WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1577

Resolve to plan, preserve, and protect

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rodney Elliott and 1 co-sponsor

Authorizes a five-year pilot giving tenant purchase opportunities in up to 15 Mass. ZIP codes, chosen by EOHLC from high-rental, displacement-risk areas; localities may join.

Hearing scheduled for 11/19/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1577

Summary: House Bill H.1577 — Resolve to plan, preserve, and protect

Overview

House Bill 1577 proposes a state-supported pilot program designed to create a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (TOP) in up to 15 Massachusetts ZIP codes. The measure would authorize cities and towns to apply to participate, with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) reviewing applications and selecting ZIP codes that meet anti-displacement criteria. The program aims to address displacement and revitalizes tenant ownership opportunities through a structured five-year pilot.

  • Bill number: H.1577
  • Title: Resolve to plan, preserve, and protect
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current status: Hearing scheduled for November 19, 2025 (11:00 AM–5:00 PM) in Gardner Auditorium
  • Referred to: Housing (2/27/2025)
  • Related: HD 4083 (replaces)

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a local option pilot program to expand tenant purchase opportunities as a strategy to mitigate displacement.
  • Create a formal framework for selecting a limited number of ZIP codes that demonstrate need and potential impact.
  • Produce regulatory mechanisms and standards to guide the pilot and inform future policy decisions about expansion, continuation, or termination.

Key provisions and requirements

  • Authorization for localities: A city or town may apply to participate in the TOP pilot program using the process outlined in section 4 of chapter 4 of the General Laws. Applications go to the EOHLC for review.
  • ZIP code selection: The EOHLC shall select up to 15 ZIP codes that meet the program’s criteria, focusing on areas with high displacement risk and opportunity for tenant ownership.
  • Eligibility criteria for ZIP codes (as part of applicant selection):
    • High share of rental housing: ZIP codes with a high percentage of rental units (threshold: at least 70%).
    • Displacement indicators: Documented displacement crisis via evictions and RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) applications.
    • Poverty metric: High poverty rate, measured by residents at or below the federal poverty line.
  • Regulatory development and timeline:
    • The EOHLC must promulgate regulations with stakeholder involvement by December 31, 2025.
    • Applicant window opens by June 30, 2026.
  • Pilot duration and outcomes:
    • The TOP pilot program shall operate for five years.
    • At the end of the pilot, the office must produce a report with recommendations on improvements, expansion, continuance, or termination.

Who would be affected

  • Local governments (cities and towns) in Massachusetts that meet eligibility criteria and elect to participate.
  • Tenants in participating ZIP codes seeking opportunities to purchase rental housing.
  • Landlords and property owners within participating ZIP codes, who may be engaged through program design and tenant purchase processes.
  • Advocates and local housing organizations involved in displacement prevention and tenant rights.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Regulations due: December 31, 2025.
  • Application period opens: June 30, 2026.
  • Pilot duration: 5 years from implementation (dates contingent on regulatory adoption and start).
  • Final report due: At the conclusion of the five-year pilot, with policy recommendations.

Legislative actions and context

  • The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, and referred to the House Committee on Housing.
  • A hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, in Gardner Auditorium.
  • Related bill: HD 4083 (noted as replacing this measure).

Impact considerations

  • Potential to formalize tenant purchase opportunities and slow displacement in high-need ZIP codes.
  • Provides a defined pathway for localities to participate and a structured evaluation framework for policy-scale decisions.
  • The program’s success will depend on regulatory details, funding, stakeholder engagement, and effective administration by the EOHLC.

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

Sign in to ask a question.