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H 1547

An Act codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 26 co-sponsors

H 1547 - An Act codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program OverviewBill Number: H 1547 Title: An Act codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher ProgramStatus: Bill reporte

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 1547

H 1547 - An Act codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program

Overview

Bill Number: H 1547
Title: An Act codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program
Status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to establish the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) in state law, codifying and strengthening an existing rental assistance initiative. The primary goal is to provide stable, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families across the Commonwealth by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent payments.

Key Provisions

  • Formally establishes the MRVP as a permanent program within the state's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
  • Requires DHCD to administer the program and set eligibility criteria based on household income and other factors
  • Mandates that the program provide rental vouchers that cover at least 50% of a recipient's monthly rent, up to a maximum amount
  • Directs DHCD to maintain a waitlist for the program and work to expand the number of available vouchers over time
  • Allows MRVP vouchers to be used for rent in both public and private housing units that meet program standards
  • Requires annual reporting to the legislature on the program's operations, utilization, and outcomes

Affected Parties and Impacts

The MRVP would directly benefit low-income individuals and families in Massachusetts who struggle to afford market-rate rents. By subsidizing a portion of their housing costs, the program aims to prevent homelessness, housing instability, and other negative outcomes associated with unaffordable rents.

Landlords who rent to MRVP voucher holders would also be impacted, as the program would provide them a reliable stream of partial rental payments. Local housing authorities and nonprofit organizations may play a role in administering the program at the community level.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

H 1547 has been reported favorably by the relevant legislative committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. If passed by the House and Senate, the bill would then go to the Governor for final approval and enactment into state law.

The bill does not specify an implementation timeline, but the codification of the MRVP program suggests the intent is for it to be an ongoing, long-term initiative. Funding levels and the number of available vouchers would likely be determined through the annual state budget process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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