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Bill

S 182

Increases the federal poverty level requirement for recipients where it concerns the one-time disregard of earned income

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy Cooney and 3 co-sponsors

Creates Community Housing Packages to boost high-quality, affordable, mixed-use housing statewide by pre-screening local developers and coordinating with master and transit plans.

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Bill Summary · S 182

Summary — S.182: "An Act for Community Housing Packages"

Note on inconsistency: The bill metadata provided includes a different short title (“Increases the federal poverty level requirement…”) and a mix of sponsors that appear to be federal senators. The actual bill text filed in the Massachusetts Senate (Senate No. 182 / SD 902, presented by Jason M. Lewis by request, petition of Vincent Dixon) creates a new state law establishing “Community Housing Packages” (CHPs). This summary follows the text of the Massachusetts bill.

Purpose

The bill directs the Commonwealth to design and implement Community Housing Packages (CHPs) to increase the supply of affordable, safe, durable, and mixed-use housing across Massachusetts municipalities. It emphasizes higher construction quality (fire-resistant, energy-efficient), the use of pre-screened local developers, and coordination with master planning and transit planning.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes the Department of Communities and Development (text also references the Department of Housing and Community Development) to design and administer Community Housing Packages (CHPs).
  • Directs the department to promulgate regulations implementing CHPs, balancing incentives with local preferences and emphasizing high construction standards (fire-resistance, energy efficiency, durable construction).
  • Encourages mixed-use development and incorporation of modest-to-medium regional transit options into CHP planning.
  • Requires the department to create, annually renew, and publicize a roster/listing of pre‑screened, neighborhood- and community‑friendly developers and contractors, using interviews and public outreach.
  • Requires CHPs to be distributed statewide to strengthen local businesses and serve a range of income levels.
  • Intends CHPs to intersect with state master planning and transportation planning processes.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies: primarily the Department of Communities and Development / Department of Housing and Community Development (administrative and regulatory duties).
  • Municipal governments: CHPs are designed to coordinate with local master plans and preferences.
  • Developers and contractors: those who seek placement on the pre‑screened roster; potential benefits from public promotion.
  • Residents and employers: potential increased supply of higher‑quality affordable and mixed‑use housing; improved access to transit-connected housing.
  • Local businesses: potential economic strengthening through new housing-driven demand.

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

  • Filed in MA Senate: 1/15/2025; introduced/read and referred 1/22/2025.
  • Referred to multiple committees in early stages (Community Development and Small Businesses; Environment and Public Works; Finance; Social Services — metadata shows overlap).
  • Advanced to third reading and passed the Senate on 6/10/2025; delivered to the Assembly and referred to Ways & Means (6/10/2025).
  • Hearing scheduled: 07/15/2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM) in B-1.
  • Accompanied a study order (S2699) on 11/06/2025 per the record.

Notable issues & uncertainties

  • The bill text and metadata show inconsistencies (title, sponsors, department name). The implementing department is variably named; statutory drafting should clarify the exact agency (likely the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities / DHCD).
  • No fiscal estimates, funding mechanisms, or statutory enforcement tools are specified in the text provided — implementation costs and incentives would require further detail or amendments.
  • The bill gives broad discretion to the administering department (rulemaking and developer selection), which may raise questions about selection criteria, oversight, and local control.

Potential impact

If implemented, CHPs could incentivize higher‑quality, transit‑oriented affordable housing development statewide and create a streamlined pipeline of vetted local developers. Absent specified funding and clearer administrative rules, practical outcomes will depend on subsequent regulations, budget allocations, and municipal cooperation.

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

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