An Act establishing a special commission to study women and homelessness

HD 618 establishes a special commission to study homelessness among women in Massachusetts. The commission, co-chaired by legislative leaders and including state agency heads, will appoint six additional representatives - including homeless shelter advocates, housing experts, health care specialists, researchers, and individuals with lived experience - to conduct a community needs assessment. It will specifically examine homelessness prevention, shelter improvements for women and families, permanent housing access, data collection methods, and health/social service access for homeless women. The commission must submit its findings and recommendations to key legislative committees by July 31, 2023. This bill directly affects women experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts through the study's policy recommendations.