H 3166
An Act authorizing a local affordable housing surcharge
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to add a surcharge to property taxes. The revenue generated from this surcharge would be specifically dedicated to funding affordable housing initiatives within those local communities. Cities and towns would determine the amount of the surcharge and how it’s used, giving them local control over affordable housing investments. This legislation aims to bolster local efforts to address the affordable housing shortage.
Key provisions
- Authorizes cities and towns to impose a local affordable housing surcharge.
- Revenue from the surcharge is earmarked for affordable housing programs.
- Local governments determine the surcharge amount and its allocation.
- It allows for flexibility in how local governments utilize the generated funds.
Who is affected
- Cities and towns in Massachusetts
- Property owners in Massachusetts
- Residents of Massachusetts
- Local affordable housing organizations
- The Massachusetts housing market
Notable changes
- Creates a new revenue stream for local affordable housing efforts.
- Shifts some property tax revenue towards affordable housing.
- Provides local governments with greater control over affordable housing funding.
Fiscal impact
The fiscal impact of this bill is dependent on the surcharge rates adopted by individual cities and towns, and the subsequent allocation of funds to affordable housing programs.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Jay D. Livingstone
Cosponsor
Jay D. Livingstone
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.3166 194th (Current)
An Act authorizing a local affordable housing surcharge
By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3166) of Jay D. Livingstone for legislation to authorize cities and towns to impose a local affordable housing surcharge on certain real property. Revenue.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Jay D. Livingstone
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.3166
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Revenue |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/4/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 3/9/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5182 |
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