Bill > H1123

This bill amends Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 121B, Section 32 C, to provide local housing authorities with enhanced authority to protect public housing developments and their residents from trespassers. Specifically, it allows these authorities to prohibit individuals from entering or remaining on public housing property and to remove them if they refuse to leave after being personally instructed to do so by a police officer or other authorized person in charge. The bill clarifies that knowingly entering or remaining on such premises after receiving such an order, regardless of intent, constitutes trespass and will be subject to the penalties outlined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 120, which can include arrest and detention for up to twenty-four hours until a complaint can be filed. This aims to offer greater security and protection for residents and property within public housing developments.