are done by apprentices six months after the bill passes, increasing to 10% after one year, and reaching 15% after two years. These requirements apply to all trades subject to prevailing wage laws and must comply with existing apprentice ratios set by relevant license boards. The legislation aims to create a more skilled workforce by ensuring larger public and private projects integrate more trainees into their operations.

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 establishes a formal legal framework for supported decision-making, allowing adults to voluntarily enter into written agreements with trusted supporters to help them make life decisions without losing their legal autonomy. It mandates that the state create a training program for supporters and decision-makers covering their rights, obligations, and dispute resolution processes. Additionally, the bill requires schools to inform students with disabilities and their families about this option as an alternative to guardianship when the students turn sixteen. By adding supported decision-making agreements to existing guardianship laws, the legislation aims to provide a flexible, self-determined way for adults to receive assistance while retaining control over their own lives.