Signed by Governor Maura Healey

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates funding for the state's family shelter system and reduces the number of families served in Massachusetts.

Highlights:

• Appropriates funding for the state's family shelter system (Sec. 1-3).

• Reduces the number of families served to 4,000 and the stay limit allowed at shelters in Massachusetts beginning December 31, 2025 (Sec. 7)

• Requires the executive office to provide printed handouts to families with children, and pregnant individuals receiving benefits through the emergency housing assistance program which include, but not be limited to, the following information (Sec. 4):

• Authorized training programs;

• Approved training programs;

• Food resources, including food pantries;

• Services offered by resettlement agencies;

• Other housing programs;

• Other nonprofit or available resources the executive office deems necessary or helpful; and

• Duration of stay limit and extension process.

• Requires all written information to be translated into multiple languages and be available on the executive office’s website (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 8).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates funding for the state's family shelter system and reduces the number of families served in Massachusetts.

Highlights:

• Appropriates funding for the state's family shelter system (Sec. 1-3).

• Reduces the number of families served to 4,000 and the stay limit allowed at shelters in Massachusetts beginning December 31, 2025 (Sec. 7)

• Requires the executive office to provide printed handouts to families with children, and pregnant individuals receiving benefits through the emergency housing assistance program which include, but not be limited to, the following information (Sec. 4):

• Authorized training programs;

• Approved training programs;

• Food resources, including food pantries;

• Services offered by resettlement agencies;

• Other housing programs;

• Other nonprofit or available resources the executive office deems necessary or helpful; and

• Duration of stay limit and extension process.

• Requires all written information to be translated into multiple languages and be available on the executive office’s website (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 8).

Full Bill Text