Tracking List: 23_24 JtR10 Reports


HB60 (HD3263) - An Act establishing the Massachusetts Information Privacy and Security Act
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Carey (D)
Summary: Enacts a new Chapter 93M into the General Laws, entitled The Massachusetts Information Privacy and Security Act. The new act creates a great many definitions related to types of information, and applies generally to personal information processed by businesses, where the business (1) had annual global gross revenues in excess of 25,000,000 dollars; or (2) is a data broker; or (3) processed the personal information of not less than 100,000 individuals, (excluding info processed solely for payments transactions). Governmental agencies and entities are generally not subject to the act. Personal information is to be (1) processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to the individual and in compliance with this chapter; (2) collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes; (3) processed in a manner that is adequate, relevant and limited to what is reasonably necessary in relation to the purposes for which it is processed; (4) maintained in a manner such that the information is accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date; (5) maintained in a form which permits identification of individuals for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal information is processed; and (6) processed in a manner that ensures that the information remains appropriately secure. In addition, there are provisions relative to privacy notifications, for how to opt out of the sale of personal information and targeted advertising, the rights of consumers to access and transport personal information, and the right to delete and correct personal information. The bill establishes both a private right of action, and also gives the Attorney General enforcement powers.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/13/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB83
HB63 (HD3053) - An Act to protect biometric information
Sponsor: Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D)
Summary: Adds a new GL Chapter 93M (Privacy Protections for Biometric Information) prohibiting any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, or another group from collecting or using information or data that pertains to measurable biological or behavioral characteristics of an individual unless it first obtain consent from the individual, makes its biometric privacy policy available; requires notice of disclosure to the individual if ordered to produce biometric information by court order; requires annual reports to the Attorney General; provides for private enforcement and enforcement by Attorney General.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/13/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB83
HB69 (HD2256) - An Act establishing a special commission on blockchain and cryptocurrency
Sponsor: Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D)
Summary: Establishes a special commission tasked with developing recommendations to expand the cryptocurrency industry and the use of blockchain technology in the Commonwealth.
Status: Rules
Last Action:
03/25/2024 
H - Discharged and referred to House Committee on Rules
HB83 (HD2281) - An Act to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act
Sponsor: Rep. Andres Vargas (D)
Summary: Establishes a new Chapter 93L in the General Laws, Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act. The new chapter defines a large number of items which constitute data that the holders of data must protect. It establishes that the holder of data may not collect, process, or transfer covered data unless the collection, processing, or transfer is limited to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate to carry out one of a number of specific purposes, especially to provide or maintain a specific product or service requested by the individual to whom the data pertains.  The chapter also establishes that there are categories of sensitive data, such as social security numbers, to which extra restrictions apply.  The act also establishes certain “consent practices” which govern how and under what circumstances the holder of data must get the consent of the individual to whom the data pertains. Among other things, the request for affirmative consent should be provided to the individual in a clear and conspicuous standalone disclosure made through the primary medium used to offer the covered entity’s product or service.  In addition, the holder of data may not retaliate against an individual for exercising any of the rights guaranteed by the chapter, by raising the price, refusing to conduct business, or engaging in other punitive actions.  A covered entity may not engage in targeted advertising to any individual if the covered entity has knowledge that the individual is a covered minor. An individual may enforce their rights privately in the courts. In addition, the Attorney General may engage in enforcement actions to enforce the provisions of the chapter. NOTE: There already is a GL Chapter 93L, Student Loan Servicers.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/13/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4632
View comparison to substituted version
HB184 (HD1892) - An Act relative to financial literacy
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Hunt (D)
Summary: Amends GL 18:2 relative to Comprehensive Financial Assistance Program within the Department of Transitional Assistance by adding a requirement that DCF also provide “financial literacy” along with health, mental health, educational, correctional and employment services for persons who are unable to provide such services for themselves.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
02/15/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB228 (HD3803) - An Act to promote downtown vitality
Sponsor: Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral (D)
Summary: Adds new provisions to GL c. 10 (State Treasurer) to establish a Downtown Vitality Fund on the books of the Commonwealth, to be funded through a dedicated remote retailers sales tax revenue amount. The fund is to be used to provide grants to establish and maintain district management entities in commercial areas, support small business districts in Gateway Cities and other low-income areas, expand entrepreneurship opportunities among underrepresented communities, strengthen cultural identity and prevent cultural displacement, and encourage a local match set at a level commensurate with the strength of the local market economy. 
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/28/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4677
View comparison to substituted version
HB277 (HD1262) - An Act to protect innovation and entrepreneurship in the Commonwealth
Sponsor: Rep. Edward F. Coppinger (D)
Summary: Adds a new GL Chapter 93L entitled "Bad Faith Assertions of Patent Infringement," intended to prohibit the assertion of bad faith patent infringement claims; defines facts relevant to whether patent infringement claims are in bad faith, including whether a demand letter contains the patent number and specific areas of infringement, whether or not a thorough comparative analysis between products is completed, whether the demand letter requires payment or response in a short amount of time, or whether the letter falsely states a lawsuit has been filed; defines facts relevant to whether a patent infringement claim was filed in good faith, including a substantial investment in the patent and a good faith effort to demonstrate the infringement and negotiate an appropriate remedy; authorizes damages of at least $50,000 and order reimbursement to the Commonwealth and restitution to the victim.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB281 (HD3727) - An Act relative to the security of personal financial information
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Day (D)
Summary: Amends GL Chapter 93H relative to electronic data security breaches by rewriting substantial portions of the chapter; requires a store or other entity that caused a data breach to reimburse the financial institution that issued any credit cards of access devices for the costs of reasonable actions undertaken by the financial institution as a result of the breach in order to protect the information of its cardholders; these reasonable actions include the cancellation or reissuance of cards, the closure and reopening of any deposit, transaction, share draft, or other accounts affected by the breach, stop payments or block transactions, any refund to a cardholder to cover the cost of any unauthorized transaction relating to the breach; and the notification of cardholders affected by the breach. Provides that a business that maintains procedures for responding to a breach of security pursuant to federal laws, rules, regulations, guidance, or guidelines, is deemed to be in compliance with this chapter if the person notifies affected Massachusetts residents in accordance with the maintained or required procedures when a breach occurs; the notice to be provided to customers is to include the consumers right to obtain a police report, how a consumer requests a security freeze, and any fees required to be paid to any of the consumer reporting agencies.
Status: Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
Last Action:
08/05/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 12/31/2024)
HB326 (HD545) - An Act to prohibit negative option sales and disclosure of financial and personal information without a consumer’s express agreement
Sponsor: Rep. Steven S. Howitt (R)
Summary: Adds three new sections to GL Chapter 93 that prohibit negative option sales and disclosure of financial and personal information without a consumer's express agreement; this applies especially to trial offers under which a consumer is required to act affirmatively to avoid incurring a future financial obligation as a result of accepting the offer, so that no trial offers may be made unless certain conditions, including clear and conspicuous information regarding the terms of the trial offer prior to acceptance, have been met; sellers will be required to inform the consumer, prior to acceptance, of the specific steps by which the consumer may cancel the agreement; prohibits a financial institution from disclosing any financial or personal information relating to a customer and requires financial institutions to adopt reasonable procedures to assure compliance.
Status: Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
Last Action:
08/05/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 12/31/2024)
HB344 (HD1907) - An Act creating a maximum allowable check-cashing rate
Sponsor: Rep. Kay Khan (D)
Summary: Amends various provisions relative to the licensing of check cashers; increases the maximum fine imposed for violation of existing laws related to check cashing from five hundred dollars to one thousand dollars; adds a new Section 14 to GL Chapter 169A, which imposes maximum permissible fees charged by check cashers; limits service charges to one dollar plus a percentage of the check, according to check issuer; designates a maximum percentage of 2.5 percent for government issued checks, 2.25 percent for payroll checks, 5 percent up to five dollars for personal checks and 3 percent for all other payment instruments, including checks, drafts, and money orders; prohibits charging more than five dollars for initial customer account setup.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB346 (HD2404) - An Act relative to motor vehicle financial protection products
Sponsor: Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne (D)
Summary: Enacts a new Chapter 93E into the General Laws, entitled Motor Vehicle Financial Protection Products. the new chapter outlines the requirements for offering motor vehicle financial protection products, establishing  that such products can be offered, sold, or given to consumers in compliance with the chapter. The extension of credit or the terms of a motor vehicle sale or lease cannot be conditioned upon the purchase of these products, although they can be discounted or given at no charge in connection with non-credit related goods or services. Establishes that the obligations under a debt waiver remain with the finance agreement even if it is assigned or transferred. A creditor offering a debt waiver must report sales and forward funds to designated parties. Coverage under insurance policies for debt waivers must be specified, and the policies must state the obligation of the insurer to reimburse the creditor for amounts waived under the debt waiver. The cancellation or termination of an insurance policy does not reduce the insurer's responsibility for debt waivers issued before the cancellation. Debt waivers must be disclosed in writing, providing information about the parties involved, purchase price, cancellation policies, refund procedures, and the condition that their purchase cannot be a requirement for credit extension or motor vehicle sale/lease. Providers of vehicle value protection agreements must meet certain requirements, including insuring agreements, maintaining reserve accounts or financial security deposits, or demonstrating adequate net worth. Vehicle value protection agreements must disclose information similar to debt waivers, and cancellation terms and refund calculations must be provided. Commercial vehicle value protection agreements are exempt from some requirements. Finally, the chapter grants enforcement powers to the Commissioner of Banks, who can issue orders, impose penalties for violations, and take necessary action to protect consumers. It includes a severability clause and states that motor vehicle financial protection products are not considered insurance. The chapter's provisions take effect upon passage and apply to products effective 180 days from the effective date, without requiring changes to existing debt waivers or vehicle value protection agreements.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
07/29/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4925
View comparison to substituted version
HB357 (HD3698) - An Act protecting reproductive health access, LGBTQ lives, religious liberty, and freedom of movement by banning the sale of cell phone location information
Sponsor: Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D)
Summary: Prohibits collection and sale of information derived from a device, with or without the knowledge of the user, that directly or indirectly reveals the present or past geographical location of an individual or device within the commonwealth with sufficient precision to identify street-level location information within a range of 1,850 feet or less; establishes certain permissible purposes as exceptions to that general prohibition; establishes private right of action for enforcement and prohibits retaliation; directs AG's office to adopt regulations for enforcement; takes effect one year after enactment.
Status: Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
Last Action:
08/05/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 12/31/2024)
HB425 (HD1768) - An Act to ensure equitable representation of required parent advisory councils to school committees
Sponsor: Rep. James Arciero (D)
Summary: Requires school districts to support English Language Learner Parent Advisory Councils and Special Education Parent Advisory Councils by providing an ex-officio, nonvoting seat on the school committee to representatives from the school district’s ELLPAC and SEPAC, without the right to attend executive sessions unless such right is expressly granted by the district's school committee; provides that representatives shall serve without compensation.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/30/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4681
View comparison to substituted version
HB449 (HD528) - An Act clarifying the rights of employees in education collaboratives
Sponsor: Rep. Josh S. Cutler (D)
Summary: Amends GL 40:4E, the statute governing Educational Collaboratives, to extend the laws governing tenure, dismissal, demotion, suspension and salary reductions of teachers and other public school employees to employees of education collaboratives.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/30/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB425
HB632 (HD191) - An Act establishing a commission to study the financial abuse of elders
Sponsor: Rep. Hannah Kane (R)
Summary: Establishes a commission to study the financial abuse of elders in the Commonwealth; and directs the commission to file a report with policy recommendations to prevent the financial abuse of elders by December 31, 2021. 
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
01/25/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB929 (HD1108) - An Act establishing uniform safeguards and public protections for consumers conducting bank transactions at automated teller machines
Sponsor: Rep. Bruce J. Ayers (D)
Summary: Amends GL 167B:1, the statute governing definitions relating to electronic branches, to provide minimum lighting requirements, including at the electronic branch and the surrounding area; adds a new Section 25 to GL Chapter 167B to provide that surveillance cameras must be operated and maintained to record all persons entering, exiting, and moving around ATM facilities and the recordings kept for at least 30 days; provides further requirements for ATM facilities to enhance safety; establishes a special commission comprised of 15 members to study the feasibility of the requirements in this section and submit a report to the Governor and the joint committee on banks and banking; provides penalties for violations of this section.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
02/22/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB931 (HD1140) - An Act relative to an investigation to review flood insurance rates
Sponsor: Rep. Bruce J. Ayers (D)
Summary: Amends GL Chapter 175A, the Casualty and Surety Rate Regulatory Law, to require the Commissioner of Insurance to conduct an investigation every two years to determine how flood insurance rates are set by the National Flood Insurance program and to make suggestions for changes to ensure the rates are not excessive. The Commission is to use the findings to measure the reasonableness of the flood insurance rates and make suggestions for action by Congress and FEMA.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
02/22/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB933 (HD1199) - An Act providing mortgage customers additional mandatory information regarding their accounts
Sponsor: Rep. Bruce J. Ayers (D)
Summary: Adds new section 17 to GL Chapter 167E, requiring banks and lending institutions to issue monthly statements to their mortgage loan customers. 
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB935 (HD2900) - An Act relative to an investigation of flood insurance by the attorney general
Sponsor: Rep. Bruce J. Ayers (D)
Summary: Amends GL 12:11F (Attorney General - insurance companies and intervention in proceedings) by authorizing the Attorney General to intervene in cases involving the national flood insurance program, including those related to the setting of rates, prices, and charges, the promulgation of municipal flood insurance rate maps, and the administration of flood insurance claims.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
02/22/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB938 (HD2317) - An Act relative to breast cancer screening and early detection
Sponsor: Rep. Ruth B. Balser (D)
Summary: Adds new provisions to various health insurance related statutes that requires that any health insurance policy that provides medical expense coverage for screening mammograms is also to provide coverage for diagnostic examinations for breast cancer and for digital breast tomosynthesis screening and medically necessary and appropriate screening with breast magnetic resonance imaging or breast ultrasound on a basis not less favorable than screening mammograms that are covered as medical benefits. such a policy is not to require preauthorization prior to medically necessary diagnostic imaging for an annual breast cancer screening. These provisions are to apply in parallel to Group Insurance (GL Chapter 32A), Medicaid (GL Chapter 118E), health insurance indemnity plans (GL Chapter 175), Non-profit Hospital Service Corporations (GL Chapter 176A), Medical Service Corporations (GL Chapter 176B), and Health Maintenance Organizations (GL Chapter 176G).
