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HD 847

An Act establishing a bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Moran

Massachusetts bill establishing comprehensive legal protections and service entitlements for homeless individuals, including shelter access and anti-discrimination provisions.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 847

Legislative bill overview

HD 847 establishes a comprehensive bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts, outlining protections and entitlements across housing, healthcare, personal safety, and dignity. The bill mandates specific services and protections that municipalities and service providers must offer to homeless individuals, including access to shelter, sanitation facilities, and protection from discrimination.

Why is this important

Homelessness in Massachusetts affects thousands of people and creates significant public health and safety challenges. This legislation attempts to standardize protections and services across the state, potentially reducing disparities in how different communities treat homeless individuals and clarifying legal obligations of service providers and government entities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanisms: The bill establishes new mandates without clearly specifying which entities bear financial responsibility or how services will be funded, potentially creating budget conflicts between state and local governments
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The breadth of "rights" enumerated may be difficult to enforce uniformly and could lead to disputes over what constitutes adequate compliance with service requirements
  • Implementation challenges: Creating enforceable standards across diverse municipalities with varying resources and existing infrastructure could prove administratively complex and uneven in practice

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

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