Bill > H58

This bill makes supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025, totaling $425,000,000, to address unanticipated obligations and provide for certain other activities and projects, with funds available through fiscal year 2026. * **Supportive Services and Safe Shelter for Unhoused Families:** $425,000,000 appropriated from the General Fund to provide supportive services and safe shelter for unhoused families. This funding can be transferred to state agencies and used for various purposes related to family assistance, including workforce development programs. The funds are available through June 30, 2026. The bill also includes several provisions related to the emergency housing assistance program: * **Criminal Conviction Disclosure:** Applicants for emergency housing assistance must disclose prior criminal convictions, excluding sealed or expunged records. Failure to disclose can result in ineligibility or termination of benefits. * **Program Duration and Extensions:** Families with children or pregnant women are generally eligible for emergency housing assistance for a maximum of 6 consecutive months. Extensions may be granted for hardship, including for veterans, children under 6, victims of domestic violence, or individuals with disabilities. * **Program Capacity Limit:** From December 31, 2025, through December 31, 2026, the total capacity of the emergency housing assistance program will not exceed 4,000 families. * **Competitive Bidding:** Funds expended for services related to the emergency housing assistance program must be subject to a competitive bidding process. * **Residency and Eligibility Verification:** The bill outlines requirements for verifying identity, Massachusetts residency, relationship status, pregnancy status, and other eligibility criteria for the emergency housing assistance program. It also specifies conditions for income exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level and citizenship requirements. * **Information for Families:** Families receiving benefits will receive printed handouts detailing available resources, training programs, and information about the program's duration and extension process.