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
03/28/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB4410
HB958 (HD1819) - An Act relative to certain loans by the federal home loan bank
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Cahill (D)
Summary: Adds new provisions to GL c.175 (Insurance) with respect to the rights of a federal home loan bank. In particular, the bill establishes that  No person can be prevented from exercising or enforcing any right or cause of action under any agreement or arrangement involving a federal home loan bank for more than ten days; No receiver, rehabilitator, liquidator, or any other person can avoid any transfer of money or property arising from an agreement or arrangement with a federal home loan bank, regardless of whether it was made before or after a delinquency proceeding; A federal home loan bank must repurchase any outstanding capital stock of an insurer-member that exceeds the required minimum investment within seven days of receiving a redemption request, provided that the repurchase is permissible under federal laws and regulations and consistent with the bank's capital stock practices; Within ten days of the appointment of a receiver, rehabilitator, or liquidator in a proceeding involving an insurer-member of a federal home loan bank, the bank must provide a process and timeline for the release of collateral, repayment of loans, payment of fees, and redemption or repurchase of stock as agreed upon by the parties; The federal home loan bank must offer available options for an insurer-member to renew or restructure a loan upon the request of a receiver, rehabilitator, or liquidator, taking into account market conditions, loan terms, bank policies, and applicable laws and regulations. Please note that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts cannot regulate the behaviors of a federal institution under the federal preemption doctrine.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/24/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4905
View comparison to substituted version
HB974 (HD2844) - An Act to protect consumers by further defining subprime loans
Sponsor: Rep. Tackey Chan (D)
Summary: Amends GL 184:17B ½, exempting a first-time home loan that is a Qualified Mortgage from this section as of January 1, 2022. 
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
02/22/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB998 (HD2719) - An Act to encourage retirement planning
Sponsor: Rep. Paul J. Donato (D)
Summary: Adds a new section in GL c. 10 (Department of the State Treasurer) that establishes and regulates the Massachusetts Secure Choice Savings Program Act, with both a savings fund and an administrative fund. In particular: Requires the savings fund to be administered and controlled by a seven person board; Establishes and regulates the membership and operation of the board; Directs the board to ensure that the program focuses on participation, savings, sound investment practices, ease of use, efficient enrollment and portability; Regulates investment option under the program; Directs the board to evaluate different investment options and hire qualified parties, including investment managers, financial institutions and auditors, to run the program and fund; Requires the Board to distribute information about the program to eligible employers; Requires employers to establish a payroll system for employee contributions and to automatically enroll employees who do not opt out of the program; Regulates employee options for participation; Requires annual audited financial reports by the board; Imposes penalties on employers who fail to enroll employees in the program; and Details administrative requirements for implementation of the program. Please note that this substantive bill is substantially similar to but not identical to HB996.
Status: Financial Services
Last Action:
08/29/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
HB1013 (HD159) - An Act regarding cervical cancer and women's preventative health
Sponsor: Rep. William C. Galvin (D)
Summary: Amends various provisions of the General Laws to direct insurers to provide coverage for cytological screenings and HPV screenings with no cost sharing to the member.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
04/18/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB1033 (HD1503) - An Act to strengthen the state credit union charter
Sponsor: Rep. Patricia A. Haddad (D)
Summary: Amends sections of GL 167I (Bank mergers and acquisitions) and GL 171 (Credit unions) to permit 1 or more mutual banks or subsidiary banking institutions and any 1 or more credit unions to merge or consolidate into a single credit union, and also to permit 1 or more credit unions to merge or consolidate with 1 or more savings banks, co-operative banks or subsidiary banking institutions; sets out rules and procedures for such mergers or consolidations.
Status: Financial Services
Last Action:
07/01/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 07/31/2024)
HB1049 (HD1900) - An Act protecting consumers' privacy in mortgage applications
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Hunt (D)
Summary: Adds new section 70 to GL Chapter 183, outlining unfair and deceptive acts in the solicitation of a consumer for a mortgage loan during which the solicitation is based on information contained in a mortgage trigger lead. 
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/28/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB1078 (HD1443) - An Act making changes to certain references in the banking laws of the Commonwealth
Sponsor: Rep. John Lawn, Jr. (D)
Summary: This highly technical bill makes various changes to the banking laws in the commonwealth, including those related to supervision of banks, electronic branches and fund transfers, bank locations, mortgages and loans, mutual holding companies, corporate bank transactions, mergers, consolidations and purchase of assets and conversions, corporate governance, and savings banks; in particular, this bill changes references to cooperative banks in stock form, savings banks in stock form, and modifies language referring to banks and banking to financial services; the bill additionally modifies the process for corporate bank mergers and consolidations.  
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB1086 (HD1651) - An Act expanding the use of video and telephone conferencing
Sponsor: Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D)
Summary: Amends GL 167E:7A and GL 171:65C1/2 (Reverse mortgage loans) to allow the required counseling relative to the appropriateness of the loan transaction to take place by synchronous real-time video conference or by telephone, as well as in person.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB1101 (HD1318) - An Act regarding credit card surcharging
Sponsor: Rep. James M. Murphy (D)
Summary: Amends GL 140D:28A, prohibiting the imposition of a surcharge in any sales transaction during which a customer elects to use a credit card instead of cash or check; establishes a special commission to study the future of payments and file its findings by March 1, 2024. 
Status: Rules
Last Action:
05/06/2024 
H - Discharged and referred to House Committee on Rules
HB1105 (HD2541) - An Act establishing uniform enforcement and confidentiality provisions relative to certain licensees under the jurisdiction of the Division of Banks
Sponsor: Rep. James M. Murphy (D)
Summary: Establishes uniform confidentiality and enforcement provisions relative to certain licensees under the jurisdiction of the Division of Banks, including check cashers & money order agents, institutions engaging in foreign deposit transmissions, insurance premium finance agencies, mortgage lenders, institutions engaging in motor vehicle installment sales or retail installment sales and services, institutions engaging in small loans business, and third party loan servicers. For all of these kinds of institutions the bill enacts relatively parallel provisions, to establish, for example, that each day that a license violation occurs or continues will be deemed to be a separate offense; That the Commissioner of Banks has the power to investigate complaints, but that the Commissioner will be required to preserve a full record of each examination of a licensee, including a statement of its condition; That records of investigations and reports of examinations are to be confidential and privileged communications, not subject to subpoena, and not designated a public record; That the Commissioner has the power to issue summons as part of an investigation; That the refusal to appear, without justifiable cause, to cooperate with a summons may subject a person to a misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000 or by imprisonment for up to year; That the Commissioner of Banks to issue a cease and desist order when he or she concludes, after a hearing, that a licensee has engaged in or is about to engage in an unlawful act or practice; That the Commissioner is to suspend or revoke a license if the Commissioner finds violations of law or finds that any fact or condition exists which, if it had existed at the time of the original application for the license, would have warranted the Commissioner in refusing to issue the license; That no revocation, suspension or surrender of a license will impair the obligation of any pre-existing lawful contract. Also strikes certain parallel provisions, including those that require that a copy of a license be prominently displayed in the place of business; That a license is only valid for one year; That a license may not be transferred or assigned; That certain financial institutions must deposit a surety bond, cash or securities of $100,000 with the State Treasurer. Clarifies that certain types of financial institutions, such as a sales finance company, also includes a national banking association, federal savings bank, federal savings and loan association, federal credit union, or any bank, trust company, savings bank, savings and loan association or credit union organized under the laws of any other state of the United States, or any subsidiary of the above.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
04/03/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB1106 (HD2543) - An Act relative to the regulation of money transmission by the Division of Banks
Sponsor: Rep. James M. Murphy (D)
Summary: This voluminous 48 page bill strikes out the entirety of GL c.169 (Receipts of Deposits for Transmittal to Foreign Countries) and replaces it with an entirely new Chapter 169B (The Money Transmission Act). This new act appears to harmonize the rules on money transfers with federal rules and the rules in other states and jurisdictions. The Act defines many new terms, like “acting in concert,” “authorized delegate,” “average daily money transmission liability,” and so forth. In particular, the bill: Establishes that a person may not engage in the business of money transmission or advertise, solicit, or hold itself out as providing money transmission unless the person is licensed under this chapter, and sets forth the various licensing requirements for doing business under the chapter; Sets forth a number of exceptions to where the Act does not apply, such as payments system operators, entities appointed as agents of payees, intermediaries processing payments, and more; Details the authority of the Commissioner of Banks to administer, interpret, and enforce the chapter, to enter into agreements, use analytical systems, accept reports, and impose fees; It also outlines the confidentiality of certain information and records, with some exceptions; Authorizes the commissioner to participate in multistate supervisory processes, cooperate with other regulators, and share information; The Commissioner is authorized to implement licensing provisions consistently with other states and may participate in nationwide protocols for licensing cooperation; Authorizes the Commissioner to establish relationships with entities like NMLS for record-keeping, coordination, processing fees, and communication; Establishes that persons seeking to acquire control of a licensee must file a notice with the Commissioner; who is authorized to investigate acquisitions of control to ensure they meet requirements; Establishes that licensees must maintain a tangible net worth that is the greater of $100,000 or a percentage of their total assets, with the required percentages vary based on the total assets held: 3% of total assets for the first $100 million; 2% of additional assets for $100 million to $1 billion; 0.5% of additional assets for over $1 billion; Establishes that applicants for a money transmission license and licensees must maintain a security bond, and that the amount of the bond is determined based on a formula that considers the licensee's average daily money transmission liability; Lists various permissible investments, including cash, certificates of deposit, U.S. obligations, standby letters of credit, and more; Establishes various other requirements related to banking and money transfers.
Status: Steering, Policy & Scheduling
Last Action:
07/10/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4840
View comparison to substituted version
HB1107 (HD682) - An Act relative to fairness in debt collection
Sponsor: Rep. Tram Nguyen (D)
Summary: Adds a new Chapter 93L, establishing a comprehensive framework for the collection of consumer debt, known as the Debt Collection Fairness Act; establishes formula ensuring protection of wages in collection efforts; exempts weekly wages that are less than ninety times the federal or state minimum wage from garnishment or attachment; in cases where weekly wages are more than such amount, prohibits collection of more than 10% of the excess under attachment or garnishment; requires prioritization of attachments in the order they are received; exempts attachments under orders for divorce, maintenance or child support from the limitations; prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against employees with garnishment orders; requires consumer debt collection efforts to begin within 4 years; requires use of a shorter statute of limitation for consumer debt collections when available in another jurisdiction; does not allow payments made to extend the statute of limitations; permits repayment agreements which are legally binding; regulates calculation of interest on successful consumer debt collection efforts; prohibits collection of costs and legal fees in excess of 15% of the amount of the debt; defines violations of laws pertaining to collection of consumer debt as unfair business practices; regulates the application of statutes of limitations to debts that accrued before January 1, 2021.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/26/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4429
View comparison to substituted version
HB1112 (HD3379) - An Act relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code
Sponsor: Rep. Alice Hanlon Peisch (D)
Summary: This bill, consisting of 89 printed pages and 194 sections, essentially comprise the 2022 updates to the Uniform Commercial Code. The sponsoring organizations of the UCC — the Uniform Law Commission and the  American Law Institute — adopted significant amendments in 2022 to deal with consensual transactions involving digital assets. Most significantly, the 2022 amendments add a new Article 12, which governs transactions in a subset of digital assets called “controllable electronic records” and they revised Article 9 by clarifying how a secured party perfects a security interest in digital assets and ensures that its security interest has priority. In addition, the Code provides new rules for mixed transactions involving both goods and services, updates the rules for electronic negotiable instruments, updates terminology to account for electronic signatures and documents, and makes many technical and grammatical changes, including adopting gender-neutral language.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB1129 (HD99) - An Act relative to the remediation of home heating oil releases
Sponsor: Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D)
Summary: Raises from $50,000 to $75,000 the minimum first-party property insurance coverage insurers must offer for remediation of home heating oil releases and raises from $200,000 to $250,000 the minimum third-party liability coverage for such claims.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB1162 (HD3914) - An Act for a right of first refusal for foreclosed property (Foreclosure TOPA)
Sponsor: Rep. Christopher Worrell (D)
Summary: Amends GL Chapter 184 (General Provisions Relative to Real Property) to add language that a Plan D or Plan E municipality may adopt an ordinance or by-law that essentially offers those municipalities or regional CDCs the right of first refusal when certain landlords get offers on their units. It is especially designed to deal with “short sales” (when a financially distressed owner for less than they owe on a mortgage). In particular, in any municipality that adopts these provisions where an owner intends to offer for sale a “housing accommodation” — defined as a building containing not less than 6 units rented for dwelling purposes — must notify (1) the municipality and the housing authority for the municipality, (2) each tenant and (3) the community development corporation for the region in which the units are located within 14 days of receiving an offer to purchase.  A municipality, housing authority, community development corporation or  eligible organization may, within 40 days of receipt of the notice, submit an offer to the owner to purchase the units. Failure to submit a timely offer will constitute an irrevocable waiver of the right to purchase. No owner may unreasonably refuse to enter into, or unreasonably delay the execution or closing on a purchase contract with a municipality, housing authority, community development corporation or eligible organization that has made a bona fide offer to meet the price and substantially equivalent terms and conditions.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
08/15/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB1304 (HD3922) - An Act enabling local options for tenant protections
Sponsor: Rep. Mike Connolly (D)
Summary: Strikes out  Chapter 40P, the Massachusetts Rent Control Prohibition Act, enacted by the voters as an initiative petition in 1994, and replaces it with a new GL c.40P, entitled Tenant Protection Act. The new chapter is intended to provide municipalities with local options for rent stabilization, just cause eviction protections, condominium conversion ordinances, and other tenant protections. In particular: Establishes that cities or towns may adopt these provisions at local option, and authorizes cities and towns to regulate the rent and eviction of tenants in multi-family housing and provide for reasonable exemptions; Establishes that may provide for “fair return standards” for the regulation of rent (not defined); Establishes that a city or town that accepts these provisions may provide “just cause” protections, and that will not be allowed to recover a leased unit within both multi-family housing and residential dwellings unless a court makes one of nine specific findings, including: The lessee has failed to pay the rent; The lessee has violated c.93A; The lessee is committing or permitting a nuisance to exist; The lessee has used or permitted a leased unit to be used for any illegal purposes; The lessee has refused an extension or renewal of a lease at a rate that exceeds the CPI; The lessee has refused the lessor reasonable access to make necessary repairs or improvements required by law; The person holding at the end of a lease term is a sublessee not approved by the lessor; The lessor seeks to recover possession of a leased unit for their own personal use or that of family members; The lessor seeks to recover possession for any other just cause. Enacts the following additional provisions: Allows municipalities to regulate the conversion of housing to condominium or cooperative forms; Specifies the maximum rent for regulated rental units based on the rent charged 12 months prior to acceptance of this section; Permits cities or towns to regulate deposits and non-refundable move-in fees; Specifies installment payment options for a tenant's last month's rent and security deposit; Allows cities or towns to implement or exempt provisions of the chapter in distinct anti-displacement zones; Permits community organizations to petition for the establishment of anti-displacement zones.
Status: Housing
Last Action:
09/09/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
HB1308 (HD3851) - An Act relative to the use of credit reporting in housing
Sponsor: Rep. Manny Cruz (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 59C to GL Chapter 93 (Consumer protections) to restrict use of credit reports in screening tenants; requires that landlords seeking credit reports obtain consent of tenant, disclose reasons for seeking report to tenant and do not require tenants to pay any related charges.  
