Massachusetts Senator Dooner introduces several acts concerning migrants, emergency housing as funding is running out
Boston, Massachusetts In response to the present migrant crisis, Senator Dooner (R-Taunton) has introduced legislation to amend Massachusetts’ Right to Shelter law.
The proposed improvements, according to the Dooner’s Office, are intended to ensure that resources are distributed equitably and responsibly while giving Massachusetts residents’ needs top priority in order to lessen the burden on the state’s emergency shelter system.
“It is clear that our Right to Shelter law needs to be reformed to address the realities our Commonwealth is facing, as the current shelter system is overburdened and unsustainable,” Senator Dooner said. For our residents, particularly our veterans, the elderly, and families in need, we must make sure that our shelter system continues to be secure, open, and usable.
An Act to Strengthen Security in Emergency Housing Programs (SD1186): ensures that all candidates who are 18 years of age or older undergo background checks prior to being accepted into the emergency housing assistance program. Coordination with federal agencies is necessary, and applicants who have been found guilty or facing charges related to violent crimes, drug trafficking, or sexual offenses will not be allowed to participate in the program.
SD1185, An Act to Provide Emergency Housing Assistance with Requirements for Residency: Only U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants who have lived in Massachusetts continuously for at least 12 months are eligible for the emergency housing assistance program. In order to guard against fraud and enforce compliance, applicants must additionally provide US resident-specific evidence, such as a valid Green Card, passport, pay stubs, and real ID, and they must set up cross-agency verification.
An Act Creating Liability Coverage for Establishments Housing People in the Emergency Shelter Program (SD1183): mandates liability and property damage insurance for hotels and other lodging establishments taking part in the emergency housing program, making them liable for losses brought on by occupants. Contract termination, monetary fines, and disqualification from future state contracts are some of the ways it enforces compliance.
In order to report and imprison nonresident migrants or asylum seekers accused of or found guilty of serious crimes, the Executive Office of Livable Communities must work with federal agencies under SD1182, An Act Promoting Intergovernmental Cooperation on Criminal Enforcement.
Bill SD1180, An Act to Reform Landlord Incentives: prohibits the Commonwealth from providing bonuses to landlords who choose to house migrant families over those who are legally residents.
An Act to Establish Emergency Shelter Priorities (Bill SD1176): provides Veterans, senior citizens, and families who are legally residing in the Commonwealth and who are homeless or at risk of becoming so priority access to emergency shelter assistance.
Given the estimated $1 billion already spent on this crisis, Senator Dooner added, “Massachusetts residents deserve a shelter system that is not only responsive to emergency needs but also safe, transparent, and accountable.” We cannot afford to run an overburdened shelter system. I implore my colleagues to work with me to forward these essential reforms for the benefit of the Commonwealth, as we have yet to receive a briefing on where money are being spent.
MASSterList reports that Governor Healey’s plan to provide an additional $425 million to fund the emergency shelter system is still pending in the House. If nothing is done, the state won’t have any money to pay providers when they start asking for payment the next week.
