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H 4762

An Act establishing a commission to study housing affordability and density reform

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David DeCoste and 5 co-sponsors

Create a bicameral commission to study zoning and regulatory reforms that boost housing density and affordability in Massachusetts, with a final report due 12/31/2026

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
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Bill Summary · H 4762

Summary of House Bill No. 4762 (H 4762)

Title

An Act establishing a commission to study housing affordability and density reform

Quick Facts

  • Introduced: November 20, 2025
  • Status: Reported favorably by the House Committee on Housing and referred to the Rules committee of the two branches (acting concurrently)
  • Purpose: Establish a special commission to study housing affordability, increase housing density, and reduce regulatory barriers in the Commonwealth
  • Report due: December 31, 2026

What the bill would do

  • Create a special commission tasked with evaluating reforms to improve housing affordability in Massachusetts, boost housing density, and streamline regulatory processes that affect housing supply.
  • Require the commission to consider and recommend:
    • The impact of zoning regulations (e.g., minimum lot sizes, height limits, prohibitions on multi-family housing) on housing supply and affordability.
    • The effects of exclusionary zoning practices on access to housing for low- and moderate-income residents.
    • Best practices from other states/regions that use higher-density development and more efficient regulatory processes.
    • Econometric models and AI-driven methodologies to assess current housing regulations and identify cost-effective reform options.
    • Feasibility of implementing zoning reforms in Massachusetts, including incentives for higher-density development and simplification of permitting processes.

Key provisions

Section 1 – Scope and duties of the commission

  • Analyze how zoning regulations influence housing supply and affordability.
  • Investigate exclusionary zoning practices and their impact on low- and moderate-income residents.
  • Research best practices elsewhere, especially from higher-density and streamlined-regulation contexts.
  • Incorporate econometric and AI-driven analyses to evaluate current regulations and propose reforms.
  • Make determinations on the feasibility of zoning reforms in Massachusetts, including incentives for higher-density development and simpler permitting.

Section 2 – Commission composition

  • Co-chairs: House and Senate chairs of the Joint Committee on Housing.
  • Members (appointed by specified leaders and offices):
    • Two House members (Speaker)
    • Two Senate members (President)
    • House Minority Leader or designee
    • Senate Minority Leader or designee
    • Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities or designee
    • One housing economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (appointed by its president)
    • One municipal planner with zoning reform experience (appointed by the Massachusetts Municipal Association)
    • One representative from the Massachusetts Home Builders Association (appointed by its board)
    • One legal scholar specializing in property rights and land use law (appointed by the Dean of a Massachusetts law school)
    • One nonprofit housing advocate with affordable housing development experience (appointed by the Governor)

Section 3 – Report

  • The commission must submit its findings and recommendations to:
    • House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means
    • Joint Committee on Housing
    • Clerks of the House and Senate
  • Deadline: No later than December 31, 2026

Who would be affected

  • Government and policymakers: Joint Committee on Housing, Ways and Means, clerks, and the Governor during appointment processes.
  • Municipalities and planning professionals: through consideration of zoning reforms and better density practices.
  • Housing developers, builders, and housing advocates: potential impact from any recommended easing of permitting or density incentives.
  • Residents, including low- and moderate-income households: potential gains from expanded affordable housing options and reduced regulatory barriers.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill has been reported favorably by the House Committee on Housing and referred to the Rules Committee of the two branches, acting concurrently.
  • No funding provisions are specified in the bill text; typical next steps would involve committee deliberations and potential appropriation discussions as reforms are considered.
  • Final legislative action would depend on passage by both chambers and any adjustments in subsequent committees or conference committees.

Bottom line

H 4762 establishes a multidisciplinary, cross-branch commission to study and propose feasible zoning and regulatory reforms aimed at expanding housing affordability and density in Massachusetts, with a formal report due by end-2026.

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

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