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB1350 (HD3645) - An Act to guarantee a tenant's first right of refusal
Sponsor: Rep. Jay D. Livingstone (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 21A to GL Chapter 184 (General Provisions Relative to Real Property) that generally offer tenant associations the right of first refusal to seek to purchase a building in case the building is sold or being foreclosed upon. This is to apply generally to buildings involving more than four units and buildings that are not owner occupied. Certain kinds of units, including a group residence, homeless shelter, lodging house, orphanage, temporary dwelling structure or transitional housing are excluded from the reach of the law. In general, tenant associations may act within 51% approval of the association, and may designate various entities to act on their behalf. In particular, a municipality may adopt, at local option, rules and regulations under which the owner of a residential building must notify the municipality and each Tenant household of  the owner's intention to sell, after which a tenant association with the minimum tenant participation may select a successor entity to with the intent to purchase the property. The owner must give the selected entity an opportunity to purchase the property within designated time periods. The bill also includes provisions intended to prevent short sales for qualifying units, and provisions intended to allow tenant associations to make an offer when a qualifying building is about to be foreclosed.  The owner of a building may not take any action to evict, threaten, coerce, or retaliate against one or more tenants in order to avoid application of these provisions; aggrieved tenants, tenant associations, designees, successors, assignees, and municipalities may seek damages under Chapter 93A on their own behalf, or seek enforcement through the Attorney General.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
08/15/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB1368 (HD2752) - An Act setting a housing production goal for the Commonwealth
Sponsor: Rep. David M. Rogers (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 68 to GL Chapter 23A, establishing a statewide goal of producing 427,000 new units of housing in Massachusetts by 2040; requires the goal to include 85,400 units of housing created by 2040 that are affordable to households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income, with at least 8,500 of these affordable units for households earning less than 30 percent of the Area Median Income; requires the secretary of housing and economic development to file annual reports detailing housing created in the listed categories, including units for individuals over 55, market rate units, units for people with disabilities and more. 
Status: Reported favorably by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/08/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 04/18/2024)
HB1374 (HD3676) - An Act relative to residential assistance for families in transition (RAFT)
Sponsor: Rep. Priscila Sousa (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 31 to GL Chapter 23B, codifying the program of Rental Assistance for Families in Transition in new section 31 of GL23B; specifies eligibility standards and funding priorities for program; establishes annual reporting requirements for DHCD; provides that records of assistance provided are public records with the exception of the identities of tenants and subtenants.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
08/12/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB1380 (HD1179) - An Act establishing a first-time home buyers bill of rights
Sponsor: Rep. Thomas Walsh (D)
Summary: Requires any anyone entering into an agreement or facilitating an agreement for the sale or conveyance of residential real estate including, but not limited to a real estate agent, real estate broker or salesperson, to provide the prospective purchaser with a copy of the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency homebuyers’ guide; exempts sales that don’t include a real estate agent, broker or salesperson from such requirement; imposes a fine of up $100 for failure to provide the guide to prospective purchasers; additionally requires mortgage brokers to provide the guide to mortgage applicants prior to obtaining a credit report; directs the MHFA to create a homebuyers’ guide for residential homebuyers with basic information to consider when purchasing a home.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
08/08/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB1382 (HD614) - An Act relative to reducing damage caused by the current foreclosure crisis in the historic districts of Massachusetts
Sponsor: Rep. Bud Williams (D)
Summary: Creates a Historic District Stabilization Committee as non-profit corporation; authorizes to procure by eminent domain any real estate or real estate related property interest including, but not limited to, mortgages and tax obligation; undertakes a methodical study of the Historic District Community and real estate market to measure the economic capacity of likely home buyers and the Historic District.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
09/09/2024 
H - Ordered to a third reading
HB1404 (HD3467) - An Act protecting homeowners from unnecessary foreclosures
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Cahill (D)
Summary: Amends GL 244:35C (Creditor actions in violation of chapter) to add provisions to establish that in all circumstances in which an entity with a tax-exempt filing status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code obtains from a person acquiring or re-acquiring a residential property any mortgage, note, or security instrument encumbering such residential property, that entity will not be liable for monetary relief, injunctive relief, or other equitable relief at common law or under GL Chapter 93A, 140D, 183C, and GL 271:49.
Status: Judiciary
Last Action:
07/01/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 07/31/2024)
HB1434 (HD340) - An Act reducing barriers to employment through credit discrimination
Sponsor: Rep. Josh S. Cutler (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 51B to GL Chapter 93 to regulate the use of credit reports by employers; prohibits persons from using credit reports for the purpose of employment screening or hiring decisions (except when required by federal or state law); prohibits the employer from retaliating against complaints or requesting a waiver of the law; provides that violations of the law are unfair practices under GL Chapter 93A.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
05/06/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
HB1648 (HD2618) - An Act relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Trust Decanting Act
Sponsor: Rep. Jay D. Livingstone (D)
Summary: Submits the Uniform Trust Decanting Act for enactment in the commonwealth; the Uniform Trust Decanting Act, authored by the Uniform Law Commission, has been adopted in 8 states as of 9/5/19, and is under consideration in Massachusetts; the uniform law provides methods for reforming and modernizing an existing irrevocable trust; decanting is used to distribute assets from one trust to another, and allows greater flexibility to address unforeseen circumstances; the UTDA allows a trustee to modify irrevocable trusts within reasonable limits that are consistent with the settlors original intent; prohibits any decanting that defeat charitable or tax-related goals of the settlor; additionally modifies the Massachusetts uniform probate code (GL Chapter 203E) to harmonize definitions found in the UTDA; provides for implementation of the UTDA effective January 1, 2020. 
Status: Judiciary
Last Action:
07/01/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 07/31/2024)
HB1690 (HD3625) - An Act promoting housing opportunity and mobility through eviction sealing (HOMES)
Sponsor: Rep. Michael J. Moran (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 15 to GL Chapter 239 (Summary Process for Possession of Land) that authorizes any person having a court record of a no-fault eviction on file in a court to petition the court to seal the court record at any time after the conclusion of the action; within 4 years for any person having a court record in an eviction action for non-payment of rent; and within 7 years for any person having a court record of a fault eviction on file, or any person having a court judgment against them for violations of GL 139:19 (Voiding of lease of tenant using premises for common nuisance). These provisions will not prohibit the dissemination of information contained in a sealed record (1) for the collection of a money judgment; (2) to pursue a criminal investigation; (3) to pursue a criminal prosecution; or (4) where information in the sealed record was entered into evidence in a criminal prosecution that resulted in a criminal charge. A consumer reporting agency may not disclose the existence of a sealed eviction record, with very limited exceptions.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/12/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4356
View comparison to substituted version
HB1716 (HD3382) - An Act relative to the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act
Sponsor: Rep. Alice Hanlon Peisch (D)
Summary: Amends the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act promulgated by the ULC in 2014 by, among other things, rename the Act as the 'Uniform Voidable Transactions Act', and substituting the word 'voidable' for 'fraudulent' throughout the Act (to clarify that the elements of common law fraud need not be proven in order for the Act to provide a remedy). The amendments also provide uniform burdens and standards of proof for an action under the Act and a choice of law rule and would clarify certain defenses to actions under the Act. (Similar legislation has been enacted by nineteen States.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
08/05/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4984
View comparison to substituted version
HB1841 (HD1657) - An Act protecting wages of employees who receive wages through an electronic wage card
Sponsor: Rep. Tackey Chan (D)
Summary: Amends GL 149:148 relative to the bi-weekly payment of wages by adding provisions that establish that any employer paying wages by payroll card account must provide the employee with the ability to make at least one withdrawal from the payroll card account in each pay period, but not more frequently than once per week, without charge, for any amount up to the full wage. Any fees associated with usage of the card after the card's initial transaction must be disclosed in advance to the employee, except for 3rd party fees not within control of the employer. Employees who receive wages by credit to a payroll card account must be provided with a means of checking their payroll card account balances, either, through an automated telephone system, or online through the use of the Internet, without cost, irrespective of the number of inquiries made.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB1873 (HD3051) - An Act preventing a dystopian work environment
Sponsor: Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D)
Summary: Adds new GL chapter 149B to govern collection, use and sale by employers of worker data, including electronic monitoring data and use of automated decision systems to act on data collected; establishes fines for violations.
Status: Labor & Workforce Development
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
HB1886 (HD764) - An Act protecting an employee's right to rebuttal of personnel records
Sponsor: Rep. Kenneth I. Gordon (D)
Summary: Authorizes the Attorney General to file complaints against employers for failure to notify employees of negative information included in their personnel file, and for failing to provide the employee an opportunity to review and rebut the information.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/07/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of SB1156
HB1931 (HD337) - An Act relative to employee wage payment
Sponsor: Rep. Francisco Paulino (D)
Summary: Amends GL 149:148 (Payment of employee wages) to allow employers additional means of paying such wages, including by payroll card; provides that no employer costs of using payroll card may be passed along to employees; imposes notice requirements on employers who offer option of payroll card payments of wages.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/16/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB1841
HB2504 (HD3725) - An Act to mandate the review of climate risk in order to protect public pension beneficiaries and taxpayers
Sponsor: Rep. Mindy Domb (D)
Summary: Establishes a Climate Risk Investment Review Committee to study and recommend divestment of public pension funds from fossil fuels and actively managed investment funds with fossil fuel investments; prohibits the acquisition of such investments directly or indirectly through actively managed funds.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4819
View comparison to substituted version
HB2515 (HD2669) - An Act authorizing independent retirement systems to divest from fossil fuel companies
Sponsor: Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D)
Summary: Authorizes any independent retirement system to, in accordance with the statutorily prescribed procurement process for that system, divest from any investment in fossil fuel companies; further authorizes the board of an independent retirement system to invest in index funds or other investment vehicles that may not include fossil fuel companies; defines fossil fuel companies and independent retirement systems.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/18/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB2727 (HD2672) - An Act encouraging home ownership by establishing a first time home buyers savings account
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Carey (D)
Summary: Establishes a new income tax deduction for amounts deposited into a first-time home buyer savings account under GL 62:5E; limits the annual deduction amounts to $5,000 for individual returns and $10,000 for joint returns; allows aggregate exemptions up to $50,000 over 15 years; regulates the designation of accounts as first-time home buyer savings accounts by April 15 of the following year, and the determination of qualified beneficiaries; requires use of the funds for eligible costs related to the purchase of a single family home to qualify for the tax deduction; imposes both taxes on deposits and penalties for use of the funds for other purposes; directs the department of revenue to establish forms for both financial institutions and designation of beneficiaries under these accounts.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/21/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB2747 (HD2857) - An Act granting a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing
Sponsor: Rep. Mike Connolly (D)
Summary: Establishes that a city or town that has created a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund may impose a fee upon the transfer of any real property interest, and may establish different transfer fees for categories of properties, defined by the tax classification and the value of a property. The fee must be between .5% and 2% of the purchase price. The city or town will have the authority to designate whether the transfer fee is to be borne by the purchaser, the seller or how it will be allocated between the two.  Exemptions form the transfer fee are to include transfers for less than $1,000,000 in communities where median home prices are under $750,000; transfers made as gifts with consideration less than $100; transfers to the government of the United States, the Commonwealth and any of their instrumentalities; distributions by the trustees of a trust to the beneficiaries of such trust; transfers between family members; transfers to first-time homebuyers; and several other enumerated situations.
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
HB2788 (HD4013) - An Act empowering cities and towns to impose a mansion fee to support affordable housing
Sponsor: Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D)
Summary: Adds new section to GL 44 (Municipal finance) to allow municipalities by local option to impose a transfer tax on any real property interest situated in the city or town of not more than 2 per cent of the portion of the purchase price exceeding $1,000,000, to be deposited in the city or town’s Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; sets out exemptions from fee and procedures for collection of fee; provides that fee sunsets after a 5-year term unless the municipality votes to extend it.
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
HB2793 (HD3016) - An Act relative to real estate transfer fees and senior property tax relief
Sponsor: Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley (D)
Summary: Authorizes the city of Boston to impose a real estate transfer fee of up to 2% on that portion of the sale of real property that exceeds $2 million in order to support the creation of affordable housing.   
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
HB2817 (HD237) - An Act updating interest rates for property tax abatements
Sponsor: Rep. Kenneth I. Gordon (D)
Summary: Amends GL 59:64 (Property tax abatement appeals) and GL 59:69 (Reimbursements) to increase the rate of interest to be paid on successful abatements from eight per cent to a rate equal to the federal funds rate as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on July 1 of the applicable fiscal year.
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
HB2853 (HD184) - An Act allowing for the deduction of business interest
Sponsor: Rep. Hannah Kane (R)
Summary: Amends various provisions related to the application of the Internal Revenue Code to the Massachusetts income tax code (GL Chapter 62); requires application of the Internal Revenue Code as amended and in effect for the taxable year, instead of the 2005 Internal Revenue Code, for the listed sections, including those pertaining to ABLE accounts for the benefit of disabled children, Coverdell education savings accounts, and taxation of income related to income earned through foreign controlled corporations; prohibits application of IRC section 163(j) limiting deduction of business interest to Massachusetts tax law. Further amends application of the IRC to the Massachusetts corporate income tax laws (GL Chapter 63), by requiring application of the IRC as amended an in effect for tax years beginning before January 1, 2018 for provisions related to limiting deduction of business interest, limitations on carryovers in corporate acquisitions and limitations on net operating loss carryforwards.  Implements changes in tax treatment for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. 
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/21/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB2879 (HD2293) - An Act authorizing a local affordable housing surcharge
Sponsor: Rep. Jay D. Livingstone (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 44C to GL Chapter 44B allowing municipalities to impose an affordable housing surcharge on real estate in amounts up to 2 percent of the real estate tax levied; conditions implementation upon a two-thirds vote of the appropriating committee and acceptance by voters on the next ballot; exempts  taxpayers receiving real estate tax exemptions or abatements from payment of the surcharge; allows municipalities to adopt the listed exemptions specifically related to the surcharge; regulates application for the additional exemption, as well as assessment and collection of the surcharge. 
