The House Committee on Ways and Means released its redraft of the 2026 Economic Development bill (H.5562) yesterday, a $425.1 million package the House plans to take up tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8th. This is one of the best remaining opportunities to advance significant housing policy this year!
First, the good news: the bill includes “Yes in God’s Back Yard” (YIGBY), which allows multi-family housing as of right on land owned by religious institutions. This is an important advance and we want to urge our legislators to ensure YIGBY stays in the final bill.
For the quickest action on this and other priority amendments: go to CHAPA’s one click action alert here.
For a more comprehensive push, and to include all of the Network’s and Homes for All priorities, please copy and paste this list below and send to your State Representative (find their contact info here) with the simple message: “Please support these amendments in the Economic Development Bill.”
Amendment #71, Guarantee a Tenant’s First Right of Refusal, Rep. Jay Livingston
Amendment #479, Establishing a Massachusetts foreclosure prevention program, Rep. Christine Barber
Amendment #25, Eliminating the Notice to Quit Requirement for RAFT Eligibility, Rep. David LeBouef
Amendment #636, Homeless ID, Representative Jim O’Day
Amendment #416, An Act to regulate junk fees in housing, Representative Sam Montano
Amendment #226, Home for Lasting Affordability Pilot Program, Representative Chris Worrell
