Last month, the MA House and MA Senate passed versions of Governor Maura Healey's Affordable Homes Act.

WHAT HAPPENED: Like Healey’s original version of the bill, both bills established an Office of Fair Housing, legalized accessory dwelling units in single-family zoning districts without undue restrictions, streamlined the use of state-owned land for housing, and increased the bond authorizations for public housing, building decarbonization, and many more housing initiatives. Unfortunately, however, both chambers caved to the real estate lobby and axed the widely popular local option real estate transfer fee (which would have allowed cities and towns to raise extra money to invest in affordable housing).

But the two bills had a number of differences, and a Conference Committee of three senators and three representatives are negotiating final details.

WHAT IS AT STAKE: We have a displacement crisis in Massachusetts, and it is essential that the final version of the Affordable Homes Act contain policies to help renters and working-class homeowners.

• Creating a process for sealing eviction records (Senate bill)
• Banning brokers' fees (Senate bill)
• Establishing a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase local option (House bill)
• Creating a Foreclosure Mediation Pilot Program (Senate bill)

If we are to make a dent at addressing the affordable housing crisis, we need more investment, we need more housing production, and we need policies to prevent displacement. The Legislature shouldn't leave out that critical final piece.