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HD 4691

A report of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (under Section 11 of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2025) on the plan for phasing out the use of hotels and motels in the Emergency Housing Assistance Program

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts agencies must develop a plan to transition emergency homelessness services from hotel/motel accommodations toward permanent housing solutions.

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Bill Summary · HD 4691

Legislative bill overview

HD 4691 requires Massachusetts' Executive Office for Administration and Finance and Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities to develop and report on a plan to phase out the use of hotels and motels as emergency housing. The bill directs these agencies to create a transition strategy away from temporary shelter accommodations toward permanent or longer-term housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Why is this important

Massachusetts has significantly increased reliance on hotel and motel placements for emergency housing during the homelessness crisis, creating substantial ongoing budget pressures and concerns about the sustainability and appropriateness of using commercial hospitality for permanent housing needs. A phased transition plan could redirect resources toward permanent supportive housing, address fiscal constraints, and potentially improve outcomes for unhoused individuals, though implementation will be complex and costly.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and timeline disputes: Permanent housing development is expensive and time-consuming; critics may argue the state lacks sufficient affordable housing stock or funding to meaningfully phase out hotels within a reasonable timeframe
  • Service capacity concerns: Hotels provide immediate shelter; transitioning to other models could create gaps in emergency capacity if permanent housing isn't available quickly enough
  • Program scope and definitions: Unclear whether the plan addresses all emergency housing uses or only specific populations, and what constitutes adequate "alternatives" to hotel placements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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