An Act relative to prioritizing Massachusetts residents on the waitlist for emergency housing assistance

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 5 co-sponsors

Gives Massachusetts residents with 12 consecutive months on the emergency housing waitlist priority when a space opens, administered by EOHLC and DHCD.

Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)

Overview

H.1506 proposes a targeted preference within Massachusetts’ emergency housing program. It would require the state’s housing agencies to give priority to Massachusetts residents who have lived in the commonwealth for at least 12 consecutive months and who are on the emergency housing waitlist, whenever a space becomes available.

What the bill would do

Creates a residency-based priority: Among applicants on the emergency housing waitlist, those with a minimum of 12 consecutive months of residency in Massachusetts would receive priority consideration when units/space become available.

Agency responsibility: The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) would administer this priority.

Supersedes other laws at the point of priority: The provision uses a “notwithstanding” clause, indicating it would override other general or special laws to the extent of establishing this priority.

Key provisions

Eligibility for priority: Residents who have resided in Massachusetts for at least 12 consecutive months and are on the emergency housing waitlist.

Timing of priority: Priority applies only when space in the emergency housing program becomes available.

Authorities involved: EOHLC and DHCD are charged with providing the priority consideration.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: Massachusetts residents on the emergency housing waitlist who have maintained 12 consecutive months of residence.

Other waitlisted applicants: May experience longer wait times or lower priority compared with the 12-month residents if they do not meet the residency criterion.

Administrative bodies: EOHLC and DHCD would implement and verify eligibility and manage the prioritization process.

Procedural and timeline context

Introduction and referral: Introduced February 27, 2025; referred to the House Committee on Housing on the same date.

Related actions: Senate concurrence noted in the legislative actions listed.

Hearing: Scheduled for October 15, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room A-1.

Related bill note: HD 3363 is listed as a related bill (replaces), suggesting similar or successor language.

Potential implications

Administrative: Requires residency verification and potential modification of waitlist algorithms to accommodate the 12-month residency criterion.

Policy impact: Shifts priority toward longer-term Massachusetts residents on the emergency housing waitlist, which could affect wait times for newer arrivals.

Fiscal considerations: Not specified in the text; potential costs relate to any admin changes and ensuring accurate residency verification.

Next steps

Monitor the October 15, 2025 hearing for more details on intent, amendments, and projected impact.

Review any amendments or floor actions that may modify the residency threshold, scope, or implementation timeline.

This summary reflects the bill’s current text and official actions up to the stated hearing date.

Bill