SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1186        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Kelly A. Dooner

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act enhancing security in emergency housing programs.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1186        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act enhancing security in emergency housing programs.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 30 of Chapter 23B of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-

(H) The executive office shall conduct background checks on all applicants aged 18 and older before admission into the Emergency Housing Assistance Program.

(a) Background checks shall include: (1) State and federal criminal history checks; (2) Sex offender registry checks; (3) Verification of outstanding warrants or pending criminal charges.

(b) The executive office shall coordinate with the department of criminal justice information services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to verify background information and immigration status.

(c) Applicants with pending charges or convictions for violent crimes, drug trafficking, or sex offenses shall be ineligible for program participation.

(d) The executive office shall promulgate regulations to implement and enforce this subsection.