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
HB2883 (HD3216) - An Act relative to the improvement in the process for collecting delinquent municipal property taxes
Sponsor: Rep. John J. Mahoney (D)
Summary: Amends various provisions of GL Chapter 60 (Collection of Local Taxes) related to tax receivables (the right to receive payment of local taxes assessed and due), real estate takings for nonpayment, maintenance of such property and conveyance of tax titles. In particular: imposes a $30 fee for any registry recordings relating to tax titles and takings; limits the purchase of tax receivables to licensed debt collectors; expands mandatory content included in notice provided by tax purchasers, including the projected date for filing foreclosure on the property, that the tax title was sold to a third party, the reason for the taking and redemption rights and process, including amounts due to redeem, and possibility of sale at auction if the property is not redeemed; authorizes and regulates the ability of a third party to collect foreclosure expenses as part of a redemption; requires including any foreclosure expenses in redemption notice provided to a consumer; and allows redemption for up to one year. In addition, regulates foreclosure proceedings if the owner fails to redeem the property; allocates foreclosure proceeds above and beyond reasonable expenses, by assigning 1/3 to the tax purchaser up to $50,000, with equal division of the rest between the municipality and the owner; repeals provisions authorizing the arrest of individuals for non-payment of municipal taxes; amends provisions related to the management and sale of land acquired for non-payment of taxes and tax taking notice by applying these new notice requirements; extends the terms of redemption repayment agreements from five years to ten years; requires the agreements to require an initial payment of at least 25%, unless the redeemer is over the age of 60 or has a primary income from disability benefits; reduces the initial payment in such cases to 10%.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/09/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB2937
HB2885 (HD2675) - An Act relative to clarifying property tax exemptions for solar and wind systems
Sponsor: Rep. Christopher M. Markey (D)
Summary: Rewrites the solar energy tax credit (as set forth in GL 59:5 ¶45th), first by requiring that the solar unit be capable of providing up to 125% of the electricity needs of the household in question, and second by requiring that solar or wind-powered systems are not to be exempt unless the owner has made payments to the municipality where the system is located in lieu of taxes in accordance with an executed agreement. Establishes the provisions under which a municipality may execute such an agreement; establishes that an exemption is to be for not more than 20 years from the date of installation; requires the house owner to make certain annual declarations under oath; and establishes certain exemptions.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/21/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB2907 (HD624) - An Act relative to providing better notices and protections in the process for collecting delinquent property taxes
Sponsor: Rep. Tram Nguyen (D)
Summary: Modifies various provisions related to the sale, transfer and execution of tax titles; amends GL 60:2C (assignment or transfer of tax receivables) by requiring purchasers or services to provide notice to taxpayers and local or regional councils on aging, as well as municipalities, within 12 days; establishes the format and content of uniform notice approved by the attorney general and provided to taxpayers; requires the notice to include if a foreclosure is pending, that the tax title was sold to a third party, and the reason for the tax taking; repeals language regulating notice before arresting a landowner for failure to pay real estate taxes; requires use of such uniform notice prior to the sale of land or goods for nonpayment of taxes under GL 60:16 and upon sale or transfer of tax titles from a municipality to a third party, under GL 60:53; additionally increases the duration of notice of sale or transfer of tax titles from 14 days to 30 days; increases the permissible maximum time for agreements to redeem a tax title from five years to ten years; allows the waiver of up to 75 percent of taxes due if the property is used as a primary residence by someone over the age of 60 or receives their primary income from disability benefits; increases the right of redemption from 6 months to 12 months.  
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/09/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB2937
HB2937 (HD81) - An Act relative to tax deeds and protecting equity for homeowners facing foreclosure
Sponsor: Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D)
Summary: Amends GL 60:53 (Taking of real property for failure to pay taxes) to require an adjudication by the Land Court before a municipality may take a property for failure to pay taxes.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/09/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4624
View comparison to substituted version
HB2997 (HD3891) - An Act relative to public procurement and inclusive entrepreneurship
Sponsor: Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral (D)
Summary: This document outlines several amendments to various sections of Massachusetts state laws aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracts, particularly for underutilized businesses, minority-owned businesses, and women-owned businesses. In particular: Amends a section related to annual reports to include an analysis of economic development funds provided to minority-owned businesses, and further amends the same section to update the information required in annual reports, including reports on patents, technical assistance, and the share of funding provided to minority-owned businesses; Establishes the requirement for the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to develop a comprehensive economic development policy that considers racial and ethnic disparities and outlines how initiatives will reduce these disparities; Requires major anchor institutions (hospitals and universities) to report their supplier diversity goals and efforts regarding certified minority-owned businesses; Ensures that data required by the Division of Banks is collected from lending institutions before depositing cash reserves to eligible institutions; Requires the Division of Banks to collect small business lending data, analyze its impact on minority borrowers, and report this information annually; Requires appointive boards and commissions to adopt policies promoting racial and ethnic diversity in their memberships, report specific information, and track and measure progress; Introduces provisions related to underutilized bidders, sheltered market programs, and the certification of businesses for participation in such programs; Introduces a prompt payment program for subcontractors and outlines procedures for ensuring timely payments; Establishes an underutilized business subcontracting program to increase participation of underutilized businesses in public construction projects; Allows for the splitting of contracts to make public projects more accessible to underutilized micro-businesses.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/11/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB3024 (HD2451) - An Act relative to making amendments to the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act
Sponsor: Rep. Paul J. Donato (D)
Summary: Amends numerous sections of GL 156A (Business Corporations), making in many cases rather technical amendments, including substituting 'shares' for the term 'stocks,' adding 'series' to 'classes,' by establishing that the directors, president, treasurer and secretary named in the articles of organization are to be the initial directors, president, treasurer and secretary', and by making many other technical changes in what is permitted to be part of the Articles of Organization.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB3241 (HD2340) - An Act to preserve space for the creative economy
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Cahill (D)
Summary: Establishes and regulates the operation of an office of career technical education within the department of elementary and secondary education, and under the supervision and management of the deputy commissioner of career technical education; directs the commissioner of DESE to appoint the deputy commissioner; directs the deputy commissioner to improve and maximize career technical education throughout the commonwealth, including ensuring the enforcement of regulations relative to certificates of occupational proficiency; further directs the office to develop credentials for graduating career technical education (CTE) students that measure career readiness through skill assessments; requires the office to work with regional workforce boards to determine labor market needs in their region and actively promote and facilitate the introduction of CTE programs that align with regional demand; directs DESE to establish a 2 year pilot program to incentivize collaboration between schools with vocational programs (GL Chapter 74) and those without, to ensure access for all students; establishes and regulates the membership and operation of the CTE Funding Commission, to study funding options for career technical education programs. 
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/06/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of SB530
HB3421 (HD657) - An Act relative to motor vehicle leasing parity
Sponsor: Rep. Aaron Saunders (D)
Summary: Amends various provisions relative to the rights of consumers of leased vehicles; grants motor vehicle lessees the right to void a lease agreement within 7 days if the motor vehicle fails to pass an inspection if the repairs exceed 10 percent of total amounts due and payable under the agreement; additionally requires motor vehicle leases to include express written warranties covering the full cost of both parts and labor necessary to repair any defect that impairs the said used motor vehicle's safety or use; requires the warranty terms to be equivalent to those required for motor vehicle sales; prohibits motor vehicle dealers from assessing or representing the value of a motor vehicle in a lease agreement as greater than that advertised or otherwise represented as the purchase price; directs the commissioner of banks to establish regulations and uniform procedures for disclosures made to consumers prior to entering into lease agreements; requires compliance with the federal Consumer Leasing Act; limits default actions to material events consisting of failure to make payments or those substantially impacting the value of the vehicle; regulates notice provided to consumers of leased vehicles in default actions; allows creditors to take possession of the vehicle in cases of default; regulates the repossession process.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/07/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of SB2284
HB3772 (HD2349) - An Act relative to the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation
Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Cahill (D)
Summary: This bill is a complete rewrite of the 1961 session law that created the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation (SL 1961:294). The bill amends the constitution of the Corporation, the purpose of which is to create and maintain a fund for the insurance of shares and deposits of members of the Central Credit Union Fund, Inc. and credit unions established under specific laws. In particular: Establishes that an "Excess member" as an inactive member, federally chartered credit union, or state-chartered credit union whose excess shares and deposits become insured by the corporation; Removes the requirement that the credit union should be located within the commonwealth; Specifies that an excess member can only have its excess shares and deposits insured up to the maximum limitations applicable to Massachusetts state-chartered credit unions; Specifies additional requirements and provisions for excess members, including the submission of examination reports and other information, supervision and examination by the commissioner, approval for mergers, consolidations, and branch office establishment, and the existence of agreements with primary insurers and other regulators; Mandates that the board of directors of the corporation must meet at least quarterly, and a majority of the directors present will constitute a quorum; Grants the corporation the authority, through a vote of the board of directors, to borrow money and pledge its assets as security from members and others; Declares that the corporation will be considered an organization member of credit unions within the meaning of GL c.171; Allows the corporation, with a 2/3 vote of its board of directors and proper risk management policies and procedures in place, to apply to the commissioner for permission to make investments not specifically mentioned in the section; Specifies the maximum percentage of assets the corporation can invest in such investments and allows the use of investment advisers; Gives the commissioner the authority to impose conditions, limitations, and modify the corporation's investment authority; States that one or more mutual banks or subsidiary banking institutions, along with one or more credit unions, can merge or consolidate into a single credit union upon approval by the boards and written approval from the commissioner; Makes additional changes to the existing law regulating the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/23/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4658
View comparison to substituted version
HB4124 (HD4451) - An Act protecting seniors and adults with disabilities from financial exploitation
Sponsor: Rep. James M. Murphy (D)
Summary: Adds a new Chapter 110I to the General Laws, entitled Financial Exploitation of Seniors and Adults with Disabilities. Under the chapter, “adult protective services agency” is any office, division, department, or unit in the Commonwealth that is charged with the investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elder adults or a disabled person, as defined in GL c.19C; a “qualified individual” means any agent, investment adviser representative, bank employee, or person who serves in a supervisory, compliance, or legal capacity for a financial institution. The Secretary of State is to have supervisory power over the chapter. In particular the new chapter: Mandates that qualified individuals report suspected financial exploitation of eligible adults to the Secretary and relevant adult protective services agencies; Details the necessary information in the report, including the names and addresses of the eligible adult and caretaker, the nature of the injury or condition, and any other pertinent details; Allows qualified individuals to notify designated third parties if financial exploitation is suspected, except when the third party is suspected of exploitation; Permits financial institutions to delay disbursements or transactions when exploitation is suspected, requiring them to notify all authorized parties and conduct internal reviews; the delay authorization expires after a specified period unless extended by court order; Mandates that financial institutions provide relevant records related to financial exploitation to the Secretary, adult protective services, or law enforcement during investigations;  Confirms that the Secretary's authority to access and examine financial records of broker-dealers or investment advisers remains intact; Offers immunity to qualified individuals who, in good faith and exercising reasonable care, comply with the chapter's provisions, while clarifying that this immunity doesn't protect individuals involved in financial exploitation;  Allows eligible adults or their representatives to file civil claims for damages if financial exploitation occurs.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
04/04/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4138 (HD4634) - An Act known as the Affordable Homes Act
Sponsor: Governor Maura Healey (D)
Summary: Submits the Governor’s housing bond bill, appropriating roughly $4.12 billion across a variety of programs to promote the production and rehabilitation of Massachusetts housing stock, with a particular emphasis on public and affordable housing — highlights include $1.5 billion for rehabilitation of state-aided public housing, including hazardous materials abatement and decarbonization efforts; $800 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing production by private developers, and a variety of programs to assist first time home-buyers;  $425 million for grants and loans through the Housing Stabilization and Investment Trust Fund for the preservation, construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing in line with a variety of environmental and sustainability standards; $200 million for the Housing Innovations Trust Fund to support the production and retention of alternative forms of rental and ownership housing; and $275 million for green housing initiatives.  Additionally, the outside sections would allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single family zoning districts; establish a local option real estate transfer fee of between .5% to 2% to support local affordable housing efforts, limited to the portion of the sale over the greater of $1 million or the county median home sales price; direct EOHLC to develop and implement a comprehensive housing plan at least every 5 years; create an Office of Fair Housing and an associated trust fund to support enforcement efforts; allow for the sealing of eviction records; establish a new Homeowner Production Tax Credit, and make the existing Community Investment Tax Credit permanent; allow for the sale or lease of surplus state property to facilitate housing development; and establish special commissions on senior and age friendly housing, and on housing for those with extremely low incomes.  For more information, view our section-by-section summary.   
Status: Steering, Policy & Scheduling
Last Action:
06/05/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4707
View comparison to substituted version
HB4152 (HD4617) - An Act relative to modernizing Chapter 115
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Kushmerek (D)
Summary: This omnibus legislation, comprising 34 sections and 46 printed pages, makes many amendments to GL c. 115 (Veterans' Benefits), GL c.115A (Soldiers' Homes) and GL c.115B (Office of the Veteran Advocate). Most of these amendments appear to be technical in nature, such as making language gender-neutral, updating certain definitions, and updating certain procedures in accordance with changes in United States Code and other forms of practice, procedure, or regulation. Several other things that are addressed in the legislation include: Shortening time standards for hearing decisions; Having a common application for benefits;  Dealing with veterans who may have an “other than honorable discharge” because of discrimination against people who are LGBTQ.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
05/09/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4356 - An Act promoting housing opportunity and mobility through eviction sealing (HOMES)
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Judiciary
Summary: Adds provisions that aim to provide a process for sealing court records related to eviction actions, while also ensuring privacy protections and regulating the use of such information by consumer reporting agencies and in application screening processes. In particular: Establishes that individuals with court records of no-fault evictions may petition the court to seal those records after the conclusion of the action, subject to certain conditions; Similar provisions exist for court records related to eviction actions for non-payment of rent and fault evictions; Establishes procedures for parties to file notices of satisfaction of judgments or agreements in eviction actions for non-payment of rent; Establishes that courts may process petitions administratively without a hearing or waive requirements under certain circumstances, if deemed in the interest of justice and public safety; Establishes that sealed records may be made available for specific purposes upon motion and for good cause shown, subject to the court's discretion; Consumer reporting agencies are restricted from disclosing sealed court records or using them in consumer reports unless they were available for inspection with the court within a specified timeframe; Makes technical corrections to other laws to harmonize them with these new provisions. New draft of HB1690. The new draft is a complete rewrite of the previous bill.
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - House Session - 07/10/2024, 11:00 AM - Formal Session (House Session), House Chamber
HB4359 - An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Judiciary
Summary: Amends GL 6:220 (Facial recognition searches) to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology. As rewritten the section now provides that it is unlawful — absent express authorization — for a law enforcement agency or officer to acquire, possess, access, use, assist with the use of or provide resources for the development or use of any biometric surveillance technology. No information obtained in violation of this section will be admissible in any criminal, civil, administrative or other proceeding. in addition, it will be unlawful for a law enforcement agency of officer to use a biometric surveillance system to infer a person’s emotions or affect, or to use a biometric surveillance system to analyze moving images or video data. However, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles may acquire, possess, or use facial recognition technology to verify an individual’s identity when issuing licenses, permits or other documents; in addition, the Department of State Police may perform a facial recognition search for four enumerated purposes. These exceptions include: To execute a warrant duly authorized by a judge based on probable cause that an unidentified or unconfirmed individual in an image has committed a felony; Upon reasonable belief that an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any individual or group of people requires the performance of a facial recognition search without delay; To identify a deceased person; or On behalf of another law enforcement agency or a federal agency All persons charged with a crime who were identified using a facial recognition search must be provided notice thereof; law enforcement agencies and district attorneys must make readily available to defendants and their attorneys in criminal prosecutions all records and information pertaining to any facial recognition searches performed or requested during the course of the investigation. Each non-law enforcement public agency shall document, as a public record, each facial recognition search requested and each facial recognition search performed by its public officials and report this information quarterly to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.  New draft of HB1728. The new draft makes grammatical and technical corrections to the previous bill.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
02/12/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4410 - An Act relative to breast cancer equity and early detection
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary: Amends numerous GLs governing health insurance to mandate that carriers which provide coverage for screening mammograms also provide coverage on a similarly favorable basis for a variety of breast cancer diagnostic exams, including digital breast tomosynthesis screening, and MRI or ultrasound screening. New draft of HB1103, inserting language regarding MRI or ultrasound screening.   
