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HD 1724

An Act to provide municipalities with the option to freeze residential tax rate or valuation for the elderly with means tested criteria

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Hawkins and 1 co-sponsor

Bill allows Massachusetts towns to optionally freeze residential property taxes for low-income elderly homeowners, shifting potential revenue losses to municipalities and other taxpayers.

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Bill Summary · HD 1724

Legislative bill overview

HD 1724 would allow Massachusetts municipalities to voluntarily establish programs that freeze residential property tax rates or valuations for elderly homeowners who meet income and asset requirements. The bill gives local governments discretion to implement these property tax relief measures rather than mandating a statewide program.

Why is this important

Property tax increases can force fixed-income elderly residents out of their longtime homes. This bill addresses housing stability for seniors by providing municipalities with a tool to prevent tax-driven displacement while protecting the tax base through means-testing that limits benefits to those genuinely in need.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact uncertainty: Municipalities would bear the revenue loss from frozen assessments, potentially shifting tax burdens to other property owners or requiring service cuts, with no state funding mechanism specified
  • Means-testing complexity: Income and asset thresholds create administrative costs for municipalities to verify eligibility and could inadvertently exclude vulnerable seniors with borderline incomes or hidden assets
  • Equity concerns: The optional nature means inconsistent benefits across the state; seniors in non-participating towns receive no relief while neighbors in participating towns do, and unfrozen property owners may subsidize frozen ones

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

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