An Act relative to property tax exemptions for the increased value of a home as a result of certain alterations and improvements to the home
Generates a plain-language summary of the bill text and history.
| Date | Branch | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 4/2/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5318↗ |
| 3/9/2026 | House | Reported date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 2/9/2026 | House | Reporting date extended to Friday, March 13, 2026 |
| 10/28/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/07/2025 from 10:00 AM-02:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium |
| 7/14/2025 | Joint | Hearing canceled – new hearing TBD |
| 7/11/2025 | Joint | |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Revenue |
No additional cosponsors.
| Committee | Recommendation | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| J26 | Accompanied | — |
Section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting the following definition: “Disabled person”, a person who is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity by reason of medically determinable physical or mental impairment regardless of his or her age, education, and work experience, cannot engage in substantial gainful activity. MGL s. 12A c. 71B
Said Chapter 59 of the General Laws, is hereby amended by striking out clause fiftieth and inserting in place thereof the following clause:- Fiftieth, the increased value of residential real property as a result of alterations or improvements thereto, not to exceed $500 of taxes due; provided, however, that said alterations or improvements are made to provide housing for a person who is not the owner of the premises and who is at least 60 years old or is disabled; provided further, that any such alterations or improvements must be made to a house, consisting of no more than 3 units prior to such alterations or improvements and which is owned and occupied by the applicant as his domicile; and provided, further, that the applicant shall annually furnish to the assessors a statement under oath that the alterations or improvements were made to provide housing for a person who is at least 60 years old or who is disabled. This exemption shall terminate when the premises are no longer occupied by any such elderly or disabled person. No person shall receive more than 1 exemption under the provisions of this clause in any fiscal year. This clause shall take effect upon its acceptance by any city or town and shall apply only to alterations or improvements made on or after the date of such acceptance by such city or town.
SECTION 1. Section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting the following definition: “Disabled person”, a person who is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity by reason of medically determinable physical or mental impairment regardless of his or her age, education, and work experience, cannot engage in substantial gainful activity. MGL s. 12A c. 71B SECTION 2. Said Chapter 59 of the General Laws, is hereby amended by striking out clause fiftieth and inserting in place thereof the following clause:- Fiftieth, the increased value of residential real property as a result of alterations or improvements thereto, not to exceed $500 of taxes due; provided, however, that said alterations or improvements are made to provide housing for a person who is not the owner of the premises and who is at least 60 years old or is disabled; provided further, that any such alterations or improvements must be made to a house, consisting of no more than 3 units prior to such alterations or improvements and which is owned and occupied by the applicant as his domicile; and provided, further, that the applicant shall annually furnish to the assessors a statement under oath that the alterations or improvements were made to provide housing for a person who is at least 60 years old or who is disabled. This exemption shall terminate when the premises are no longer occupied by any such elderly or disabled person. No person shall receive more than 1 exemption under the provisions of this clause in any fiscal year. This clause shall take effect upon its acceptance by any city or town and shall apply only to alterations or improvements made on or after the date of such acceptance by such city or town.