Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H29

Introduced
2/9/23  

Caption

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to housing

Impact

If enacted, this constitutional amendment would necessitate corresponding legislative actions by the General Court to outline the specific rights and responsibilities related to housing. It would lead to the establishment of regulations that prioritize the safety, health, and dignity of residents while promoting sound economic conditions. This amendment aims to integrate housing policies that accommodate market creation while ensuring a balanced distribution of housing options throughout Massachusetts.

Summary

House Bill 29 proposes a constitutional amendment that establishes a right to housing for every resident of Massachusetts. The proposal aims to guarantee access to safe and affordable housing, reflecting a commitment to address housing issues within the state. It mandates that the Commonwealth shall ensure that a framework for comprehensive housing policies is developed, focusing on the creation, restoration, and rehabilitation of housing units. The bill emphasizes that these policies should be implemented without discrimination, covering all identifiable population groups in the state.

Contention

The bill may face opposition regarding the implications of a constitutional right to housing. Critics may raise concerns over potential economic impacts, regulatory burdens on developers, and the management of resources required to uphold this right. Additionally, there could be debates on how local governments can balance their own regulations with the overarching requirements established by the state, questioning the feasibility of implementing such comprehensive housing policies across diverse communities. Advocates for the bill argue that it is necessary to address the growing housing crisis and systemic inequalities, while opponents might contend that it could lead to unintended complications in housing markets.

Companion Bills

MA S7

Similar To Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution establishing an independent redistricting commission

MA S13

Similar To Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to agricultural and horticultural lands

MA S14

Similar To Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution requiring a supermajority vote for the utilization of rainy day funds

MA S2319

Similar To Resolutions for a United States Constitutional Amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

MA H3502

Similar To Resolutions for a United States constitutional amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

Previously Filed As

MA H65

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to housing

MA H64

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to health care

MA H70

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to employable skills training

MA S7

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to voting rights

MA H63

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to voting rights

MA S9

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for term renewal process

MA S12

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution to cap the state income tax

MA HR0089

A resolution to affirm the constitutional right of the people of Michigan to propose amendments to the Michigan Constitution and to approve or reject those amendments, including constitutional amendments that impact federal elections, such as Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022.

MA S2463

Resolutions for a United States Constitutional Amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

MA H3842

Resolutions for a United States constitutional amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

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LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

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LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.