Bill > H2261

This bill seeks to prevent municipalities from criminalizing homelessness by prohibiting cities and towns from imposing monetary penalties or sanctions on homeless individuals for basic survival activities like trespassing, sleeping, or camping on public property. The bill specifically defines a "homeless individual" as a person without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and clarifies that "camping" includes sleeping in a tent, under a tarp, in a motor vehicle, or in any other temporary outdoor shelter. By amending Section 21D of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, the legislation aims to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from being further penalized for circumstances often beyond their control, recognizing that punitive measures do not address the underlying causes of homelessness and can instead create additional barriers for people trying to survive in difficult circumstances.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2261