Budget Amendment ID: FY2021-S4-85-R1

Redraft OTH 85

Maintaining Stable Housing for Families with Pets in an Economic Crisis and Beyond

Messrs. Welch, O'Connor and Tran, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Montigny and Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting the following new section:-

SECTION XX. The department of housing and community development, in consultation with housing authorities representing diverse geographic regions of the commonwealth, shall study housing authority pet policies that discriminate against dogs on the basis of breed, size or weight with the goal of creating a pilot program that would remove discrimination in such policies. The study shall include, but not be limited to: (i) a description of the purported purposes of such pet policies; (ii) an analysis of any evidence on whether such pet policies effectively achieve their intended purposes; and (iii) an assessment of the potential impact of eliminating such pet policies including, but not limited to, the potential benefits to applicants or current residents. The department shall file a report on its findings with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on housing and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than July 1, 2021.”.