Bill > H274

This bill establishes a comprehensive bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness, protecting them from discrimination and ensuring they have equal access to public spaces and services. The legislation defines "persons experiencing homelessness" broadly, including those sharing housing due to economic hardship, living in temporary shelters, or residing in non-traditional living spaces like cars or public areas. The bill grants individuals experiencing homelessness the right to use public spaces without discrimination, interact with public officials without harassment, rest in public spaces without obstructing traffic, access medical care, eat and share food in public spaces, vote and register to vote, practice religion, and occupy legally parked vehicles. The bill also adds "housing status" as a protected category in various state laws, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against someone based on their housing situation or having a shelter address. Additionally, the legislation removes previous laws that potentially criminalized homelessness and ensures that lack of a permanent residence does not prevent voter registration. The bill aims to protect the dignity, rights, and fundamental freedoms of individuals experiencing homelessness by preventing systemic discrimination and providing legal recourse for violations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H274