Housing (Homelessness)

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1004: An Act promoting housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program

This bill strengthens Massachusetts' HomeBASE program to improve housing stability for families facing eviction or housing transitions. It expands short-term housing benefits to eligible families (those with children under 21 or pregnant individuals) for up to 24 months initially, then 12-month renewals, with no income restrictions after enrollment. Key provisions include allowing applications after court eviction notices are filed, removing requirements to prove "no fault" eviction, and setting funding caps of $30,000 for the first period and $15,000 for renewals. Families can also combine these benefits with other housing assistance programs like residential assistance for families in transition, as long as the support is non-duplicative and needed for housing stability.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStrengthens HomeBASE program, expands housing benefits to eligible families, removes eviction barriers - directly advances tenant protections and housing stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3081: An Act ending the criminalization of homelessness

This bill prohibits cities and towns from enforcing fines or other penalties against homeless individuals solely for sleeping, camping, or trespassing on public property. It directly affects people experiencing homelessness, defined as those without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The key provision amends state law to ban local ordinances that criminalize these basic survival activities on public spaces. The bill specifically defines "camping" as using tents, vehicles, or temporary shelters, making it clear that such acts cannot be punished with fines.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly ends criminalization of homelessness (sleeping/camping on public property), directly addressing housing access for vulnerable populations per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1982: An Act to transform the Commonwealth’s emergency response system and create housing strategies to end the homelessness of unaccompanied adults

SD 1982 requires Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing to conduct a study on future shelter and housing needs using population-based ratios to determine required capacity for permanent supportive housing and non-congregate shelters (individual rooms with doors, not dorm-style). It mandates a 5-year plan to build new non-congregate shelters and permanent supportive housing (subsidized housing with support services), prioritizing conversion of existing congregate shelters where feasible. The bill specifically directs the creation of targeted housing strategies for unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness, with priority for elderly, disabled, medically complex, and LGBTQ+ individuals, including exploring modular construction and repurposed hotels. This legislation directly affects unaccompanied homeless adults in Massachusetts and aims to shift the state's emergency response system away from congregate shelter models.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 5-year plan for new non-congregate shelters and permanent supportive housing, prioritizing conversion of existing shelters to address homelessness and increase housing capacity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1712: An Act to provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness

This bill (SD 1712) creates a process for Massachusetts residents experiencing homelessness or unaccompanied homeless youth under age 24 to obtain a state ID card without fees. It requires the state to establish a fee waiver and allow proof of residency through documentation from homeless shelters, youth services providers, or state human services agencies (like HHS or housing departments). The bill defines "unaccompanied homeless youth" as someone under 24 without a parent/guardian and lacking stable housing. This directly affects vulnerable individuals who face barriers to standard ID requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses homelessness by removing ID barriers, enabling access to housing services and support programs per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Feb 25, 2025

H 61: Amendment H.61

This bill allocates $425 million from a special fund to provide supportive services and safe shelter for unhoused families in Massachusetts, primarily affecting families experiencing homelessness and immigrant/refugee populations. It establishes temporary respite sites for eligible families (up to 30 days, extendable under specific conditions) and requires new background checks for emergency housing applicants, including disclosure of serious criminal convictions (excluding sealed/expunged records) and consent for criminal record checks. The bill also limits emergency housing eligibility to 6 consecutive months for families with children or pregnant women, with exceptions for hardship cases like domestic violence, veterans, or high-risk pregnancies. These provisions aim to streamline housing assistance while adding verification requirements and time limits.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $425 million for supportive services and safe shelter for unhoused families, directly funding housing programs to address homelessness and provide housing stability.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationAllocates $425M for immigrant/refugee supportive services/shelter, explicitly targeting these populations for aid and safety resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Refugees & Asylum

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 626: An Act ensuring fair housing for homeless families

This bill amends Massachusetts' emergency housing assistance program to require applicants to have resided in the Commonwealth for at least one year. It directly affects homeless families seeking emergency housing assistance by adding this residency requirement, which overrides existing laws or regulations. The key provision explicitly states that the program will only be available to residents meeting this one-year residency threshold. This change modifies eligibility criteria without altering other program details.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingAdds one-year residency requirement, restricting access to emergency housing for homeless families who don't meet threshold, weakening program eligibility.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4241: An Act repealing the misused and misguided right to shelter law that is unique to Massachusetts

HD 4241 repeals Section 30 of Chapter 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws, which was part of a state law establishing a legal right to shelter. The bill would remove this specific provision from Massachusetts law, ending the state's unique requirement for shelter services under that section. This repeal directly affects Massachusetts state law by eliminating a provision that applied only to the state's legal framework for shelter access. The bill does not create new requirements or alter other aspects of shelter policy.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingRepeals MA's right to shelter law, ending state requirement for shelter services, weakening tenant protections for homeless individuals.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationRepealing Massachusetts' right to shelter law removes a state-provided service for immigrants, restricting access to shelter. Bill explicitly targets this provision as 'misused,' indicating intent to limit immigrant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1186: An Act enhancing security in emergency housing programs

By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 976) of Kelly A. Dooner for legislation to enhance security in emergency housing programs. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enhances security in emergency housing programs, supporting tenant safety and program effectiveness for vulnerable populations in housing crisis.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1185: An Act establishing residency requirements for emergency housing assistance

By Ms. Dooner, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 975) of Kelly A. Dooner for legislation to establish residency requirements for emergency housing assistance. Housing.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingEstablishes residency requirements for emergency housing assistance, restricting access to those meeting specific residency criteria.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 2347: An Act improving emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 136) of Adam Gomez for legislation to improve emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly improves emergency housing assistance for homeless children/families, directly addressing homelessness and strengthening support for vulnerable housing needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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