The bill mandates the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to conduct a feasibility study on implementing background checks for adult applicants in the Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter Program through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This study will evaluate the necessary federal approvals, projected costs, and potential obstacles, with a report due to the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives by July 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for adult applicants to disclose prior criminal convictions and pending charges for serious crimes, while excluding sealed or expunged convictions. Failure to disclose required information or consent to the background check will result in ineligibility for benefits, aiming to enhance safety within the shelter system.

The bill outlines the operational and fiscal implications of implementing NCIC checks, estimating startup costs between $430,000 and $765,000, with annual operating costs ranging from $2.6 million to $4.1 million. EOHLC will need to develop a secure data platform to integrate background check results into its existing Housing Help Hub platform, requiring significant investment in technology and staffing. The individual fees for conducting NCIC checks will range from $35 to $55 per applicant, which are essential for the operation of the background check system and cannot be waived. The implementation of these checks will necessitate new state legislation and federal approval from the FBI, potentially increasing wait times for families seeking shelter.