Bill
S 1184
Massachusetts would require a two-tier eviction process: early mediation and resource review, with no default judgments at first tier, plus trial notice if unresolved.
Note on source materials
- The provided documents include conflicting items using the same bill number (e.g., an Idaho abortion bill and a Massachusetts eviction/procedure bill). This summary focuses on the Massachusetts measure titled “An Act relative to summary process” (Senate Docket No. 2279 / Senate Bill No. 1184), which corresponds to the title, hearing date, and text excerpts about a two‑tier summary process for eviction (summary process) cases. A separate Idaho SB 1184 (unrelated) appears in the materials; readers should treat that as a different bill.
Purpose
- To amend Chapter 239 of the Massachusetts General Laws to establish a required two‑tier process for all summary process (eviction) cases, with the stated goal of promoting housing stability by preventing unnecessary evictions and encouraging early resolution or access to resources (including rental assistance).
Key provisions
- Adds a new Section 15 to Chapter 239 establishing a two‑tier process for summary process cases:
- First tier: An initial event in which parties:
- Determine the status of the case;
- Explore availability of resources (e.g., rental assistance);
- Attempt mediation or another opportunity to reach resolution; and
- Identify next steps to prepare the case for trial.
- Importantly, no default judgment or dismissal may be entered solely because a party fails to appear at the first‑tier event.
- Second tier: For cases not resolved at first tier, the clerk’s office must send written notice to parties of the trial date.
- Emergency clause: bill declared an emergency law to take immediate effect upon enactment, citing the need to promptly preserve public safety and health by preventing unnecessary evictions.
Who is affected
- Tenants and landlords engaged in summary process (eviction) proceedings in Massachusetts.
- Court clerks and the judiciary (administration of the new two‑tier calendar and notification duties).
- Potentially service providers or programs that provide rental assistance, mediation, or other resources for tenants.
Procedural/timeline aspects
- Filed: Senate Docket No. 2279 / Senate Bill No. 1184 (filed 1/17/2025; petition dated 4/8/2025).
- Emergency effective date upon enactment (no deferred operation).
- Hearing scheduled: 10/21/2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, Room A‑2 (per provided schedule).
Potential impacts and implementation considerations
- Intended effects: increase early resolution, reduce avoidable evictions, connect parties with aid/mediation.
- Administrative impacts: clerks will need to schedule and manage first‑tier events, track attendance, and issue notices of trial dates — which may require procedural changes/staffing adjustments.
- Financial/fiscal note: none explicitly provided in the docket excerpt; fiscal impacts would depend on implementation (court administrative costs, mediation program capacity, and effects on eviction caseloads).
- Similarity to prior filings: bill text notes similar matter in Senate No. 1048 (2023–2024).
Sponsors / petitioners (from docket)
- Sponsored / presented by Senator Liz Miranda. Petition list includes Liz Miranda, Mike Connolly, James B. Eldridge (and others may be listed in full text).
Related bill reference
- SD 2279 is listed as related / replacing language; the docket entry shows this bill as Senate Docket No. 2279.
If you want, I can:
- Draft a short legislative analysis of likely administrative needs and costs;
- Compare this proposal to existing summary process procedures in Massachusetts or to mediation/eviction diversion programs in other jurisdictions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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