Massachusetts H1521: An Act ensuring continued rights for public housing residents

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

Section 34 of chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:- “Notwithstanding any provision in this section, the tenants of projects transferred under this section shall, at a minimum, maintain the rights as provided under the provisions of the federal, state, and local subsidy programs originally applicable to the project including tenant contribution, lease terms, eviction, right to return, grievance, resident participation, preference in hiring, and privacy rights, except as may be required to secure financing necessary for the feasibility of the project, or to meet associated programmatic eligibility requirements subject to clause (ii) in the following paragraph after notice to affected tenants with an opportunity to comment. Provided further, the redevelopment shall not be the basis for re-screening of existing tenants or termination or reduction of assistance or eviction of any tenant in a subject property, and such a tenant shall not be considered a new admission for any purpose, including compliance with any income targeting requirements. Provided further, such projects under this section shall have at least the same number of low rent housing as the number of low rent housing in the existing project. Provided further, the requirements for such projects under this section shall be implemented through contracts, use agreements, regulations, or other means, as determined by the department, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Kevin Honan (D, 17th Suffolk) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. April 13, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)
2. June 2, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 06/04/2025 from 09:00 AM-01:00 PM in B-2
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Housing
5. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H1521?

H1521 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act ensuring continued rights for public housing residents.

What is the status of H1521?

Failed as of April 13, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27) (April 13, 2026).

Who sponsored H1521?

Kevin Honan (D, 17th Suffolk).

Where is the official record for H1521?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1521