Amendment #727 to H4100

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Mr. O'Day of West Boylston moves to amend the bill by adding at the end thereof the following section: "SECTION X. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be a special commission for the purpose of studying and making recommendations concerning support services for homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth under 22 years of age with the goal of ensuring a comprehensive and effective response to the unique needs of this population. The focus of the commission’s work shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the state’s ability to identify and connect with homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth; and recommendations to reduce identified barriers to serving this population.

The special commission shall consist of the secretary of the executive office of health and human services, or a designee; the commissioner of the department of children and families, or a designee; the commissioner of the department of elementary and secondary education, or a designee; the commissioner of the department of housing and economic development, or a designee; the commissioner of the department of youth services, or a designee; the commissioner of the department of transitional assistance, or a designee; and a former member of the population of homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth, appointed by the Governor.

The commission shall submit to the clerks of the house and senate a report setting forth its findings and recommendations no later than December 31, 2012.".