Bill > H4071

This bill aims to provide housing opportunities and support for incarcerated individuals about to be released from correctional facilities and formerly incarcerated persons. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Establishing a reentry and formerly incarcerated persons program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to help incarcerated individuals understand housing options, find pathways to short-term and permanent housing, and receive financial support like housing vouchers. 2. Requiring state agencies and authorities that provide affordable housing funding or assistance to prioritize and provide preferences for incarcerated individuals about to be released and formerly incarcerated persons. 3. Amending various housing-related laws to include requirements for prioritizing and providing preferences for this population in the allocation of tax credits, funding, and development of affordable housing projects. 4. Requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development to review and report annually on the implementation and outcomes of these housing programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. The overall goal of the bill is to improve housing security and access for those with a history of criminal justice involvement as they reenter their communities.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4071