The proposed bill amends Title 42 of the General Laws by adding a new chapter, CHAPTER 128.4, which focuses on the establishment and regulation of emergency shelters for homeless individuals. It defines key terms such as "emergency shelter," "housing resources commission," and "licensing agency." The bill mandates the housing resources commission to create an application process for emergency shelter licenses by January 1, 2026, and specifies that no fees will be charged for these licenses. Additionally, shelters set up in response to natural disasters or similar events are exempt from these licensing requirements.

The bill outlines minimum standards that licensed emergency shelters must adhere to, including ensuring safety, providing drinking water and bathroom facilities, maintaining resident privacy, and establishing procedures for transferring individuals who can no longer stay at the shelter. It also requires the housing resources commission to develop a grievance procedure for residents and prohibits any fees for shelter services or personal care items, with certain exceptions for financial literacy programs. The act will take effect upon passage.