Status: Steering, Policy & Scheduling
Last Action:
07/25/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4918
View comparison to substituted version
HB4624 - An Act relative to municipal tax lien procedures and protections for property owners in the Commonwealth
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary: This bill is a response to the US Supreme Court case of Tyler v. Hennepin County, 598 U.S. 631 (2023), which was  about government seizure of property for unpaid taxes, when the value of the property seized is greater than the tax debt. This has been a particular problem in Massachusetts, leading to public attention in the media. It establishes processes for handling excess equity after a municipality or purchaser of tax receivables obtains a final judgment foreclosing the right of redemption for the original owner. Key points include that (1)the judgment holder must choose to either retain or sell the property within 14 days of the final judgment; (2) if the property is to be sold, the judgment holder must market it within 120 days; (3) if not sold within one year, annual efforts must continue for up to five years, after which the property is considered retained, and an appraisal is required; (4) if retained, an appraisal for its highest and best use must be conducted within 120 days to determine excess equity, which is the amount above taxes, interest, and related fees; (5) excess equity must be paid to valid claimants who submit a claim within 18 months of receiving notice; and excess equity must be held in escrow until paid to claimants; and (6) for persons whose properties were foreclosed between May 25, 2021, and the enactment of this law can file a a retroactive claim within 12 months of the Act's passage. In addition, the bill: Defines “excess equity” as any remaining surplus amount above the taxes, interest, fees and charges of keeping, as reflected in the tax title account balance as of the date of the foreclosure judgment, and the fees, expenses, charges, and costs actually and reasonably incurred in selling or appraising the property; Expands the notices that the purchaser of a tax receivable must provide when a tax receivable is purchased, and in what languages they must be provided; Expands from 5 to 10 years the length of payment agreements between municipalities and delinquent taxpayers relative to how many years they may have to redeem parcels in tax title; Lowers from 25% to 10% that amount of an initial payment that must be made relative to agreements between municipalities and delinquent taxpayers  to redeem parcels in tax title; Gives the land court discretion to grant a motion to vacate a decree of foreclosure brought by any interested person other than the petitioner.
Status: Steering, Policy & Scheduling
Last Action:
06/26/2024 
H - New draft substituted - see HB4791
View comparison to substituted version
HB4632 - An Act establishing the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Summary: Inserts new Chapter 93M into the General Laws, to be known as the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act — the new chapter would set out a variety of restrictions on the collection, storage, use, or transfer of personal data by businesses or certain other organizations, including by: Establishing a “duty of loyalty,” restricting entities from collecting, processing, or transferring personal data beyond what is reasonably necessary to provide a variety of services; Outlining more extensive protections for particularly sensitive data, including biometric or genetic information, social security numbers, financial information, or private communications; Prohibiting the transfer of said sensitive data without an individual’s consent, except to comply with certain legal obligations; Providing for a right to access, correct, or delete an individual’s personal data held by businesses or other organizations, pending a verified request; Outlining procedures for businesses or other organizations to make disclosures to individuals regarding the intended use of their personal data, and to seek consent; Prohibiting retaliation for exercising any rights relating to management of an individual’s personal data; Restricting the collection, processing, or transferring of data in such a way that discriminates, or creates a disparate impact regarding race, gender, religion, or other protected categories; Requiring businesses or other organizations to make available their data privacy policies, as well as a means of withdrawing consent regarding the processing or transfer of an individual’s data;  Setting out enforcement mechanisms, including by authorizing the Attorney General to bring a civil action relating to mismanagement of personal data; and, Providing for the registration and oversight of “data brokers” by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
05/13/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4658 - An Act relative to Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Financial Services
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
05/23/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4677 - An Act supporting economic growth of downtowns and main streets
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
05/28/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4681 - An Act relative to special education
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Education
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
05/30/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4707 - An Act relative to the Affordable Homes Act
Sponsor: House Ways and Means
Summary: Submits the House Ways & Means version of the 'Affordable Homes Act,' originally filed by the Governor, authorizing roughly $6.2 billion in bonding to support the production and rehabilitation of Massachusetts housing stock — highlights include $2 billion for rehabilitation of state-aided public housing, including hazardous materials abatement and accessibility for those with disabilities; $1 billion for expanding the capacity of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in order to serve additional cities and towns; $800 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing production, prioritizing decarbonization and sustainability standards, as well as variety of programs to assist first time home-buyers; $425 million for grants and loans through the Housing Stabilization and Investment Trust Fund for the preservation, construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing, including for those earning 30% or less of area median income; $275 million for innovative, sustainable and green housing initiatives; $250 million for MassHousing to to capitalize a revolving Residential Production Momentum Fund to accelerate the development of mixed-income and workforce multifamily housing projects; and a variety of other initiatives.  Additionally, the outside sections would allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single family zoning districts; direct EOHLC to develop and implement a comprehensive housing plan at least every 5 years; create an Office of Fair Housing and an associated fund to support fair housing enforcement efforts; authorize seasonal communities to adopt a property tax exemption for residential properties leased and occupied on a year-round basis; establish a Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program, and an associated fund, tasked with coordinating with state agencies and nonprofits to create healthier environments for residents, including by providing grants to support housing unit habitability and lead remediation; create new tax credits to support homeownership development projects and the conversion of commercial properties for residential use; make the existing Community Investment Tax Credit permanent; and allow for the sale or lease of surplus state property to facilitate housing development.
Status: Passed in the House
Last Action:
06/06/2024 
H - Printed-as-amended version - see HB4726
View comparison to prior version
HB4726 - An Act relative to the Affordable Homes Act
Sponsor: Printed As Amended
Summary: Submits the final House version of the 'Affordable Homes Act,' originally filed by the Governor, authorizing roughly $6.5 billion in bonding to support the production and rehabilitation of Massachusetts housing stock — highlights include $2 billion for rehabilitation of state-aided public housing, including hazardous materials abatement and accessibility for those with disabilities; $1 billion for expanding the capacity of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in order to serve additional cities and towns; $800 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing production, prioritizing decarbonization and sustainability standards, as well as variety of programs to assist first time home-buyers; $425 million for grants and loans through the Housing Stabilization and Investment Trust Fund for the preservation, construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing, including for those earning 30% or less of area median income; $275 million for innovative, sustainable and green housing initiatives; $250 million for MassHousing to to capitalize a revolving Residential Production Momentum Fund to accelerate the development of mixed-income and workforce multifamily housing projects; and a variety of other initiatives.  Additionally, the outside sections would allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single family zoning districts; direct EOHLC to develop and implement a comprehensive housing plan at least every 5 years; create an Office of Fair Housing and an associated fund to support fair housing enforcement efforts; authorize seasonal communities to adopt a property tax exemption for residential properties leased and occupied on a year-round basis; establish a Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program, and an associated fund, tasked with coordinating with state agencies and nonprofits to create healthier environments for residents, including by providing grants to support housing unit habitability and lead remediation; create new tax credits to support homeownership development projects and the conversion of commercial properties for residential use; make the existing Community Investment Tax Credit permanent; and allow for the sale or lease of surplus state property to facilitate housing development. Printed as amended version of HB4707, incorporating the text of several amendments adopted by the House — the amendments clarify that language prohibiting municipalities from unreasonably restricting the development of ADUs in single-family zoning districts applies only for 1 ADU, and that a special permit would be required to develop or rent out multiple ADUs; expand the authority of the Architectural Access Board as it relates to accessibility standards, including additional requirements for multi-family buildings and public facilities; overhaul procedures for terminating a time-share; establish a right of first refusal for tenant associations prior to the sale of an eligible multi-family property; rewrite provisions governing the registration of land in land court; establish special commissions on accessibility standards, and on housing for those with extremely low incomes; double the value of the Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, and extend it through 2030; and lastly, appropriate an additional $100 million for the Middle-Income Housing Fund, as well as almost $200 million in a new item for a variety of local housing initiatives.
Status: Conference committee appointed in the House
Last Action:
08/01/2024 
H - Conference committee report submitted - see HB4977
View comparison to prior version
HB4791 - An Act relative to municipal tax lien procedures and protections for property owners in the Commonwealth
Sponsor: House Ways and Means
Summary: This bill is a response to the US Supreme Court case of Tyler v. Hennepin County, 598 U.S. 631 (2023), which was  about government seizure of property for unpaid taxes, when the value of the property seized is greater than the tax debt. This has been a particular problem in Massachusetts, leading to public attention in the media. It establishes processes for handling excess equity after a municipality or purchaser of tax receivables obtains a final judgment foreclosing the right of redemption for the original owner. Key points include that (1)the judgment holder must choose to either retain or sell the property within 14 days of the final judgment; (2) if the property is to be sold, the judgment holder must market it within 120 days; (3) if not sold within one year, annual efforts must continue for up to five years, after which the property is considered retained, and an appraisal is required; (4) if retained, an appraisal for its highest and best use must be conducted within 120 days to determine excess equity, which is the amount above taxes, interest, and related fees; (5) excess equity must be paid to valid claimants who submit a claim within 18 months of receiving notice; and excess equity must be held in escrow until paid to claimants; and (6) for persons whose properties were foreclosed between May 25, 2021, and the enactment of this law can file a a retroactive claim within 12 months of the Act's passage. In addition, the bill: Defines “excess equity” as any remaining surplus amount above the taxes, interest, fees and charges of keeping, as reflected in the tax title account balance as of the date of the foreclosure judgment, and the fees, expenses, charges, and costs actually and reasonably incurred in selling or appraising the property; Expands the notices that the purchaser of a tax receivable must provide when a tax receivable is purchased, and in what languages they must be provided; Expands from 5 to 10 years the length of payment agreements between municipalities and delinquent taxpayers relative to how many years they may have to redeem parcels in tax title; Lowers from 25% to 10% that amount of an initial payment that must be made relative to agreements between municipalities and delinquent taxpayers  to redeem parcels in tax title; Gives the land court discretion to grant a motion to vacate a decree of foreclosure brought by any interested person other than the petitioner. New draft of HB4624. The new draft makes grammatical and technical corrections to the previous bill, and makes several small adjustments: (1) including assessments for unpaid water and sewer charges and property insurance accruing from the date of foreclosure under the definition of “excess equity”; (2) authorizing a sale by public auction if it has not been sold 12 months after being listed; and (3) changing some of the procedures if a reasonable dispute arises between or among the judgment holder and any former owners, mortgagees, lienholders, heirs, or other individuals.
Status: Passed in the House
Last Action:
06/27/2024 
H - Printed-as-amended version - see HB4801
View comparison to prior version
HB4801 - An Act relative to municipal tax lien procedures and protections for property owners in the Commonwealth
Sponsor: Printed As Amended
Summary: This bill is a response to the US Supreme Court case of Tyler v. Hennepin County, 598 U.S. 631 (2023), which was  about government seizure of property for unpaid taxes, when the value of the property seized is greater than the tax debt. This has been a particular problem in Massachusetts, leading to public attention in the media. It establishes processes for handling excess equity after a municipality or purchaser of tax receivables obtains a final judgment foreclosing the right of redemption for the original owner. Key points include that (1)the judgment holder must choose to either retain or sell the property within 14 days of the final judgment; (2) if the property is to be sold, the judgment holder must market it within 120 days; (3) if not sold within one year, annual efforts must continue for up to five years, after which the property is considered retained, and an appraisal is required; (4) if retained, an appraisal for its highest and best use must be conducted within 120 days to determine excess equity, which is the amount above taxes, interest, and related fees; (5) excess equity must be paid to valid claimants who submit a claim within 18 months of receiving notice; and excess equity must be held in escrow until paid to claimants; and (6) for persons whose properties were foreclosed between May 25, 2021, and the enactment of this law can file a a retroactive claim within 12 months of the Act's passage. In addition, the bill: Defines “excess equity” as any remaining surplus amount above the taxes, interest, fees and charges of keeping, as reflected in the tax title account balance as of the date of the foreclosure judgment, and the fees, expenses, charges, and costs actually and reasonably incurred in selling or appraising the property; Expands the notices that the purchaser of a tax receivable must provide when a tax receivable is purchased, and in what languages they must be provided; Expands from 5 to 10 years the length of payment agreements between municipalities and delinquent taxpayers relative to how many years they may have to redeem parcels in tax title; Lowers from 25% to 10% that amount of an initial payment that must be made relative to agreements between municipalities and delinquent taxpayers  to redeem parcels in tax title; Gives the land court discretion to grant a motion to vacate a decree of foreclosure brought by any interested person other than the petitioner. Printed-as-amended text of HB4791. The new draft makes grammatical and technical corrections to the previous bill. The only minor difference is that the printed as amended text omits provisions which previously established that required excess equity plus any accrued interest to be paid to the claimants within 90 days of the receipt of the written claim, with certain provisos.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
06/27/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
HB4819 - An Act to mandate the review of climate risk in order to protect public pension beneficiaries and taxpayers
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Public Service
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
07/08/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4840 - An Act relative to the regulation of money transmission by the Division of Banks
Sponsor: House Committee on Ways & Means
Summary: This voluminous and highly technical 44 page bill strikes out the entirety of GL c.169 (Receipts of Deposits for Transmittal to Foreign Countries) and replaces it with an entirely new Chapter 169B (The Money Transmission Act). This new act appears to harmonize the rules on money transfers with federal rules and the rules in other states and jurisdictions. The Act defines many new terms, like “acting in concert,” “authorized delegate,” “average daily money transmission liability,” and so forth. In particular, the bill: Establishes that a person may not engage in the business of money transmission or advertise, solicit, or hold itself out as providing money transmission unless the person is licensed under this chapter, and sets forth the various licensing requirements for doing business under the chapter; Sets forth a number of exceptions to where the Act does not apply, such as payments system operators, entities appointed as agents of payees, intermediaries processing payments, and more; Details the authority of the Commissioner of Banks to administer, interpret, and enforce the chapter, to enter into agreements, use analytical systems, accept reports, and impose fees; It also outlines the confidentiality of certain information and records, with some exceptions; Authorizes the commissioner to participate in multistate supervisory processes, cooperate with other regulators, and share information; The Commissioner is authorized to implement licensing provisions consistently with other states and may participate in nationwide protocols for licensing cooperation; Authorizes the Commissioner to establish relationships with entities like NMLS for record-keeping, coordination, processing fees, and communication; Establishes that persons seeking to acquire control of a licensee must file a notice with the Commissioner; who is authorized to investigate acquisitions of control to ensure they meet requirements; Establishes that licensees must maintain a tangible net worth that is the greater of $100,000 or a percentage of their total assets, with the required percentages vary based on the total assets held: 3% of total assets for the first $100 million; 2% of additional assets for $100 million to $1 billion; 0.5% of additional assets for over $1 billion; Establishes that applicants for a money transmission license and licensees must maintain a security bond, and that the amount of the bond is determined based on a formula that considers the licensee's average daily money transmission liability; Lists various permissible investments, including cash, certificates of deposit, U.S. obligations, standby letters of credit, and more; Establishes various other requirements related to banking and money transfers. New draft of HB1106. The new draft makes grammatical and technical corrections to the previous bill
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
07/15/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
HB4905 - An Act relative to certain loans by the Federal Home Loan Bank
Sponsor: Rep. Thomas Walsh (D)
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
08/05/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
HB4918 (Chapter 231) - An Act relative to medically necessary breast screenings and exams for equity and early detection
Sponsor: House Ways and Means
Summary: Establishes that any policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance that provides medical expense coverage for screening mammograms must also provide coverage for diagnostic examinations for breast cancer, digital breast tomosynthesis screening and medically necessary and appropriate screening with breast magnetic resonance imaging or screening breast ultrasound; this must be done on a basis not less favorable than mammograms screenings; increases in patient cost-sharing are also prohibited.  In addition establishes that HSA-qualified health insurance plans (a policy of individual or group health insurance coverage that satisfies the criteria for a high-deductible health plan under 26 U.S.C. 223) are to be exempt from any prohibition on cost-sharing requirements for a covered benefit, with certain provisos. Applies these provisions to Group Insurance (GL c.32A), Medicaid (GL c.118E), health insurance indemnity plans (GL c.175), Non-profit Hospital Service Corporations (GL c.176A), Medical Service Corporations (GL c.176B), and Health Maintenance Organizations (GL c.176G). New draft of HB4410. The new draft is a substantial rewrite of the previous bill.
