Bill > H1476

This bill establishes comprehensive pet-friendly policies for state-aided public housing for elderly residents. The legislation authorizes the executive office of housing and livable communities to maintain a pet ownership program that prevents housing authorities from discriminating against pets based on breed, size, weight, or appearance. The bill limits pet deposits to $160 or one month's rent (whichever is less) and prohibits evictions solely due to pet ownership. An advisory group will be created with representatives from housing authorities, tenant organizations, animal welfare groups, and other stakeholders to help develop and update pet policies, create guidance for pet committees and grievance panels, and propose future legislative recommendations. The advisory group will also work on developing pet policies suitable for different housing types, collect relevant data, and aggregate pet adoption and care resources. Importantly, the bill does not require housing facilities to accept dogs that have been legally declared dangerous by a municipality, ensuring safety remains a priority while promoting pet-friendly housing policies.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1476