Bill > S348

Introduced Session

This bill prohibits emergency shelters for the homeless from restricting access to the shelter based on a perception or belief that a person is: (1) a drug or alcohol dependent person; (2) not in compliance with a prescription medication regimen; or (3) has consumed alcoholic beverages off the premises of the shelter. Current law prohibits emergency homeless shelters from refusing admittance to a person who is perceived or believed to have a mental illness. This bill expands the prohibition to include other members of vulnerable populations in need of shelter. Current law also provides that a shelter may prohibit admittance if there is a reasonable basis to believe that the person poses a danger to self, others, or property, or if the basis for the refusal is otherwise authorized by law or regulation. Under the bill, shelters would continue to have the authority to refuse admittance in these circumstances. Finally, the bill provides that shelters are authorized to prohibit the possession or consumption of controlled dangerous substances and alcoholic beverages on the premises.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D)*,  Shirley Turner (D)*, 

Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Hearing (19:00 2/15/2018 S-1870 Vitale/Ruiz (pending intro and referral) Requires Child F) (on 02/15/2018)