Status: Signed by the Governor
Last Action:
11/13/2024 
G - Signed by the Governor
HB4925 - An Act relative to motor vehicle debt waivers
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
07/29/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
HB4977 (Chapter 150) - An Act relative to the Affordable Homes Act
Sponsor: Conference Committee
Summary: Submits the final compromise version of the 'Affordable Homes Act,' authorizing roughly $5.16 billion in bonding to support the production and rehabilitation of Massachusetts housing stock — highlights include $2 billion for rehabilitation of state-aided public housing, including hazardous materials abatement and accessibility for those with disabilities; $800 million to capitalize the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing production, prioritizing decarbonization, as well as a variety of programs to assist first time home-buyers; $425 million for grants and loans through the Housing Stabilization and Investment Trust Fund for the preservation, construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing, including for those earning 30% or less of area median income; $275 million for innovative, sustainable and green housing initiatives; $200 million for grants and loans through the Housing Innovations Trust Fund; $175 million for HousingWorks infrastructure program; $100 million for the Middle-Income Housing Fund administered by MassHousing; and almost $426 million for local housing initiatives.  Additionally, the outside sections allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single family zoning districts; direct EOHLC to develop and implement a comprehensive housing plan at least every 5 years; create an Office of Fair Housing to support fair housing enforcement efforts; establish a Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program, and an associated fund, tasked with coordinating with state agencies and nonprofits to create healthier environments for residents, including by providing grants to support housing unit habitability and lead remediation; create new tax credits to support homeownership development projects and the conversion of commercial properties for residential use; allow for the sealing of eviction records; outline procedures for the sale or lease of surplus state property to facilitate housing development; rewrite provisions governing the registration of land in land court; double the value of the Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, and extend it through 2030; and create several new special commissions tasked with developing policy recommendations on affordable and healthy senior housing, housing for those with extremely low incomes, and accessibility in housing for those with disabilities. Conference report reconciling the differing versions of the housing bond bill — several noteworthy items were left out of the final language, including funding for MWRA expansion, tenant's right to purchase, a requirement that landlords pay for broker's fees, a ‘crumbling concrete’ assistance fund and stakeholder working group, among other proposals.
Status: Signed by the Governor
Last Action:
08/06/2024 
G - Signed by the Governor
HB4984 - An Act relative to the uniform voidable transactions act
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Status: Ordered to a third reading in the House
Last Action:
09/03/2024 
H - Ordered to a third reading
SB25 (SD745) - An Act establishing the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act
Sponsor: Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)
Summary: Establishes a new Chapter 93L in the General Laws, Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act. (Please note that there already is a GL c.93L, Student Loan Servicers.) The new chapter defines a large number of items which constitute data that the holders of data must protect. It establishes that the holder of data may not collect, process, or transfer covered data unless the collection, processing, or transfer is limited to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate to carry out one of a number of specific purposes, especially to provide or maintain a specific product or service requested by the individual to whom the data pertains.  The chapter also establishes that there are categories of sensitive data, such as social security numbers, to which extra restrictions apply.  The act also establishes certain "consent practices" which govern how and under what circumstances the holder of data must get the consent of the individual to whom the data pertains. Among other things, the request for affirmative consent should be provided to the individual in a clear and conspicuous standalone disclosure made through the primary medium used to offer the covered entity’s product or service.  In addition, the holder of data may not retaliate against an individual for exercising any of the rights guaranteed by the chapter, by raising the price, refusing to conduct business, or engaging in other punitive actions.  A covered entity may not engage in targeted advertising to any individual if the covered entity has knowledge that the individual is a covered minor. An individual may enforce their rights privately in the courts. In addition, the Attorney General may engage in enforcement actions to enforce the provisions of the chapter.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/09/2024 
S - New draft substituted - see SB2770
View comparison to substituted version
SB29 (SD1301) - An Act establishing a special commission on blockchain and cryptocurrency
Sponsor: Sen. Barry Finegold (D)
Summary: Establishes a special commission tasked with developing recommendations to expand the cryptocurrency industry and the use of blockchain technology in the Commonwealth.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/28/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB140 (SD1466) - An Act relative to protecting biometric information under the security breach law
Sponsor: Sen. Michael Barrett (D)
Summary: Amends GL 93H:1 to add biometric indicators to the types of personal information governed by the Department of Community Affairs and Business Regulation's regulations to safeguard against security breaches; defines biometric indicator as any unique biological attribute or measurement that can be used to authenticate the identity of an individual, including fingerprints, genetic information, iris or retina patterns, facial characteristics or hand geometry.
Status: Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
Last Action:
08/05/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 12/31/2024)
SB148 (SD1857) - An Act protecting reproductive health access, LGBTQ lives, religious liberty, and freedom of movement by banning the sale of cell phone location information
Sponsor: Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)
Summary: Prohibits collection and sale of information derived from a device, with or without the knowledge of the user, that directly or indirectly reveals the present or past geographical location of an individual or device within the commonwealth with sufficient precision to identify street-level location information within a range of 1,850 feet or less; establishes certain permissible purposes as exceptions to that general prohibition; establishes private right of action for enforcement and prohibits retaliation; directs AG's office to adopt regulations for enforcement; takes effect one year after enactment.
Status: Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
Last Action:
08/05/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 12/31/2024)
SB178 (SD162) - An Act relative to transparency in credit card fees
Sponsor: Sen. Anne Gobi (D)
Summary: Updates provisions on consumer credit cost disclosure by striking the provisions that prohibit a merchant from charging extra for credit card transactions, and replacing it with provisions that require to post a conspicuous sign about any surcharge on their premises. NOTE: The bill incorrectly amends Chapter 14D instead of Chapter 140D.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
01/29/2024 
S - New draft substituted - see SB2565
View comparison to substituted version
SB195 (SD2218) - An Act to protect personal biometric data
Sponsor: Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)
Summary: Adds new GL Chapter 93L to define personal biometric data and to govern its use and dissemination by private entities; provides for a private right of action for damages for violations of law.  
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
04/16/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB208 (SD1478) - An Act relative to motor vehicle financial protection products
Sponsor: Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)
Summary: Enacts a new Chapter 93E into the General Laws, entitled Motor Vehicle Financial Protection Products. the new chapter outlines the requirements for offering motor vehicle financial protection products, establishing  that such products can be offered, sold, or given to consumers in compliance with the chapter. The extension of credit or the terms of a motor vehicle sale or lease cannot be conditioned upon the purchase of these products, although they can be discounted or given at no charge in connection with non-credit related goods or services. Establishes that the obligations under a debt waiver remain with the finance agreement even if it is assigned or transferred. A creditor offering a debt waiver must report sales and forward funds to designated parties. Coverage under insurance policies for debt waivers must be specified, and the policies must state the obligation of the insurer to reimburse the creditor for amounts waived under the debt waiver. The cancellation or termination of an insurance policy does not reduce the insurer's responsibility for debt waivers issued before the cancellation. Debt waivers must be disclosed in writing, providing information about the parties involved, purchase price, cancellation policies, refund procedures, and the condition that their purchase cannot be a requirement for credit extension or motor vehicle sale/lease. Providers of vehicle value protection agreements must meet certain requirements, including insuring agreements, maintaining reserve accounts or financial security deposits, or demonstrating adequate net worth. Vehicle value protection agreements must disclose information similar to debt waivers, and cancellation terms and refund calculations must be provided. Commercial vehicle value protection agreements are exempt from some requirements. Finally, the chapter grants enforcement powers to the Commissioner of Banks, who can issue orders, impose penalties for violations, and take necessary action to protect consumers. It includes a severability clause and states that motor vehicle financial protection products are not considered insurance. The chapter's provisions take effect upon passage and apply to products effective 180 days from the effective date, without requiring changes to existing debt waivers or vehicle value protection agreements.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
07/29/2024 
S - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB346
SB227 (SD1971) - An Act establishing the Massachusetts Information Privacy and Security Act
Sponsor: Sen. Barry Finegold (D)
Summary: Enacts a new Chapter 93M into the General Laws, entitled The Massachusetts Information Privacy and Security Act. The new act creates a great many definitions related to types of information, and applies generally to personal information processed by businesses, where the business (1) had annual global gross revenues in excess of 25,000,000 dollars; or (2) is a data broker; or (3) processed the personal information of not less than 100,000 individuals, (excluding info processed solely for payments transactions). Governmental agencies and entities are generally not subject to the act. Personal information is to be (1) processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to the individual and in compliance with this chapter; (2) collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes; (3) processed in a manner that is adequate, relevant and limited to what is reasonably necessary in relation to the purposes for which it is processed; (4) maintained in a manner such that the information is accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date; (5) maintained in a form which permits identification of individuals for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal information is processed; and (6) processed in a manner that ensures that the information remains appropriately secure. In addition, there are provisions relative to privacy notifications, for how to opt out of the sale of personal information and targeted advertising, the rights of consumers to access and transport personal information, and the right to delete and correct personal information. The bill establishes both a private right of action, and also gives the Attorney General enforcement powers.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/13/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB83
SB240 (SD1411) - An Act relative to mental health education
Sponsor: Sen. Nicholas P. Collins (D)
Summary: Amends GL 71:3 (Physical Education) to add mental health as a required subject for all students; requires such instruction  to recognize multiple dimensions of health by including mental health, and the relationship of physical health and mental health to enhance student understanding, attitudes and behaviors that promote health, well-being and human dignity.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
04/22/2024 
S - New draft substituted - see SB2741
View comparison to substituted version
SB276 (SD1279) - An Act relative to safety and violence education for students (the SAVE Students Act)
Sponsor: Sen. Barry Finegold (D)
Summary: Amends various sections of General Law to ensure that an affordable housing deed restriction is not affected or removed by any subsequent change to the status of the property, and that the restriction lasts in perpetuity if so established; ensures that affordable deed restrictions acquired through use of municipal funds are permanent; adds provisions for deed restrictions to survive a foreclosure process.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
04/22/2024 
S - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of SB240
SB280 (SD1797) - An Act relative to student and educator data privacy
Sponsor: Sen. Barry Finegold (D)
Summary: Adds new Sections 34I-34L to GL Chapter 71, regulating the privacy of student and educator information as it relates to a specific student, teacher, principal, or administrator that enable identification of that individual; prohibits operators of Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile applications used for K-12 school purposes from engaging in targeted advertising, using information from the site or platform to create user profiles, or selling or disclosing user information; requires such operators to implement and maintain security procedures and practices to protect user information; authorizes and regulates access to such information by law enforcement; establishes private rights of action for violation of such privacy rights; require contracts for such sites and platforms to include language pertaining to privacy protections; directs the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish regulations pertaining to data security and privacy responsibilities of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and educational, including minimum required security standards for operators.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
04/08/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB614 (SD1951) - An Act reining in premiums through stronger rate review
Sponsor: Sen. John Cronin (D)
Summary: Amends provisions on the approval of health insurance policies by the Commissioner of Insurance in the chapter on Small Group Health Insurance as embodied in GL 176J:6, by establishing that the commissioner, in consultation with HPC and CHIA, is to consider whether the health insurance plans subject to the proposed rate change are affordable and whether the carrier has implemented effective strategies to enhance the affordability of its plans. In making that assessment, the Commissioner must consider an enumerated set of factors.
Status: Health Care Financing
Last Action:
03/28/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
SB624 (SD2088) - An Act to encourage retirement planning
Sponsor: Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)
Summary: Adds a new section in GL c. 10 (Department of the State Treasurer) that establishes and regulates the Massachusetts Secure Choice Savings Program Act, with both a savings fund and an administrative fund. In particular: Requires the savings fund to be administered and controlled by a seven person board; Establishes and regulates the membership and operation of the board; Directs the board to ensure that the program focuses on participation, savings, sound investment practices, ease of use, efficient enrollment and portability; Regulates investment option under the program; Directs the board to evaluate different investment options and hire qualified parties, including investment managers, financial institutions and auditors, to run the program and fund; Requires the Board to distribute information about the program to eligible employers; Requires employers to establish a payroll system for employee contributions and to automatically enroll employees who do not opt out of the program; Regulates employee options for participation; Requires annual audited financial reports by the board; Imposes penalties on employers who fail to enroll employees in the program; and Details administrative requirements for implementation of the program. Please note that this should have been drafted to enact a new chapter in the General Laws, as it has 22 “sections” inside the new section it enacts.
Status: Financial Services
Last Action:
08/29/2024 
H - Accompanied study order
SB629 (SD1222) - An Act relative to fairness in debt collection
Sponsor: Sen. James B. Eldridge (D)
Summary: Adds new Chapter 93L, establishing a comprehensive framework for the collection of consumer debt, known as the Debt Collection Fairness Act; establishes formula ensuring protection of wages in collection efforts; exempts weekly wages that are less than ninety times the federal or state minimum wage from garnishment or attachment; in cases where weekly wages are more than such amount, prohibits collection of more than 10% of the excess under attachment or garnishment; requires prioritization of attachments in the order they are received; exempts attachments under orders for divorce, maintenance or child support from the limitations; prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against employees with garnishment orders; requires consumer debt collection efforts to begin within 4 years; requires use of a shorter statute of limitation for consumer debt collections when available in another jurisdiction; does not allow payments made to extend the statute of limitations; permits repayment agreements which are legally binding; regulates calculation of interest on successful consumer debt collection efforts; prohibits collection of costs and legal fees in excess of 15% of the amount of the debt; defines violations of laws pertaining to collection of consumer debt as unfair business practices; regulates the application of statutes of limitations to debts that accrued before January 1, 2021.
