Bill > S1067

This bill clarifies the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Housing Court Department by removing specific geographic restrictions on where housing court divisions can handle cases. Currently, certain housing court divisions are limited to hearing cases from specific cities, counties, or regions (such as Boston, Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties). The proposed changes would eliminate these geographic limitations, allowing housing court divisions to hear cases within their respective jurisdictions without being constrained by previous regional boundaries. By removing these specific geographic references from the existing law, the bill effectively broadens the operational scope of housing court divisions, potentially making the court system more flexible and efficient in handling housing-related legal matters. The changes would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage, and the modifications are made to Section 3 of Chapter 185C of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1067