2023-24 Priorities

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Top Priority 2023-24 Legislative Session

HB3252 / SB2006 – An Act to Promote Yes in My Backyard

Sponsors: Rep. Andres Vargas (D) & Rep. Kevin Honan (D) / Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)

As its name suggests, this comprehensive bill will increase housing opportunities in every city and town in Massachusetts by:

Establishing a statewide housing production goal of 427,000 new units by 2040, 85,400 of which will be income restricted.
Requiring multi-family zoning and removing costly parking mandates around public transportation and other suitable locations throughout the state
Legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as of right statewide
Creating a streamlined process for turning vacant land and commercial properties into multi-family housing
Prioritizing the disposition of state-owned land for affordable housing
Allowing communities to adopt inclusionary zoning ordinances so long as they do not overly restrict housing development
Restricting the ability of municipalities to adopt septic regulations that limit housing development

Thank you to the following coalition partners who are supporting HB1379 / SB858 – An Act to Promote Yes in My Backyard: Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), Community TeamWork, Embrace Boston, Mass Climate Action Network, Mothers Out Front, Metro Housing Boston, Dorchester Growing Together, Central MA Housing Alliance Inc., Walk Massachusetts, Progressive MA, Black Economic Council of MA and Cambridge City Council Members.

Additional Legislative Priorities

H.4138 – The Affordable Homes Act

Authorizes $4 billion in capital spending for public housing, existing housing production and preservation programs, and new housing programs
Legalizes accessory dwelling units in all single-family zoning districts
AHMA’s press release on the Affordable Homes Act

H.2894/S.1799 – An Act providing for climate change adaptation infrastructure and affordable housing investments in the Commonwealth

Raises the Deeds Excise Tax from $4.56 per $1,000 of value to $9.12 per $1,000 to generate an additional $300 million in revenue to be split evenly between affordable housing and climate resilience programs

H.241/S.131 – An Act encouraging smart growth and starter home zoning adoption

Doubles incentive payments for municipalities who create smart growth zoning districts through Chapter 40R of the Mass. General Laws

H.1428/S.898 – An Act codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program

Codifies the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program into state law and lowers the voucher holder’s rental payments from 40% to 30% of monthly income
Transcript of AHMA’s testimony in support of H.1428/S.898

H.1359/S.897 – An Act allowing movable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units

Establishes a definition of a tiny house and legalizes them where single-family homes are allowed

H.1295/S.859 – An Act promoting fair housing by preventing discrimination against affordable housing

Establishes a definition of discriminatory land use practices and prohibits the practice thereof against affordable housing or housing designed for families with children

S.854 – An Act establishing a special commission to study racial segregation in housing and public schools

Creates a committee with the purpose of making policy recommendations to: (i) combat the causes of housing segregation and increase racial integration in cities and towns; (ii) eliminate or significantly reduce inter-district and intra-district racial segregation, including at the school and classroom level; and (iii) to promote, as part of school integration plans, the development of racially inclusive school climates.

H.1690/S.956 – An Act promoting housing opportunity and mobility through eviction sealing (HOMES)

Authorizes any person having a court record of a no-fault eviction on file to petition the court to seal the court record
Transcript of AHMA’s testimony in support of H.1690/S.896

H.1350/S.880 – An Act to guarantee a tenant’s first right of refusal

Allows municipalities the option of providing tenants in multi-family buildings the right to match a third-party offer when their homes are being sold. Tenants may designate their rights to a non-profit or local housing authority, or partner with an affordable housing purchaser.

H.1731/S.864 – An Act promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts

Establishes a Right-To-Counsel program to ensure legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction proceedings.
Transcript of AHMA’s testimony in support of H.1731/S.864