Bill > H1536

This bill modifies the emergency housing assistance program in Massachusetts by establishing a new residency requirement that limits eligibility primarily to individuals who have lived in the state for at least three months. The key exceptions to this three-month residency rule include veterans and their immediate family members, domestic violence victims, and individuals whose living situations have been disrupted by fires or other natural disasters occurring within Massachusetts. To enforce this requirement, the state's housing department will be required to request proof of residency from applicants, which can be demonstrated through various documents such as identification, mail, financial statements, and bills. The new residency restriction will apply to all emergency housing assistance program applications submitted on or after the bill's effective date, effectively creating a more localized approach to providing emergency housing support by prioritizing long-term state residents while maintaining flexibility for specific vulnerable populations.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1536