Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Legislation

Take a look at recent legislation that has passed in informal sessions and signed by the Governor. Learn more at www.MALegislature.gov.

April 20, 2020
H.4647, An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency

• A moratorium on all stages of the eviction and foreclosure processes for 120 days from the enactment of the legislation or 45 days after the State of Emergency has been lifted, whichever period of time is shorter.

• Prohibits all non-essential evictions for residential properties and small businesses.

• Prohibits residential landlords from terminating tenancy and sending a notice to quit.

• Halts landlords from issuing late fees and reports to credit agencies for nonpayment of rent, provided that a tenant offers notice and documentation to the landlord within 30 days of the missed rent payment that the non-payment was related to a financial impact from COVID-19.

• Allows for video or telephone conferencing during the State of Emergency for reverse mortgage loans in lieu of in-person counseling until the State of Emergency order  is lifted.

• Evictions may proceed during the moratorium for actions that involve allegations of criminal activity or lease violations that are detrimental to public health or public safety.

• Requires mortgage lenders to grant a forbearance of up to 180-days on required mortgage payments if homeowner submits request demonstrating financial hardship as result of COVID-19.

• Allows landlords to use a tenant’s last month rent for expenses like mortgages payments and property maintenance, while protecting tenant rights regarding rent paid in advance.

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April 17, 2020

S.2640, An Act to provide liability protections for health care workers and facilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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April 10, 2020
H.4616, An Act to further address challenges faced by municipalities, school districts and state authorities resulting from COVID-19

April 3, 2020
H.4598, An Act to address challenges faced by municipalities and state authorities resulting from COVID-19

• Deals with basic municipal governance needs (delays for budget, town meeting, deferral of local tax collection).

• Also includes language delaying tax day, authorizing shareholder and board meetings for public and non-profit corporations, and authorizing the sale of alcohol with food deliveries. 

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March 23, 2020

S.2608, An Act granting authority to postpone 2020 municipal elections in the commonwealth and increase voting options in response to the declaration of emergency to respond to COVID-19

• Authorizes municipalities to postpone and reschedule municipal caucuses and elections and expands absentee and early voting options in the rescheduled election. 

March 18, 2020

S.2599, An Act authorizing waiver of the one week waiting period for unemployment benefits

Baker

• Waives one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits from the start of the current state of emergency until 90 days after its termination.

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March 12, 2020

H.4561, FY’20 Supplemental Budget

• Appropriates $15M for the “monitoring, treatment, containment, public awareness, and prevention efforts” against COVID-19, allowing the Secretary of Administration and Finance to disburse funds wherever necessary. 

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