Status: Reported favorably as amended by Joint Committee
Last Action:
03/14/2024 
S - New draft substituted - see SB2638
View comparison to substituted version
SB648 (SD64) - An Act relative to the remediation of home heating oil releases
Sponsor: Sen. Anne Gobi (D)
Summary: Raises from $50,000 to $75,000 the minimum first-party property insurance coverage insurers must offer for remediation of home heating oil releases and raises from $200,000 to $250,000 the minimum third-party liability coverage for such claims.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
04/25/2024 
S - New draft substituted - see SB2737
View comparison to substituted version
SB686 (SD2190) - An Act relative to executive compensation for mutual companies
Sponsor: Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)
Summary: Enacts a new section in the GL c.175 (Insurance) to require the Commissioner of Insurance to promulgate regulations with the express purpose of increasing transparency, and in particular, by requiring a mutual or mutual holding company to provide full and accurate disclosure of all compensation to the named executive officers or directors, whether paid or accrued and of all conflicts of interest, whether direct or indirect; and requiring that, at least once every 3 years, a proxy or consent or authorization or solicitation or notice of an annual meeting include a separate resolution subject to a non-binding vote to approve or disapprove the compensation of the named executive officers or directors.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/11/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB720 (SD886) - An Act to strengthen the state credit union charter
Sponsor: Sen. John Velis (D)
Summary: Amends sections of GL 167I (Bank mergers and acquisitions) and GL 171 (Credit unions) to permit 1 or more mutual banks or subsidiary banking institutions and any 1 or more credit unions to merge or consolidate into a single credit union, and also to permit 1 or more credit unions to merge or consolidate with 1 or more savings banks, co-operative banks or subsidiary banking institutions; sets out rules and procedures for such mergers or consolidations.
Status: Reported ought NOT to pass by Senate Committee
Last Action:
09/05/2024 
S - Placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session
SB877 (SD588) - An Act relative to the use of credit reporting in housing
Sponsor: Sen. Adam Gomez (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 59C to GL Chapter 93 (Consumer protections) to restrict use of credit reports in screening tenants; requires that landlords seeking credit reports obtain consent of tenant, disclose reasons for seeking report to tenant and do not require tenants to pay any related charges.  
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/18/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB921 (SD291) - An Act protecting equity for homeowners facing foreclosure
Sponsor: Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)
Summary: Amends GL 60:53 relative to the taking of property for the non-payment of property taxes, add due process to the procedures before a municipality can take a property. In particular, there must be a hearing, at which a court must inquire into the nature of the debt owed, and the sufficiency of notice provided by the collector. Upon issuance of an order the land court is to also order a public sale of the foreclosed property at which  the tax title holder will  be treated like a mortgagee, with the first priority interest in proceeds from the property, and treating the delinquent debtor as a mortgagor. The bill makes other changes in conformity with these new due process requirements, including the posting of specific notices, and provisions establishing that the court may order the seizure of rents or other income from the property if doing so would fully satisfy property tax liens and applicable interest and costs. 
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/09/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB2937
SB927 (SD750) - An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology
Sponsor: Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (D)
Summary: Amends GL 6:220 (Facial recognition searches) to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology. As rewritten the section now provides that it is unlawful — absent express authorization — for a law enforcement agency or officer to acquire, possess, access, use, assist with the use of or provide resources for the development or use of any biometric surveillance technology. No information obtained in violation of this section will be admissible in any criminal, civil, administrative or other proceeding. in addition, it will be unlawful for a law enforcement agency of officer to use a biometric surveillance system to infer a person’s emotions or affect, or to use a biometric surveillance system to analyze moving images or video data. However, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles may acquire, possess, or use facial recognition technology to verify an individual’s identity when issuing licenses, permits or other documents; in addition, the Department of State Police may perform a facial recognition search for four enumerated purposes. These exceptions include: to execute a warrant duly authorized by a judge based on probable cause that an unidentified or unconfirmed individual in an image has committed a felony; upon reasonable belief that an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any individual or group of people requires the performance of a facial recognition search without delay; to identify a deceased person; or on behalf of another law enforcement agency or a federal agency All persons charged with a crime who were identified using a facial recognition search must be provided notice thereof; law enforcement agencies and district attorneys must make readily available to defendants and their attorneys in criminal prosecutions all records and information pertaining to any facial recognition searches performed or requested during the course of the investigation. Each non-law enforcement public agency shall document, as a public record, each facial recognition search requested and each facial recognition search performed by its public officials and report this information quarterly to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. 
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/12/2024 
S - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB1728
SB1170 (SD712) - An Act addressing workplace bullying, mobbing, and harassment, without regard to protected class status while promoting healthy workplaces
Sponsor: Sen. Paul Feeney (D)
Summary: Adds a new GL Chapter 151G regarding healthy workplaces; provides that no employee shall be subjected to an abusive work environment; makes employers responsible for maintaining a healthy workplace and regulating the conduct of their employees; defines “abusive work environment” to include instances where an employee is subjected to abusive conduct which causes either physical or emotional harm; provides for this new Chapter to be enforced solely by a private right of action. 
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
01/25/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB1207 (SD2222) - An Act relative to fair hiring practices
Sponsor: Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)
Summary: Amends GL 151B:4, the MCAD statute prohibiting various kinds of discrimination in housing and employment, by adding 'unemployed' as a protected class, thereby preventing the discrimination in employment against those who are currently unemployed. The bill also prevents discrimination in employment against those who refuse to disclose their passwords to social media accounts to the potential or actual employer.    
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
01/29/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB1723 (SD1747) - An Act authorizing independent retirement boards to divest from fossil fuel companies
Sponsor: Sen. Marc R. Pacheco (D)
Summary: Authorizes any independent retirement system, with the exception of the state employees retirement system, the state teachers retirement system, and the State Boston retirement system, to divest in whole or in part from any investment in fossil fuel companies; further authorizes the board of an independent retirement system to invest in index funds or other investment vehicles that may not include fossil fuel companies; prohibits divestiture of funds which are separately managed or invested by the pension reserves investment management board; defines fossil fuel companies and independent retirement systems. 
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/07/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB1762 (SD363) - An Act authorizing a local affordable housing surcharge
Sponsor: Sen. William N. Brownsberger (D)
Summary: Adds a new Section 44C to GL Chapter 44B allowing municipalities to impose an affordable housing surcharge on real estate in amounts up to 2 percent of the real estate tax levied; conditions implementation upon a two-thirds vote of the appropriating committee and acceptance by voters on the next ballot; exempts  taxpayers receiving real estate tax exemptions or abatements from payment of the surcharge; allows municipalities to adopt the listed exemptions specifically related to the surcharge; regulates application for the additional exemption, as well as assessment and collection of the surcharge. 
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
S - Accompanied study order
SB1771 (SD1982) - An Act granting a local option for a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing
Sponsor: Sen. Joanne Comerford (D)
Summary: Establishes that a city or town that has created a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund may impose a fee upon the transfer of any real property interest, and may establish different transfer fees for categories of properties, defined by the tax classification and the value of a property. The fee must be between .5% and 2% of the purchase price. The city or town will have the authority to designate whether the transfer fee is to be borne by the purchaser, the seller or how it will be allocated between the two.  Exemptions form the transfer fee are to include transfers for less than $1,000,000 in communities where median home prices are under $750,000; transfers made as gifts with consideration less than $100; transfers to the government of the United States, the Commonwealth and any of their instrumentalities; distributions by the trustees of a trust to the beneficiaries of such trust; transfers between family members; transfers to first-time homebuyers; and several other enumerated situations.
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
S - Accompanied study order
SB1776 (SD642) - An Act excluding student loan forgiveness from taxable income for permanently and totally disabled veterans
Sponsor: Sen. Brendan Crighton (D)
Summary: Amends GL 62:2 (governing taxable income) to exclude discharged educational loans to permanently disabled veterans from taxable income.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/07/2024 
S - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB2778
SB1786 (SD2058) - An Act relative to a local option real estate transfer fee to create and preserve housing
Sponsor: Sen. Julian A. Cyr (D)
Summary: Amends GL c.44 (Municipal Finance) by adding new provisions which establish a for affordable housing. Establishment and Requirements of a Transfer Fee. A city or town that has established a municipal affordable housing trust fund may impose, at local discretion, a fee upon the transfer of any real property interest in any real property situated in the city or town, or member cities and towns; in order to enact a transfer fee, a city, town, or regional affordable housing commission, must demonstrate compliance with not less than 4 of 7 enumerated conditions,. A city or town must: Demonstrate a commitment for the creation and preservation of affordable housing production prior to enactment of a transfer fee; Demonstrate an average distribution of at least 50% of Community Preservation Act funds, a dedicated to housing creation and preservation in the two years prior to enactment; Dedicate at least 50% of all room occupancy tax receipts collected from a Local Room Occupancy Tax, if so enacted by the city, town, or regional affordable housing commission, to wastewater, housing, or municipal infrastructure projects that advance affordable housing development; Designate a minimum of 5% of the residential zoned area as multi-family (in a city, town or regional housing commission with a population of 2,500 residents or more); Limit .5 acre or greater single family residential zoning to not more than half of a city, town, or regional affordable housing commission’s residential zoned area: Enact an accessory dwelling unit bylaw that is compliant with certain conditions; Enact an approved smart growth zoning district within the meaning of chapter 40R. The fee amount is to be no less than 0.5% and no more than 3% of the purchase price; the city or town may decide whether the fee will be borne by the purchaser, seller, or allocated between both parties; exempts transfers for less than 200% of the county median sale price, gifts with consideration less than $100, transfers to government entities, distributions by trust, transfers between family members, transfers to first-time homebuyers, and more.
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
09/12/2024 
S - Accompanied study order
SB1791 (SD1738) - An Act relative to the relief of mortgage debt
Sponsor: Sen. Sal N. DiDomenico (D)
Summary: Amends GL 62:3, (taxable income - deductions and exemptions) to add a deduction for the discharge of valid debt on a qualified principal residence and mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure; regulates eligibility for such deduction. 
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/21/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
SB1876 (SD2129) - An Act protecting homeowners from unfair tax lien practices by cities and towns
Sponsor: Sen. Mark C. Montigny (D)
Summary: Amends various provisions of GL 60 (Collection of Local Taxes) related to tax receivables (the right to receive payment of local taxes assessed and due), real estate takings for nonpayment, maintenance of such property and conveyance of tax titles; imposes a $30 fee for any registry recordings relating to tax titles and takings; limits the purchase of tax receivables to licensed debt collectors; expands mandatory content included in notice provided by tax purchasers, including the projected date for filing foreclosure on the property, that the tax title was sold to a third party, the reason for the taking and redemption rights and process, including amounts due to redeem, and possibility of sale at auction if the property is not redeemed; authorizes and regulates the ability of a third party to collect foreclosure expenses as part of a redemption; requires including any foreclosure expenses in redemption notice provided to a consumer; and allows redemption for up to one year. Regulates foreclosure proceedings if the owner fails to redeem the property; allocates foreclosure proceeds above and beyond reasonable expenses, by assigning 1/3 to the tax purchaser up to $50,000, with equal division of the rest between the municipality and the owner; repeals provisions authorizing the arrest of individuals for non-payment of municipal taxes; amends provisions related to the management and sale of land acquired for non-payment of taxes and tax taking notice by applying these new notice requirements; extends the terms of redemption repayment agreements from five years to ten years; requires the agreements to require an initial payment of at least 25 percent, unless the redeemer is over the age of 60 or has a primary income from disability benefits; reduces the initial payment in such cases to 10 percent.
Status: Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee
Last Action:
05/09/2024 
H - Attached to favorable report by Joint Committee of HB2937
SB1896 (SD1768) - An Act to increase accountability in the sale of personal data
Sponsor: Sen. Susan Moran (D)
Summary: Enacts a new chapter into the General Laws requiring that any company selling personal data and doing business in Massachusetts register (unspecified but presumably with the Department of Revenue) and report on the share of income related to Massachusetts residents; directs the department to report to the legislature on how to impose a tax on that income; establishes a Municipal Broadband Fund, to which any resulting revenues would be credited, for use establishing municipal broadband infrastructure.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/14/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB1939 (SD415) - An Act relative to Improving Massachusetts’ competitiveness and reduce the cost of living
Sponsor: Sen. Bruce E. Tarr (R)
Summary: Amends income tax law provisions relating to renters' deduction, capital gains, personal exemption, seniors' property tax deduction, credits for dependent care, no-tax status and estate tax. Click to view our section-by-section summary. 
Status: Revenue
Last Action:
02/12/2024 
H - Extension order filed (until 04/30/2024)
SB1986 (SD2270) - An Act to promote public procurement and inclusive entrepreneurship
Sponsor: Sen. John Cronin (D)
Summary: Intended to promote diversity and inclusiveness in public procurement, this bill enacts a potpourri of provisions related to provider diversity. In particular: Requires “major anchor institutions,” such as hospitals and higher education institutions, to submit an annual report to the Office of Supplier Diversity detailing their supplier diversity efforts.  Requires the state treasurer to collect data on lending institutions’ cash reserves before depositing them to eligible lending and banking institutions. Includes “district management activities and operations” in the scope of improvements to the public realm and public transportation station accessibility improvements. Requires the Division of Banks to collect small business lending data annually and analyze the impact of lenders’ practices on minority borrowers. Mandates that appointive boards and commissions in Massachusetts adopt policies to increase racial and ethnic diversity among their members.  Authorizes the chief procurement officers of various agencies to establish sheltered market programs to award contracts to underutilized bidders, including minority-owned, women-owned, small, and local businesses.  Authorizes awarding authorities to implement prompt payment programs to ensure timely payment to subcontractors. 
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
02/26/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB2249 (SD736) - An Act directing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to conduct a highway noise study in Quincy
Sponsor: Sen. John F. Keenan (D)
Summary: Directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive noise study along the northbound and southbound sides of Route I-93 in the city of Quincy from exit 10 to the I- 93/Route 3 split split and continuing to the Washington Street Bridge in the Town of Braintree, to determine the ambient noise level generated by the existing Route I-93 traffic.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/07/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB2284 (SD725) - An Act relative to motor vehicle leasing parity
Sponsor: Sen. Jake Oliveira (D)
Summary: Amends various provisions relative to the rights of consumers of leased vehicles; grants motor vehicle lessees the right to void a lease agreement within 7 days if the motor vehicle fails to pass an inspection if the repairs exceed 10 percent of total amounts due and payable under the agreement; additionally requires motor vehicle leases to include express written warranties covering the full cost of both parts and labor necessary to repair any defect that impairs the said used motor vehicle's safety or use; requires the warranty terms to be equivalent to those required for motor vehicle sales; prohibits motor vehicle dealers from assessing or representing the value of a motor vehicle in a lease agreement as greater than that advertised or otherwise represented as the purchase price; directs the commissioner of banks to establish regulations and uniform procedures for disclosures made to consumers prior to entering into lease agreements; requires compliance with the federal Consumer Leasing Act; limits default actions to material events consisting of failure to make payments or those substantially impacting the value of the vehicle; regulates notice provided to consumers of leased vehicles in default actions; allows creditors to take possession of the vehicle in cases of default; regulates the repossession process.
