WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1576

An Act relative to creating a permanent affordability homeownership program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 11 co-sponsors

Creates a statewide Permanent Affordability Homeownership Program to fund permanently affordable units for low- to moderate-income buyers (1–25 units, mixed-use allowed).

Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1576

Summary of H.1576: An Act relative to creating a permanent affordability homeownership program

Overview

H.1576 proposes to create a statewide Permanent Affordability Homeownership Program, administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. The program would fund the development and construction of permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income buyers, subject to appropriation and federal funding.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions (Section 31, Chapter 23B):

    • Executive office: The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
    • Low and moderate income: Households with incomes between 70% and 120% of the area median income (AMI) defined by HUD.
    • Permanently affordable: A housing unit with an affordability restriction (per Section 31 of Chapter 184, with the benefit of Section 32 of Chapter 184) lasting at least 99 years.
    • Project of appropriate size: A development containing 1 to 25 housing units.
    • Mixed-use development: Developments containing a mix of residential and nonresidential uses (e.g., commercial, institutional, industrial).

  • Program Creation and Administration (b)(1–2):

    • Establishes the Permanent Affordability Homeownership Program to be administered statewide, aimed at creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income buyers.
    • The Commonwealth may accept funds from federal authorities to support the program.
    • The Executive Office will issue rules to govern:
    • Application process and funding allocation
    • Per-unit funding amounts
    • Funding use restrictions:
    • Funds may only be used for permanently affordable homeownership units.
    • Funds may be used in mixed-use developments.
    • Funds may only be used for permanently affordable units affordable to low- and moderate-income households.
    • Funds may only support projects of the appropriate size (1–25 units).

  • Reporting (c):

    • The Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities must annually report to the House Clerk and Senate Clerk, who will forward to the Joint Committee on Housing.
    • The report must include:
    • List and description of all funded projects
    • Amounts of each grant
    • Number of housing units created by each grant
    • Number of units created at each affordability level
    • Size of the funded projects

Impact and Stakeholders

  • Who is affected?

    • Low- and moderate-income homebuyers (targeted as 70–120% AMI).
    • Developers and non-profit housing organizations seeking funding for permanently affordable homeownership units.
    • Municipalities and communities developing small (1–25 unit) projects within mixed-use contexts.

  • What changes?

    • Establishment of a new statewide capitalization program for permanently affordable homeownership.
    • A new framework for eligibility, funding, and unit-level affordability requirements.
    • Annual reporting to legislative bodies to track progress and outcomes.

Funding and Timing

  • Funding basis: The program is “subject to appropriation” and may leverage federal funds.
  • Authorizing language: Section 31 of Chapter 23B adds the program; other sections define terms and reporting.
  • Status and actions:
    • Referred to the Committee on Housing (Feb 27, 2025).
    • Hearing scheduled (June 25, 2025).
    • Reporting date extended: now due by Friday, October 31, 2025 (extended from earlier timeline).

Notes

  • Related bill: HD 4002 (replaces) as another measure addressing permanent affordability for homeownership.
  • The bill provides a clear pathway but relies on future appropriations and regulatory rules to implement the per-unit funding and application process.

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

Sign in to ask a question.