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HD 4164

An Act relative to exemptions from MBTA community designations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David DeCoste and 4 co-sponsors

HD 4164: An Act relative to exemptions from MBTA community designations OverviewBill Number: HD 4164 Title: An Act relative to exemptions from MBTA community designations Status:

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Bill Summary · HD 4164

HD 4164: An Act relative to exemptions from MBTA community designations

Overview

Bill Number: HD 4164
Title: An Act relative to exemptions from MBTA community designations
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This proposed legislation aims to provide exemptions from the MBTA community designation requirements for certain municipalities in Massachusetts. The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) community designation was established to promote transit-oriented development and increased housing production near MBTA stations. However, this bill recognizes that some communities may face unique circumstances that warrant an exemption from these requirements.

Key Provisions

  • Allows municipalities to apply for an exemption from the MBTA community designation if they can demonstrate:
    • Significant geographic or topographical constraints that make it infeasible to meet the housing production requirements
    • Existing high-density development that already meets or exceeds the MBTA community requirements
    • Significant environmental or historic preservation concerns that would be negatively impacted by further development
  • Establishes a review process for exemption applications, to be overseen by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
  • Requires the Executive Office to develop clear criteria and guidelines for evaluating exemption requests.
  • Provides a timeline for the review and decision-making process, with a requirement for the Executive Office to render a decision within 90 days of receiving an application.

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily affect municipalities in Massachusetts that have been designated as MBTA communities and are subject to the associated housing production requirements. Communities that are granted an exemption would no longer be required to meet the MBTA community housing targets, providing them with more flexibility in their development plans.

The bill may also impact developers and residents in these communities, as the exemptions could result in different housing and transit-oriented development patterns than would have occurred under the standard MBTA community requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 4164 is currently a proposed bill, having been introduced in the Massachusetts legislature on November 29, 2025. The next steps would be for the bill to be referred to a legislative committee for review and potential amendments. If the committee approves the bill, it would then move to a full vote in the state House of Representatives and Senate.

If passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development would be responsible for developing the exemption application process and criteria within a specified timeframe, likely within 6 months of the bill's enactment.

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

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