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S 1120

An Act establishing a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill would legally guarantee rights for homeless individuals including shelter access, service protections, and dignity standards, requiring significant public funding and potentially conflicting with local regulations.

Accompanied a study order, see S2972
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Bill Summary · S 1120

Legislative bill overview

S 1120 establishes a comprehensive bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts, codifying protections and entitlements for this population. The bill would enshrine rights including access to shelter, protection from harassment, access to services, and dignity protections into state law. It represents an attempt to frame homelessness as a rights-based issue rather than purely a social services matter.

Why is this important

Homelessness affects thousands of Massachusetts residents and intersects with public health, criminal justice, and social service systems. By establishing legal rights, the bill could reshape how municipalities and service providers interact with unhoused individuals and potentially create enforceable standards across the state. This approach reflects a growing national movement toward rights-based homelessness policy rather than criminalization or shelter-only models.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Defining and guaranteeing specific rights (shelter access, services, etc.) will require substantial public funding; municipalities may resist unfunded mandates
  • Shelter capacity and resources: A "right to shelter" guarantee could exceed current infrastructure and budget capacity, raising questions about enforcement and timelines
  • Balancing community concerns: Tensions may arise between homeless individuals' rights and concerns from housed residents about public spaces, safety, and neighborhood conditions
  • Definition and scope: Determining who qualifies as experiencing homelessness and which specific rights are included will be contentious
  • Local vs. state authority: Questions about how state-mandated rights interact with local ordinances and zoning laws

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

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