Massachusetts H219: An Act establishing a livable home modification grant program

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 23B of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following 7 sections:- Section 31. As used in sections 31 to 37, inclusive, the following words shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:- “Accessibility features”, accessibility features that meet the specifications of an existing standard including (i) accessibility ramp to a zero-step entrance from a driveway or public sidewalk; (ii) zero-step entrance; (iii) doors with at least 32 inches of clear width; (iv) hallways and passages with at least 36 inches of clear width; (v) accessible light switches, electrical outlets and environmental controls; (vi) accessible bathroom; (vii) accessible and useable kitchen facilities; (viii) retrofitting of an existing unit to include permanently installed lifts or elevators; (ix) purchase and permanent installation of a backup electric generator for life-sustaining electric-powered medical equipment for devices such as respirators, oxygen concentrators or dialysis machines; and (x) installation of a permanent home monitoring system for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. “Commission”, the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission established pursuant to section 74 of chapter 6. “Disability”, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. “Dwelling unit”, any house or building, or portion thereof, that is occupied, designed to be occupied, or is rented, leased or hired …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Carol Doherty (D, 3rd Bristol) · primary sponsor
• James Hawkins (D, 2nd Bristol)

Latest actions

1. December 29, 2025: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
2. August 27, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 09/09/2025 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM in B-2
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (December 8, 2025): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (December 8, 2025): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H219?

H219 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act establishing a livable home modification grant program.

What is the status of H219?

In committee as of December 29, 2025. Latest action: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (December 29, 2025).

Who sponsored H219?

Carol Doherty (D, 3rd Bristol), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H219?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H219