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S 2077

Authorizes the delivery of telehealth services in schools by licensed providers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Jackson and 2 co-sponsors

LIHTC-funded new construction or major rehabilitation projects in MA must achieve third-party green building certification to improve energy, water, and indoor environmental qualit

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Bill Summary · S 2077

Summary — S.2077 (MA) — An Act relative to tax credits for affordable housing

Status: Introduced in the Senate (Senate No. 2077 / Docket No. 58). Read twice and referred to Committee on Finance (introduced 06/12/2025). Hearing scheduled 09/15/2025 (per available calendar).
Sponsor (per bill text): Senator Bruce E. Tarr (First Essex and Middlesex).
Note: some provided metadata (sponsor lists, committee referrals/dates) appears inconsistent with the bill text and may reflect other versions; the bill text below is the controlling source.

Purpose / Intent

Require that new construction and major rehabilitation projects receiving Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funding in Massachusetts meet third‑party “green building certification” standards to improve energy and water performance, indoor environmental quality, and climate mitigation outcomes for affordable housing.

Key provisions

  • Applies notwithstanding any contrary law; directs the Executive Office of Housing and Liveable Communities (EOHLC) to promulgate implementing regulations beginning in 2025.
  • Requires any LIHTC‑funded new construction or major rehabilitation development project to earn a third‑party green building certification.
  • Defines “green building certification” to include certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system and other systems the Department (EOHLC), in consultation with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), determines are “equally rigorous to LEED” with respect to:
    • energy efficiency,
    • indoor environmental quality,
    • relevant climate mitigation practices (examples cited: commissioning and waste reduction).
  • Directs EOHLC to amend its Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) to reflect these requirements.
  • Directs the Department to periodically perform and publish post‑occupancy analyses of energy and water efficiency for LIHTC‑funded housing and to provide information to potential LIHTC applicants about available incentives and supports for energy efficiency.

Who is affected

  • Developers and owners of LIHTC‑funded affordable housing projects (new construction and major rehabilitation) in Massachusetts — they must obtain qualifying green building certification.
  • EOHLC and DOER — responsible for rulemaking, QAP amendment, technical determinations, and data collection/analysis.
  • Low‑income residents and the public — potential beneficiaries through improved energy/water performance, indoor environmental quality, and lower utility costs in certified buildings.

Implementation & timeline

  • Effective starting in 2025: EOHLC is directed to promulgate regulations and amend the QAP to require certification.
  • Specific certification levels, acceptable alternative certification systems, and compliance/verification details will be established in EOHLC regulations developed in consultation with DOER.
  • EOHLC will also publish post‑occupancy performance analyses over time.

Potential impacts

  • Positive: better energy and water performance, improved indoor environmental quality, lower operating costs for residents, and climate mitigation benefits.
  • Costs/Challenges: higher upfront construction or rehabilitation costs to meet certification requirements may affect project budgets and LIHTC feasibility; developers may seek incentives, technical assistance, or QAP scoring accommodations. The bill anticipates this by requiring EOHLC to provide information on available incentives and supports.
  • Data: mandated post‑occupancy analysis could improve understanding of real‑world performance of LIHTC projects and inform future policy.

Related legislation / notes

  • Related or companion measures listed in provided materials: SD 58 (replaces), S 8976 (prior session), A 4024 (companion).
  • The bill text is authored/presented by Senator Bruce E. Tarr. Other sponsor lists in the supplied metadata appear inconsistent with a Massachusetts state bill and likely reflect erroneous or mixed records.

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

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