This bill makes appropriations for fiscal year 2025 to supplement existing funds and support various activities and projects, particularly focusing on emergency housing assistance. It establishes that the appropriated sums will be available through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and outlines specific allocations, including $425 million for supportive services and safe shelter for unhoused families in Massachusetts. The bill also includes provisions for the transfer of funds to state agencies and the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to support targeted work programs.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the emergency housing assistance program. It requires adult applicants to disclose prior criminal convictions, with exceptions for sealed or expunged records, and mandates that the executive office obtain criminal offender record information for applicants. The bill also revises eligibility criteria, including income limits and residency requirements, and establishes protocols for benefit termination and extensions based on hardship. Furthermore, it sets a cap on the total capacity of the emergency housing assistance program at 4,000 families for the period from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 23B-30