Massachusetts House Bill H2791

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 3/21/24

Caption

Reducing CPA recording fees for affordable housing

Impact

If enacted, HB 2791 would directly alter the financial obligations of CPAs and public agencies regarding their affordable housing initiatives. By lowering the recording fees, Massachusetts aims to encourage the development of more affordable housing options, responding to ongoing housing shortages in many parts of the state. This legislative action is consistent with broader state efforts to enhance community preservation and accessibility, particularly in housing sectors where costs have increasingly become a limiting factor in development.

Summary

House Bill 2791, titled 'An Act reducing CPA recording fees for affordable housing', aims to amend the General Laws of Massachusetts regarding the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The bill proposes a reduction in the recording fees paid by certified public accountants (CPAs) to registers of deeds and assistant recorders for the filing of documents related to affordable housing. This initiative reflects a recognition of the financial barriers associated with developing affordable housing and seeks to provide relief for public agencies and quasi-public agencies involved in such projects.

Contention

While supporters of HB 2791 may laud it as a necessary step toward enabling more affordable housing development, potential contention could arise surrounding funding implications for local officials who rely on recording fees as revenue. Some critics may argue that reducing these fees may limit local authorities' capacity to manage administrative costs associated with housing projects. Dialogues around the balance of local governmental revenue and the urgent need for affordable housing may become focal points of debate as the bill progresses.