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H 3006

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gilda Cobb-Hunter and 4 co-sponsors

Allows towns to cap assessed value for long-term residences of eligible low-income homeowners, preventing tax increases until sale or transfer.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · H 3006

Summary: H.3006 – An Act relative to the valuation of long term residences

Purpose and intent

This bill seeks to create a limited property tax valuation protection for qualifying long-term homeowners. By allowing towns and cities that opt in to cap the assessed value of certain long-term residences, it aims to prevent property tax increases due to rising real estate values, provided the owner meets income and asset thresholds and has maintained residence for a long period.

Key provisions

  • Insertion of a new Section 38 1/2 to Chapter 59 of the General Laws (appearing after Section 38 in the 2018 edition).
  • Local option: A city or town that accepts this section may apply the provision.
  • Eligibility for the long-term residence valuation:
    • The property owner has occupied the property for at least 30 years (i.e., 30 years of domicile).
    • The owner’s income does not exceed 100 percent of the area median income (AMI) as determined by HUD.
    • The owner has no more than $100,000 in liquid assets, excluding the value of their domicile.
  • Valuation standard:
    • The assessed valuation of the real property shall be set at the valuation of the property under Section 38 as of the 30th year of domicile.
  • Valuation changes:
    • The approved valuation shall not increase unless the property is sold or transferred.
  • Limitation on applicability:
    • Only applies in communities that choose to accept the section.

Affected parties and potential impact

  • Eligible homeowners:
    • Individuals who have lived in their home for 30 years.
    • Household income at or below 100% of the HUD area median income.
    • Liquid assets at or below $100,000 (assets excluding the home’s value).
  • Physical impact:
    • Properties meeting the criteria would have a capped assessed value, potentially reducing or stabilizing property taxes compared with standard valuation growth.
    • Tax increases would be limited except upon sale or transfer of the property.
  • Local governments:
    • Only communities that opt in would implement the mechanism; the measure could affect local revenue dynamics where adopted.

Legislative and procedural details

  • Primary sponsor: Rep. James Arciero (Westford).
  • Co-sponsor: Rep. Peter Barbella.
  • Related bill: HD 3653 (replaces) and a prior related measure in the 2023-2024 session (HD 2691).
  • Timeline and actions:
    • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
    • Referred to the Committee on Revenue: February 27, 2025.
    • Hearing schedule: Initial hearing(s) in 2025; current notice shows a hearing on November 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium.
    • Previous hearings: Several hearings were scheduled and canceled/re-scheduled in 2025 (e.g., July 11 and July 22 dates noted).
  • Status: Hearing scheduled; bill is under consideration in the Revenue committee.

Notes

  • The provision is optional for municipalities, requiring local adoption to apply.
  • The measure would implement a long-term affordability mechanism tied to domicile duration, income, and liquid asset limits, with the protection lasting until sale or transfer of the home.

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

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