Bill > H226

This bill addresses child homelessness by establishing a critical protection for families with children under 18 years old. Specifically, the bill prohibits evictions or removals from public housing, publicly subsidized housing, or publicly funded shelters (including emergency shelters like motels or hotels) unless the Housing Services Unit of the Department of Children and Families, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, has first developed and can implement a comprehensive housing plan that ensures the children will have a suitable living environment. The legislation emphasizes that all reasonable efforts must be made to keep children with their parents or existing caregivers, prioritizing family stability and preventing children from becoming homeless. This approach represents a proactive measure to protect vulnerable families by requiring housing authorities to have a concrete plan for rehousing children before displacing them, thus aiming to prevent the potentially traumatic experience of child homelessness.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H226