The bill proposes the addition of Chapter 128.4 to Title 42 of the General Laws, which pertains to the establishment and regulation of emergency shelters in the state. The new chapter defines "emergency shelter" as a facility providing temporary shelter to the homeless, and outlines the roles of the "Housing resources commission" and the "Licensing agency." It mandates that the commission must create an application for an emergency shelter license by January 1, 2025, and that the licensing agency is responsible for issuing licenses to applicants who meet the requirements. Licenses are to be considered state property, displayed prominently on the premises, and are non-transferable without commission approval. No fee is to be charged for obtaining a license. Additionally, emergency shelters set up in response to natural disasters or other dangerous events are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

The bill also sets minimum standards for licensed emergency shelters, including ensuring safety, providing drinking water and proper bathroom facilities, developing privacy policies, and establishing procedures for the safe transfer of individuals who can no longer stay at the shelter. The Housing resources commission is tasked with establishing additional minimum standards for state-funded shelters by December 1, 2024. A grievance procedure must be created by the commission to address complaints from shelter residents or those attempting to reside in a shelter. The bill prohibits the charging of fees for shelter or personal care items, with exceptions allowed by state or federal law, and permits the creation of resident "savings accounts" for financial literacy purposes, provided the funds are returned to the resident when appropriate. The act is set to take effect upon passage.