MA H1511

Establishes the Massachusetts Rental Assistance and Financial Stability Program to prevent evictions and support recipients of state rental assistance programs including MRVP, AHVP, RAFT, and HomeBASE

Authorizes housing consumer education centers to manage participants' finances on their behalf, including accepting income and making direct payments for rent, utilities, food, and healthcare expenses through dedicated bank accounts

Requires assignment of financial counselors to each participant to provide budgeting assistance, financial literacy training, debt management guidance, and ongoing support toward financial stability goals

Mandates housing specialists in housing courts review eviction cases to assess tenants' financial literacy needs and refer them to the program as appropriate

Requires implementation plan by January 1, 2026, program launch by September 1, 2026, and annual reporting to legislative committees on program outcomes including eviction prevention rates and participant satisfaction