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H 1536

An Act enhancing prioritization for the emergency assistance program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 6 co-sponsors

EHAP will be limited to Massachusetts residents of at least 3 months, with specific exceptions, and requires proof of three-month residency.

Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1536

Summary of House Bill H.1536: An Act enhancing prioritization for the emergency assistance program

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to tighten eligibility for the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) by adding a residency requirement for applicants.
  • It aims to prioritize or restrict access to EHAP to Massachusetts residents who have lived in the state for at least three months, with specific exceptions for certain prioritized groups.

Key provisions

  • Amends: The first paragraph of section 30 of chapter 23B of the General Laws (as amended by section 120 of chapter 7 of the Acts of 2023).
  • New eligibility rule (three-month residency):
    • EHAP shall be available only to residents who have resided in Massachusetts for no less than three months.
    • Exceptions:
    • A veteran or members of the veteran’s immediate family
    • A victim of domestic violence
    • A person whose living situation has been affected by a fire or other natural disaster that occurred in Massachusetts
  • Residency verification:
    • The Department shall require proof of residency for at least three months.
    • Acceptable documentation may include federal and state-issued IDs, mail, financial statements, and bills.
  • Effective scope:
    • The residency requirement applies to EHAP applications submitted on or after the act’s effective date.

Who would be affected

  • Primary impact:
    • Massachusetts residents seeking emergency housing assistance who have not yet resided in the state for three months would be ineligible unless they fall under an exception.
  • Exemptions and protected groups:
    • Veterans and their immediate family members
    • Domestic violence victims
    • Individuals whose housing situation was affected by a fire or other eligible disaster in Massachusetts
  • Administrative impact:
    • The Department would implement and enforce the documentation and residency verification requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to committee: Housing (February 27, 2025)
  • Legislative actions:
    • Senate concurrence noted (February 27, 2025)
    • Hearing scheduled: October 15, 2025
    • Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Location: Committee room A-1
  • Status: Hearing scheduled; bill undergoing committee review in advance of potential advancement.

Additional notes

  • The bill is titled “An Act enhancing prioritization for the emergency assistance program.”
  • The text presented shows two paragraphs added to the General Laws, establishing the residency requirement and verification process, with explicit exceptions.
  • Related bill reference: HD 3903 is listed as related/replacing, indicating parallel activity or subsequent iteration within the same legislative package.

This summary presents the substantive changes proposed by H.1536 and their potential impact on EHAP eligibility and administration.

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

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