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H 1970

An Act relative to transfer of actions to the housing court

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Roy

H 1970 - An Act relative to transfer of actions to the housing court OverviewBill Number: H 1970 Title: An Act relative to transfer of actions to the housing court Status: Hearin

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1970

H 1970 - An Act relative to transfer of actions to the housing court

Overview

Bill Number: H 1970
Title: An Act relative to transfer of actions to the housing court
Status: Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to expand the jurisdiction of the housing court to handle a broader range of landlord-tenant disputes and housing-related cases. The legislation aims to provide a specialized judicial forum to more efficiently and effectively resolve housing-related conflicts, with the intent of protecting the rights of both tenants and landlords.

Key Provisions

  • Allows for the transfer of certain civil actions related to residential housing from the district, superior, or land courts to the housing court
  • Expands the housing court's jurisdiction to include cases involving:
    • Evictions and summary process actions
    • Disputes over security deposits, rent, and other fees
    • Allegations of housing code violations or uninhabitable conditions
    • Discrimination in residential housing
    • Foreclosure-related issues
  • Requires the housing court to prioritize the scheduling and resolution of cases transferred from other courts
  • Authorizes the Chief Justice of the Housing Court to promulgate rules and regulations to facilitate the efficient transfer of cases

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact:
- Residential tenants involved in housing-related disputes or facing eviction
- Landlords and property owners engaged in conflicts with tenants
- Judges, court staff, and legal professionals working in the housing, district, superior, and land courts
The goal is to provide a more specialized and streamlined judicial process for housing-related cases, potentially reducing delays and improving outcomes for both tenants and landlords.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill is currently scheduled for a public hearing on October 21, 2025, where lawmakers and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input and feedback. If passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, the expanded jurisdiction of the housing court would likely take effect within 6-12 months to allow for the necessary administrative and procedural changes.

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

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