Bill > S792

This bill aims to establish mandated preferences on public housing waiting lists in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Giving priority on public housing and state-aided Section 8 voucher waiting lists to individuals with physical or mental disabilities, those experiencing domestic violence or abuse, veterans, those affected by natural disasters, and the homeless. 2. Allowing housing authorities to use residency in the town where they are located as a criterion, but requiring them to also consider whether an applicant has attended school in that town. 3. Restricting housing authorities from evicting disabled tenants solely based on their disability or the criminal activity of other household members, unless the disabled tenant has directly engaged in illegal activity or failed to pay rent. 4. Prohibiting housing authorities from discriminating against applicants based on their association with a disabled or criminal household member. The bill aims to ensure that public housing and state rental assistance programs prioritize vulnerable populations, such as those with disabilities or experiencing domestic violence, while also protecting against discrimination.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S792