H 1578
An Act relative to background checks for individuals in Massachusetts housing programs
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires background checks for individuals applying for or receiving housing assistance in Massachusetts. It aims to enhance the safety and security of residents in public and subsidized housing programs by ensuring potential tenants do not pose a risk. The bill mandates a process for conducting these checks, likely involving criminal history and other relevant information. It seeks to provide housing providers with a tool to assess potential risks and promote safer living environments.
Key provisions
- Requires background checks for applicants and residents of Massachusetts housing programs.
- Establishes a process for conducting background checks, potentially including criminal history checks.
- Likely mandates reporting of findings to housing authorities.
- May specify the types of information to be included in background checks.
- Could outline procedures for individuals to challenge inaccurate information.
- Specifies the responsibilities of housing providers in implementing the background check process.
- Addresses data privacy and security concerns related to background check information.
Who is affected
- Individuals seeking housing assistance in Massachusetts
- Housing providers in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Housing Authority
- Public housing residents
- Subsidized housing residents
Notable changes
- Introduces a standardized background check process for housing applicants and residents.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Steven George Xiarhos
Cosponsors
Joseph D. McKenna
Jr. Bradley H. Jones
Kelly W. Pease
Steven George Xiarhos
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1578 194th (Current)
An Act relative to background checks for individuals in Massachusetts housing programs
By Representatives Xiarhos of Barnstable and Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1578) of Steven George Xiarhos, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and Joseph D. McKenna relative to background checks for individuals in Massachusetts housing programs. Housing.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Steven George Xiarhos , Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.1578
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Housing |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 4/13/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27) |
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