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H 1533

An Act requiring community meetings before the opening of an emergency overflow shelter

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 5 co-sponsors

Requires host communities to hold a public meeting at least 1 month before an overflow emergency shelter opens, with online notice and local notice to residents.

Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1533

Summary: H 1533 — An Act requiring community meetings before the opening of an emergency overflow shelter

Overview

H 1533, introduced February 27, 2025, would require communities hosting emergency overflow shelters to hold a public meeting at least one month before the shelter opens. The measure adds a new requirement to the General Laws governing emergency shelter operations and aims to improve transparency and local engagement in decisions about overflow shelter sites.

Purpose and Intent

  • Ensure that host communities are informed and engaged before an overflow emergency shelter opens.
  • Increase transparency around the planning and placement of overflow shelters.
  • Provide a formal mechanism for community input and dissemination of information related to overflow shelter sites.

Key Provisions

  • Location in law: Amends Section 30 of Chapter 23B of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition) by adding a new subparagraph (H).
  • Required action: At least one community meeting must be held in the host community at least one month prior to the opening of any overflow emergency shelter site.
  • Responsible party: The director of the emergency shelter program, or their designee, must conduct the meeting.
  • Notice requirements: Notice for the meeting must be posted on the website of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHHLC) and a copy of the notice must be sent to the host community.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Who is Affected

  • Host communities where overflow emergency shelters are planned or opened.
  • The director of the emergency shelter program (or designee) responsible for coordinating the meetings.
  • Residents and stakeholders in host communities who would benefit from early notice and the opportunity to participate in discussions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative status: Referred to the Committee on Housing on February 27, 2025; Senate concurrence noted on February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 15, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM in hearing room A-1.
  • Related bills: HD 3741 is listed as related/replacing this measure.

Implementation Considerations

  • The requirement adds a scheduling obligation (a meeting at least one month before opening) and a communications burden (website posting and notice to host communities).
  • Because the act takes effect immediately upon passage, states that a shelter is planned soon after enactment would need to begin coordination promptly to comply with the one-month lead time.

Summary of Impact

This bill formalizes a community engagement step before the establishment of overflow emergency shelters, aiming to foster transparency, local consultation, and timely dissemination of information to residents and local officials. If enacted, host communities would have advance notice and a formal forum to discuss site-specific considerations before shelter operations begin.

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

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