Status: Reported favorably by Joint Committee
Last Action:
02/07/2024 
S - Reported favorably by Joint Committee on Transportation carrying HB3421
SB2460 (SD2681) - An Act protecting seniors and adults with disabilities from financial exploitation
Sponsor: Sen. Paul Feeney (D)
Summary: Adds a new Chapter 110I to the General Laws, entitled Financial Exploitation of Seniors and Adults with Disabilities. Under the chapter, “adult protective services agency” is any office, division, department, or unit in the Commonwealth that is charged with the investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elder adults or a disabled person, as defined in GL c.19C; a “qualified individual” means any agent, investment adviser representative, bank employee, or person who serves in a supervisory, compliance, or legal capacity for a financial institution. The Secretary of State is to have supervisory power over the chapter. In particular the new chapter: Mandates that qualified individuals report suspected financial exploitation of eligible adults to the Secretary and relevant adult protective services agencies; Details the necessary information in the report, including the names and addresses of the eligible adult and caretaker, the nature of the injury or condition, and any other pertinent details; Allows qualified individuals to notify designated third parties if financial exploitation is suspected, except when the third party is suspected of exploitation; Permits financial institutions to delay disbursements or transactions when exploitation is suspected, requiring them to notify all authorized parties and conduct internal reviews; the delay authorization expires after a specified period unless extended by court order; Mandates that financial institutions provide relevant records related to financial exploitation to the Secretary, adult protective services, or law enforcement during investigations;  Confirms that the Secretary's authority to access and examine financial records of broker-dealers or investment advisers remains intact; Offers immunity to qualified individuals who, in good faith and exercising reasonable care, comply with the chapter's provisions, while clarifying that this immunity doesn't protect individuals involved in financial exploitation;  Allows eligible adults or their representatives to file civil claims for damages if financial exploitation occurs.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/14/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB2559 - An Act relative to crumbling concrete foundations
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Environment & Natural Resources
Summary: Establishes a new GL 21B:16 requiring entities seeking a permit to mine or expand a quarry to test the proposed area for the presence of pyrite or pyrrhotite, and for sulfur content; requires submission of a geological source report, and approval of the report by the executive office of energy and environmental affairs in consultation with the state geologist; establishes a Crumbling Concrete Assistance Fund to assist homeowners with the repair or replacement of concrete foundations; requires home inspectors to inform potential buyers of the possible presence of pyrite or pyrrhotite in the concrete foundation; sets out a process allowing homeowners to apply for residential property tax abatement due to the presence of pyrite or pyrrhotite minerals in the foundation.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
01/24/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB2565 - An Act relative to transparency in credit card fees
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
Summary: Updates provisions on consumer credit cost disclosure as found in GL c.140 (Licenses) by striking the provisions that prohibit a merchant from charging extra for credit card transactions, and replacing it with provisions that require to post a conspicuous sign about any surcharge on their premises. New draft of SB178. The new draft makes grammatical and technical corrections to the previous bill, including the previous erroneous reference to GL c.14D.
Status: Senate Committee on Rules
Last Action:
01/29/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Rules
SB2568 - An Act relative to the licensure of appraisers
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
Summary: Amends GL 26:8G relative to the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board by expanding its membership and transferring the Board from the Division of Insurance to the Division of Professional Licensure; provides for the Attorney General to appoint two new members, including a member to represent her office, as well as a member unaffiliated with an auto body shop or an insurance company to represent the interests of consumers; additionally, replaces an appointee from the Commissioner of Insurance with an appointee from the Commissioner of the Division of Professional Licensure; prohibits members from serving more than 2 consecutive and complete 3 year terms. New draft of SB213. The new draft makes grammatical and technical corrections to the previous bill.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
01/29/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB2638 - An Act relative to fairness in debt collection
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary: Adds new Chapter 93L, establishing a comprehensive framework for the collection of consumer debt, known as the Debt Collection Fairness Act; establishes formula ensuring protection of wages in collection efforts; exempts 90% of weekly wages from garnishment or attachment, or alternatively 65 times the hourly minimum wage; requires prioritization of attachments in the order they are received; exempts attachments under orders for divorce, maintenance or child support from the limitations; prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against employees with garnishment orders; requires consumer debt collection efforts to begin within 5 years; does not allow payments made to extend the statute of limitations; regulates calculation of interest on successful consumer debt collection efforts; prohibits collection of costs and legal fees in excess of 15% of the amount of the debt; and defines violations of laws pertaining to collection of consumer debt as unfair business practices. New draft of SB629, amending provisions relating to the calculation of wages to be protected from collection efforts, and calculation of interest payments.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
03/28/2024 
S - New draft substituted - see SB2713
View comparison to substituted version
SB2713 - An Act relative to fairness in debt collection
Sponsor: Senate Ways and Means
Summary: Adds new Chapter 93M, establishing a comprehensive framework for the collection of consumer debt, known as the Debt Collection Fairness Act; establishes formula ensuring protection of wages in collection efforts; exempts 90% of weekly wages from garnishment or attachment, or alternatively 65 times the hourly minimum wage; requires prioritization of attachments in the order they are received; exempts attachments under orders for divorce, maintenance or child support from the limitations; prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against employees with garnishment orders; requires consumer debt collection efforts to begin within 5 years; does not allow payments made to extend the statute of limitations; regulates calculation of interest on successful consumer debt collection efforts; prohibits collection of costs and legal fees in excess of 15% of the amount of the debt; and defines violations of laws pertaining to collection of consumer debt as unfair business practices. New draft of SB2638, making numerous largely technical changes, and striking language regarding the awarding of attorney’s fees in cases where a consumer prevails in a debt collection action.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
04/01/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
SB2737 - An Act relative to the remediation of home heating oil releases
Sponsor: Senate Ways and Means
Summary: Amends GL 175:4D relative to coverage to be made available to residential owners for release of heating oil by raising from $50,000 to $75,000 the minimum first-party property insurance coverage that insurers must offer for remediation of home heating oil releases; raises from $200,000 to $250,000 the minimum third-party liability coverage for such claims. New draft of Raises from SB648. The new draft makes grammatical and technical corrections to the previous bill.
Status: House Ways & Means
Last Action:
04/29/2024 
H - Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
SB2741 - An Act to promote social emotional learning and the mental and behavioral health of students
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Education
Summary: Establishes and regulates a 23 member task force to study and provide recommendations on a statewide framework for social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental and behavioral health from birth through higher education. In addition: By December 1, 2026, DESE, working with relevant agencies and experts, must create guidance for promoting the social-emotional development and mental health of students from kindergarten to twelfth grade; Changes the membership of the Safe and Supportive Schools Framework, and requires them to consider the influence of technology on the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of students; Amends provisions on Mental Health Support Plans to require that each plan include a policy to develop partnerships with community organizations and local and regional boards of public health to refer students to health, behavioral health, substance use, and social support services; Amends provisions on the certification for certain teaching and administrative positions, to require strategies to develop students’ social emotional learning competencies, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. New draft of SB240. The new draft is a substantial rewrite of the previous bill, and makes it a session law instead of an amendment to GL c. 71.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
05/20/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB2770 - An Act establishing the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Summary: Inserts new Chapter 93M into the General Laws, to be known as the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act — the new chapter would set out a variety of restrictions on the collection, storage, use, or transfer of personal data by businesses or certain other organizations, including by: Establishing a “duty of loyalty,” restricting entities from collecting, processing, or transferring personal data beyond what is reasonably necessary to provide a variety of services; Outlining more extensive protections for particularly sensitive data, including biometric or genetic information, social security numbers, financial information, or private communications; Prohibiting the transfer of said sensitive data without an individual’s consent, except to comply with certain legal obligations; Providing for a right to access, correct, or delete an individual’s personal data held by businesses or other organizations, pending a verified request; Outlining procedures for businesses or other organizations to make disclosures to individuals regarding the intended use of their personal data, and to seek consent; Prohibiting retaliation for exercising any rights relating to management of an individual’s personal data; Restricting the collection, processing, or transferring of data in such a way that discriminates, or creates a disparate impact regarding race, gender, religion, or other protected categories; Requiring businesses or other organizations to make available their data privacy policies, as well as a means of withdrawing consent regarding the processing or transfer of an individual’s data;  Setting out enforcement mechanisms, including by authorizing the Attorney General to bring a civil action relating to mismanagement of personal data; and, Providing for the registration and oversight of “data brokers” by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
Status: Senate Ways & Means
Last Action:
05/09/2024 
S - Referred to Senate Committee on Ways & Means
SB2834 - An Act relative to the Affordable Homes Act
Sponsor: Senate Ways and Means
Summary: Submits the Senate Ways & Means version of the 'Affordable Homes Act,' originally filed by the Governor, authorizing roughly $5.2 billion in bonding to support the production and rehabilitation of Massachusetts housing stock — highlights include $2 billion for rehabilitation of state-aided public housing, including hazardous materials abatement and accessibility improvements; $800 million to capitalize the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing production, prioritizing decarbonization and geographic equity, as well as a variety of programs to assist first time home-buyers; $425 million for grants and loans through the Housing Stabilization and Investment Trust Fund for the preservation, construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing, including for those earning 30% or less of area median income; $375 million for the HousingWorks infrastructure program, including grants to support local sewer, septic and water infrastructure upgrades to facilitate housing development, and grants to municipalities in compliance with MBTA Communities Act multi-family zoning requirements; $275 million for innovative, sustainable and green housing initiatives; $100 million for the Middle-Income Housing Fund administered by MassHousing; and a variety of other initiatives. Additionally, the outside sections would allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single family zoning districts; direct EOHLC to develop and implement a comprehensive housing plan at least every 5 years; create an Office of Fair Housing, and an associated trust fund to support enforcement efforts; create an Office of Livable Communities and Community Services, and facilitate several programs in seasonal communities to support affordable year-round housing; establish a homeownership tax credit to support housing development projects; allow for the adoption of inclusionary zoning ordinances with a simple majority vote; provide for broker's fees to be paid by the party — either the landlord or tenant — that originally engaged the broker; allow for the sealing of eviction records; outline procedures for the sale or lease of surplus state property to facilitate housing development; and establish several special commissions tasked with studying and developing policy recommendations on affordable and healthy senior housing, housing for those with extremely low incomes, and alleviating the Commonwealth's housing shortage. NOTE: Proposals from the Governor regarding a local option real estate transfer fee, and from the House regarding MWRA expansion, were left out of the Senate's version of the bill.
Status: Filed in the Senate
Last Action:
07/03/2024 
S - Printed-as-amended version - see SB2850
View comparison to prior version
SB2850 - An Act relative to the Affordable Homes Act
Sponsor: Printed As Amended
Summary: Submits the final Senate version of the 'Affordable Homes Act,' originally filed by the Governor, authorizing roughly $5.2 billion in bonding to support the production and rehabilitation of Massachusetts housing stock — highlights include $2 billion for rehabilitation of state-aided public housing, including hazardous materials abatement and accessibility improvements; $800 million to capitalize the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing production, prioritizing decarbonization and geographic equity, as well as a variety of programs to assist first time home-buyers; $425 million for grants and loans through the Housing Stabilization and Investment Trust Fund for the preservation, construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing, including for those earning 30% or less of area median income; $375 million for the HousingWorks infrastructure program, including grants to support local sewer, septic and water infrastructure upgrades to facilitate housing development, and grants to municipalities in compliance with MBTA Communities Act multi-family zoning requirements; $275 million for innovative, sustainable and green housing initiatives; $100 million for the Middle-Income Housing Fund administered by MassHousing; roughly $229 million in earmarks for local housing efforts; and a variety of other initiatives. Additionally, the outside sections would allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single family zoning districts; direct EOHLC to develop and implement a comprehensive housing plan at least every 5 years; create an Office of Fair Housing, and an associated trust fund to support enforcement efforts; create an Office of Livable Communities and Community Services, and facilitate several programs in seasonal communities to support affordable year-round housing; establish a homeownership tax credit to support housing development projects; allow for the adoption of inclusionary zoning ordinances with a simple majority vote; provide for broker's fees to be paid by the party — either the landlord or tenant — that originally engaged the broker; allow for the sealing of eviction records; outline procedures for the sale or lease of surplus state property to facilitate housing development; and establish several special commissions tasked with studying and developing policy recommendations on affordable and healthy senior housing, housing for those with extremely low incomes, and alleviating the Commonwealth's housing shortage. Printed as amended version of SB2834, incorporating the text of numerous amendments adopted by the Senate — the amendments establish rental and first-time homebuyer savings accounts; outline continuing education requirements for real estate agents; prohibit sellers from conditioning acceptance of an offer on the purchaser's agreement to waive a home inspection; prohibit landlords from restricting a tenant’s installation or use of window mounted or portable air conditioners; double the automatic and declared homestead exemptions from $125,000 to $250,000, and from $500,000 to $1 million, respectively; create a crumbling concrete stakeholder working group; establish various new special commissions tasked with developing recommendations regarding updates to the Community Preservation Act, production of starter homes, expansion of housing accessibility, and housing production through increased access to water resources; and earmark funds for a variety of local housing initiatives.
Status: Filed in the Senate
Last Action:
07/03/2024 
S - Printed-as-amended version of SB2834
View comparison to prior version
SB2971 - An Act relative to medically necessary breast screenings and exams for equity and early detection
Sponsor: Senate Ways and Means
Summary: Establishes that any policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance that provides medical expense coverage for screening mammograms must also provide coverage for diagnostic examinations for breast cancer, digital breast tomosynthesis screening and medically necessary and appropriate screening with breast magnetic resonance imaging or screening breast ultrasound; this must be done on a basis not less favorable than mammograms screenings; increases in patient cost-sharing are also prohibited.  In addition establishes that HSA-qualified health insurance plans (a policy of individual or group health insurance coverage that satisfies the criteria for a high-deductible health plan under 26 U.S.C. 223) are to be exempt from any prohibition on cost-sharing requirements for a covered benefit, with certain provisos. Applies these provisions to Group Insurance (GL c.32A), Medicaid (GL c.118E), health insurance indemnity plans (GL c.175), Non-profit Hospital Service Corporations (GL c.176A), Medical Service Corporations (GL c.176B), and Health Maintenance Organizations (GL c.176G). New draft of HB4918. The new draft makes grammatical and technical corrections to the previous bill.
Status: Filed in the Senate
Last Action:
10/24/2024 
S - New text of HB4918
View comparison to prior version
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