This bill amends existing laws to allow public property to be utilized for providing temporary shelter and aid to the homeless, while also offering indemnification to governmental units from claims related to injuries that may occur during such activities. Specifically, it modifies RSA 35-B:6 to include provisions for the use of public property for "temporary shelter and/or aid for the homeless," and establishes that the appropriate authority in charge of public property, as well as its employees, will not be held liable for negligence claims related to their duty of care in designated areas created for this purpose. Additionally, it stipulates that any legal action for damages must detail intentional misconduct or conscious disregard for safety to proceed.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section, RSA 507-B:12, which clarifies that governmental units providing assistance such as temporary shelter, food, or clothing to individuals in need will not have a duty of care to prevent bodily injury or property damage arising from these activities, unless such harm is due to intentional misconduct or conscious disregard for safety. The bill also exempts governmental units from all statutes and common law related to tenancy and occupancy when providing temporary shelter. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-B:6