MRLDA Legislative Update: April 2025
State Promises New Regulations for Starter Home Zoning Districts The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has promised that the long-awaited draft regulations that will govern the adoption of starter home zoning districts will be available for review in the near future. These districts were authorized by the Legislature in 2016 and amended by […]
MRLDA Scores a Temporary Victory as MassDEP Delays EV Truck Rule
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has announced an important change impacting the truck sales market in Massachusetts. Below is a letter from MRLDA Lobbyist Patrick Huntington outlining the details and what this development means for members. Dear MRLDA Members, On April 14, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced that it has exercised its […]
MRLDA Legislative Update: March 2025
On January 1, 2025, the forty members of the Massachusetts State Senate and the 160 members of the House of Representatives were sworn into office for the 2025 – 2026 legislative session. Since that time, those legislators have filed over 7,000 pieces of legislation that will be considered by the thirty-two joint Senate and House […]
MRLDA Legislative Update: February 2025
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MA RMV) Issues New Truck Side Guard Safety Rules The MA RMV has released its final regulations implementing a newly enacted law requiring the installation of lateral protective side guard devices, convex mirrors, crossover mirrors, and backup cameras on any heavy-duty vehicle classified as Class 3 with a gross vehicle […]
MRLDA Legislative Update: January 2025
New Legislature Sworn In for 2025-26 Session On Jan. 1, the newly elected members of the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives were sworn in for the 2025-26 legislative session. There are three new members in the Senate and 19 new members in the House. The Republican Party gained one seat in the Senate, and […]
Massachusetts State Senator Peter Durant Tours Howe Lumber to Discuss Industry Issues
On Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, Massachusetts State Senator Peter Durant, R-6th Worcester District, visited Massachusetts Retail Lumber Dealers Association (MRLDA) member Howe Lumber in East Brookfield for a yard tour. Photo, left to right: Patrick Huntington, MRLDA Lobbyist; Jason Thacker and Kate Norrie, Howe Lumber; Massachusetts State Senator Peter Durant; Scott Norrie and Adam Robbins, […]
MRLDA Legislative Update: End of Session 2024
Legislative Session Update The Massachusetts House and Senate concluded their formal deliberations on July 31st for the current legislative session. Under their rules, the Legislature cannot take recorded electronic roll call votes on any legislation from August through December but can continue to pass non-controversial legislation during those months on unanimous voice votes. During the […]
MRLDA Legislative Update: June 2024
House and Senate Advance Housing Bond Legislation The House of Representatives and State Senate recently approved separate versions of a Housing Bond Bill that will allocate billions of dollars for the development of new housing as well as improvements to existing units. These bills are expected to increase housing production by an estimated 40,000 units. […]
Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday 2024
The Massachusetts Annual Sales Tax Holiday is just around the corner, providing a fantastic opportunity for both retailers and shoppers. This year, the sales tax holiday will take place from August 10-11. During this period, most purchases made by individual consumers will be exempt from the state’s 6.25% sales tax. As a retailer, it’s crucial […]
MRLDA Legislative Update: April 2024
Realtors Oppose Proposed Housing Transfer Tax The Greater Boston Real Estate Board has announced its opposition to the proposal contained in Governor Healey’s Housing Bond Bill that would allow cities and towns to levy an additional transfer tax on the sale of housing units with a sale price over $1 million. The proceeds from the […]