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Bill

H 289

An Act establishing a special commission to study women and homelessness

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chynah Tyler

Bill H 289 creates a commission to study women's homelessness in Massachusetts, aiming to assess needs and recommend strategies for prevention, shelter, and housing access.

Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 289

Summary of Bill H 289: An Act Establishing a Special Commission to Study Women and Homelessness

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 289 aims to establish a special commission dedicated to investigating and studying the issue of homelessness among women in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The intent is to gather data, assess community needs, and develop recommendations to address the unique challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness.

Key Provisions

  • Formation of the Commission: The bill mandates the creation of a special commission under section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws.

  • Composition: The commission will consist of:

    • Two members from the House of Representatives (one appointed by the Speaker and one by the Minority Leader).
    • Two members from the Senate (one appointed by the President and one by the Minority Leader).
    • The Governor or a designee.
    • The Secretary of Health and Human Services or a designee.
    • The Commissioner of Public Health or a designee.
    • The Secretary of Housing and Economic Development or a designee.
    • Six additional representatives appointed by the co-chairs, including experts from various fields related to women’s health and homelessness.

  • Objectives: The commission will:

    • Conduct a community needs assessment regarding homelessness among women.
    • Make recommendations on:
    • Homelessness prevention strategies.
    • Improvements to shelters for women and families.
    • Increasing permanent housing opportunities.
    • Enhancing data collection and reporting on women experiencing homelessness.
    • Ensuring access to comprehensive health care and social services for homeless women.

  • Reporting: The commission is required to submit its findings and recommendations to key legislative leaders by July 31, 2023.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- Women experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts.
- Service providers, including homeless shelters, health care organizations, and housing advocacy groups.
- Policymakers and legislators who will utilize the commission's findings to inform future legislation and funding decisions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing is set for November 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room A-2.
  • Committee Referral: The bill has been referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Related Legislation

  • This bill replaces House Docket No. 618, which was filed in a previous session (2023-2024).

By establishing this commission, Bill H 289 seeks to address the critical issue of homelessness among women, ensuring that their specific needs are recognized and met through informed policy-making.

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

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