By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 979) of Peter J. Durant, John R. Gaskey, Joseph D. McKenna, Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. and others for legislation to mandate the emergency housing assistance program only be available to residents of the commonwealth who have resided in the commonwealth for at least 1 year. Housing.
H 1498 would prevent Massachusetts cities and towns from imposing criminal penalties - such as fines or jail time - for minor public conduct like sleeping or sitting in public spaces when someone is experiencing homelessness. It directly affects unhoused residents who currently face legal consequences for basic survival activities in public areas. The bill requires municipalities to first ensure adequate shelter availability before enforcing such penalties, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions. This policy change aims to reduce the criminalization of homelessness while promoting access to shelter.
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.
By Representative Luddy of Orleans and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Hadley Luddy and Julian Cyr relative to funding housing and mitigating investor real estate in seasonal communities. Housing.
By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1000) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to create a statutory housing restriction and providing remedies related to statutory housing. Housing.
By Representative Frost of Auburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1506) of Paul K. Frost and others relative to prioritizing Massachusetts residents on the waitlist for emergency housing assistance. Housing.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 966) of Julian Cyr for legislation to fund housing and mitigating investor real estate in seasonal communities. Housing.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1536) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to prioritization for the emergency assistance program. Housing.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 986) of Ryan C. Fattman and Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida for legislation to ensure fair housing for homeless families. Housing.
By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1883) of Paul McMurtry relative to the recovery of withheld rent. The Judiciary.
