An Act relative to violent or sexual offenses committed by those using the Emergency Assistance shelter system

This bill (SD 172) changes Massachusetts' Emergency Assistance shelter program rules. It prohibits individuals convicted or charged with violent felonies or sexual offenses (under Chapter 265) from continuing to receive shelter benefits while using the program, unless they get a written waiver from the program director. The key provision automatically blocks benefit eligibility for these individuals, removing a prior exception that allowed continued aid. This directly affects shelter users facing specific criminal charges under the state's violent crime statutes. The change takes effect immediately without requiring new legislation for each case.