Bill > HB1501

This bill establishes a certification program for homeless shelters, requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to oversee it. Under this program, homeless shelters, defined as facilities providing temporary overnight sleeping accommodations, meals, and supportive services to homeless individuals, will need to obtain certification by a specific deadline to continue operating. The DHCD will develop requirements for certification classes, which will cover various aspects of shelter operation including organizational and financial documents, oversight, reporting, renewal procedures, and grounds for denial or revocation of certification. The bill also mandates that the DHCD conduct on-site monitoring to ensure shelters meet these requirements and implement a grievance process for individuals to report alleged violations. The program will prioritize year-round shelters, followed by seasonal, motel/hotel-based, and other types of shelters, and will use a staggered timeline for applications and approvals to ensure efficiency.

Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1501?ys=2026RS