On July 31 at 12:45 a.m., the Legislature passed several of CHAPA's remaining legislative priorities as part of a comprehensive bill (H.4911/H.5037), including:

1. A 5-year extension of the state low income housing tax credit ($100 million in tax credits). The bill includes compromise language to improve the efficiency of the tax credit program, which was agreed upon by CHAPA and the Romney Administration.

2. A $100 million bond program, which was proposed by the Governor when he returned the state low income housing tax credit legislation last month. This program would be used as an alternative to the state housing tax credit program, if necessary, and it contains similar requirements and funding levels as the tax credit program.

3. A $200 million disability bond bill, which includes:

4. Allows Housing Stabilization funds to be used for the Soft Second Homeownership Program.

The Governor has ten days to act on the legislation. CHAPA wishes to thank Senate President Robert Travaglini; House Speaker Thomas Finneran; the Co-chairs of the HUD Committee, Senator Harriette Chandler and Representative Kevin Honan; and the sponsors of all of these items for their tenacity and dedication to moving these programs to final passage. The text of the bill, once it is available, will be posted on CHAPA's web site.

Action on Other Housing Related Bills

Chapter 40B - Despite attempts to reach consensus on a compromise bill that would have preserved Chapter 40B while making changes to address concerns raised by municipalities, the legislation did not pass. CHAPA appreciates the time and effort expended by the HUD Committee Co-chairs in trying to resolve this issue.

Anti-Predatory Lending - The House and Senate enacted H.4880, the anti-predatory lending bill and sent it to the Governor. Thank you to Senator Dianne Wilkerson and Banking Committee Co-chairs, Senator Andrea Nuciforo and Representative John Quinn.

Eviction Storage - House No. 2100, the "eviction storage bill" is awaiting the Governor's signature. The bill offers protection to evicted tenants who often have little financial resources or power to receive their property if it is seized and placed in storage. With this legislation, tenants will be notified where their property is being stored, they will be allowed to access their property, and tenants need not sign a release of liability until after they have a chance to inspect their property.