The Joint Committee on Housing convened on May 29, 2025, to address the ongoing housing crisis in Massachusetts, focusing on the challenges and potential solutions for the state's housing issues. Senate Chair Julian Cyr and Co-Chair Representative Patrick Haggerty led the meeting, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive discussion on housing policies.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Diana Horan of the Massachusetts Housing Court provided critical insights into the court's operations and the challenges it faces. She highlighted the court's jurisdiction over various housing matters, including eviction cases and code enforcement, and noted the increasing complexity of these cases due to factors such as aging rental stock and mental health issues among tenants.

Justice Horan discussed the impact of tenant protections enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which have inadvertently complicated court operations. She explained that pending rental assistance applications often delay eviction proceedings, leading to multiple rescheduling of cases and frustration for both litigants and court staff. The Chief Justice also mentioned the need for additional judges, stating that the current number of 15 judges is insufficient to meet the demands of the housing court, especially since the court now serves the entire state.

The hearing also touched on the recent implementation of a new eviction sealing law, which aims to protect tenants by sealing eviction records from public view. Justice Horan reported that the rollout of this law has been smooth, aided by user-friendly forms and guidance for petitioners.

Committee members engaged with Justice Horan, asking about the necessary resources to improve court efficiency and prevent evictions before they reach the court system. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between the legislature and the judiciary to address the housing crisis effectively.

As the meeting concluded, the committee expressed gratitude for the Chief Justice's testimony and acknowledged the ongoing need for legislative support to enhance the housing court's capacity and address the broader housing challenges facing Massachusetts. The committee plans to use the insights gathered from this hearing to inform future policy initiatives aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in the Commonwealth.