Department of Housing and Community Development - Homeless Shelter Certification

HB 1501 requires Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development to create a certification program for homeless shelters, mandating that all shelters obtain certification by July 1, 2026, or cease operations. The bill establishes a tiered certification system prioritizing year-round shelters (including transitional and medical care shelters) over seasonal or motel-based shelters, with staggered application deadlines for different shelter types. It mandates specific requirements for certification, including organizational documentation, regular on-site inspections, and a grievance process for residents to report violations. This directly affects all homeless shelter operators statewide, requiring them to meet new standards or face penalties for operating without certification after the deadline.