Bill
H 1798
Overview: H 1798 - An Act relative to violent offenders in shelter waiverStatus: Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2Introduced: February 27, 2025Purpose
Overview: H 1798 - An Act relative to violent offenders in shelter waiver
Status: Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Purpose and Intent: This bill seeks to address the issue of violent offenders accessing emergency shelter services by establishing a waiver process for shelter providers. The goal is to balance the need for public safety with the provision of essential shelter services.
Key Provisions:
- Allows emergency shelter providers to request a waiver from the state to deny shelter services to individuals who have been convicted of a violent offense within the past 5 years.
- Requires the state to establish a review process for waiver requests, including criteria for evaluating the potential risk to public safety.
- Mandates that shelter providers who receive a waiver must refer denied individuals to alternative housing or support services.
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Individuals with recent violent offense convictions who may be denied access to emergency shelter services.
- Emergency shelter providers, who would have the option to request waivers to exclude certain violent offenders from their facilities.
- The state government, which would be responsible for establishing the waiver review process and criteria.
- The broader community, who may feel increased safety and security if violent offenders are restricted from accessing emergency shelters.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
- A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for October 21, 2025, where lawmakers and the public will have the opportunity to provide input and testimony.
- After the hearing, the committee will likely deliberate and vote on whether to recommend the bill for passage by the full legislative body.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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