There are two bills with eviction record sealing protections currently pending at the State House for the 2022-23 legislative session:
H.4356 (HOMES Act), lead sponsors Senator Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Moran.On May 9, 2023, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the HOMES Act at which many submitted testimony, including Attorney General Andrea Campbell. On February 12, 2024, the Judiciary Committee reported the HOMES Act, H. 4356favorably to the House Steering, Policy & Scheduling Committee.
H.4138 (Governor’s Housing Bond Bill, Section 47). On January 18, 2024, the Housing Committee held a hearing on the Housing Bond Bill at which many organizations submitted testimony urging that tenants with cases that are dismissed, cases that they win, and no-fault evictions be sealed automatically. The Housing Committee reported the Bond Bill to Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets with no changes.
There are significant differences between the HOMES Act and Section 47 in the Governor's Housing Bond Bill. To learn more, see FACT SHEET below.
Chelsea's La Colaborativa Youth Leaders meet about the HOMES Act with Lydia Edwards, who at the time was Boston City Councilor and has since been elected as a State Senator.