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H 1517

An Act relative to housing authority executive director contracts

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kevin Honan and 1 co-sponsor

H 1517 - An Act relative to housing authority executive director contracts OverviewBill Number: H 1517 Title: An Act relative to housing authority executive director contractsStat

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 1517

H 1517 - An Act relative to housing authority executive director contracts

Overview

Bill Number: H 1517
Title: An Act relative to housing authority executive director contracts
Status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to establish new requirements and limitations around the employment contracts of executive directors at local housing authorities in the state. The legislation aims to increase transparency, accountability, and consistency in how these senior leadership positions are structured and compensated.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all housing authority executive director contracts to be approved by the local governing body (e.g. city council, board of selectmen) in a public meeting
  • Limits the maximum contract length for new executive directors to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal
  • Prohibits severance packages that exceed 6 months of the executive director's salary
  • Mandates that executive director salaries be commensurate with the size and budget of the housing authority
  • Establishes guidelines for performance-based compensation, such as tying a portion of pay to measurable housing authority outcomes

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would impact all 240 local housing authorities across the state that employ executive directors. The new contract requirements and limitations are intended to bring more transparency and consistency to how these senior leadership roles are structured and compensated.

Proponents argue the changes will help ensure housing authorities are spending public funds responsibly and being accountable to the communities they serve. Critics are concerned the restrictions could make it harder for authorities to attract and retain qualified candidates for the executive director position.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

H 1517 was reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Housing and has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration. If approved by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full vote in the state House of Representatives. Given the bill's bipartisan support, it is expected to advance through the legislative process in the coming months.

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

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