This is not a legislative bill but a gubernatorial communication proposing changes to the Emergency Assistance Shelter System. The Governor recommends modifying eligibility rules to ensure shelter benefits primarily serve Massachusetts residents, including requiring evictions to occur in Massachusetts, verifying residency through documentation (not self-attestation), and limiting "not meant for human habitation" housing eligibility to situations within the state. These changes aim to align the system with its original intent, address operational burdens, and improve fiscal sustainability for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposal would directly affect homeless families seeking shelter by tightening eligibility criteria.
Report of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (pursuant to Section 11 of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its plan to phase out the use of hotels and motels for emergency housing assistance not later than December 31, 2025
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1017) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to reform the emergency assistance shelter program by limiting the scope to residents of the Commonwealth. Housing.
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.
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.
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.
By Representative Gaskey of Carver, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1508) of John R. Gaskey relative to repealing the emergency housing assistance program. Housing.
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.
This bill exempts municipalities ordered by the state housing agency (DHCD) or federal authorities to provide emergency shelters for more than 10 homeless individuals from Chapter 40B housing regulations for at least five years. It specifically relieves them from meeting the requirement to provide affordable housing units (currently 10% of new projects). The exemption applies only when shelters are established under government order for emergency homeless populations. This directly affects towns and cities mandated to house larger groups of homeless residents during crises.
This bill amends an existing emergency housing assistance program by adding a requirement that applicants must be U.S. citizens. It directly affects homeless families residing in the Commonwealth who are not U.S. citizens, restricting their access to this program. The key provision changes the program's eligibility rules to exclude non-citizens, overriding any conflicting laws or regulations. The bill does not create new housing but modifies who can receive existing emergency housing aid.
