As the Massachusetts Legislature wraps up its 2021-2022 session at the end of December, it’s worth noting that the most harmful proposals SPOA opposed, such as rent control, TOPA, and eviction record suppression have been put aside until next year. However, there is no doubt they and many other problematic bills will be re-filed next session.While we won’t know until February 2023 (most likely) if the Housing Committee co-chairs will remain the same, we do know that the ‘big four,’ (the House Speaker, Senate President and chairs of House and Senate Ways and Means) will all stay in place. While leadership has been much more receptive to SPOA’s arguments than in the past, this new session comes with some new dangers.First and foremost is the renewed pressure brought to bear by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu—specifically on local rent control. Most House and Senate members are against repealing the state-wide ban on rent control; however, some of them might be convinced to allow local cities and towns to decide for themselves. It will be SPOA’s job to convince them otherwise and make sure they know that there really is no such thing as local rent control. What happens in one community, especially Boston, affects the entire market and causes rental housing providers to leave the industry, sell their properties, and as a result significantly deplete rental housing stock.The biggest unknown, however, is the incoming Healey Administration. We don’t know yet who will serve as the head of the Department on Housing and Community Development, or any of the other major housing positions. We do know that Governor-Elect Healey has said she opposes rent control state-wide but would consider a local bill. That means rent control must be stopped in the Legislature—at least with respect to regularly filed bills. The prospect of rent control being placed on a state-wide ballot initiative also looms on the political horizon, but for now, the goal is to continue our work at the State House educating veteran and new members alike on this and the other issues we care about.SPOA and Preti will be monitoring legislation as it gets filed, starting on January 4, 2023 with hearings likely to commence in the spring.by Jim Eisenberg
Frequently Asked Questions
What legislative proposals did SPOA oppose that have been put aside?
Rent control and TOPA are among the harmful proposals SPOA opposed. These, along with eviction record suppression, have been shelved until next year, but are expected to be refiled in the new legislative session.
What changes are expected in the Massachusetts Legislature for the upcoming session?
While leadership in the Massachusetts Legislature has become more receptive to SPOA’s arguments, new dangers may arise in the upcoming session. The 'big four' in leadership positions are expected to remain the same.
What is the stance on local rent control in Massachusetts?
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is reapplying pressure for local rent control. Although most legislators oppose state-wide rent control, some may be convinced to allow local control, which SPOA argues would negatively impact the entire market and deplete rental housing stock.
What is the potential impact of the new Healey Administration on rent control legislation?
The incoming Healey Administration presents an unknown factor. While Governor-Elect Healey opposes state-wide rent control, she may consider local bills. SPOA aims to prevent rent control at the state level, especially concerning regularly filed bills.
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