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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 4 co-sponsors

Requires at least one community meeting in the host town at least 30 days before opening an emergency overflow shelter, with public notice online and to the town.

Comprehensive Summary: HD 3741 — An Act requiring community meetings before the opening of an emergency overflow shelter

What this bill aims to do

HD 3741 would require that, before any emergency overflow shelter site opens, there must be at least one community meeting in the host community. The purpose is to increase transparency, community involvement, and local notice regarding overflow shelter operations.

Key provisions

Amends Section 30 of Chapter 23B of the General Laws (as of the 2022 Official Edition) by inserting a new subparagraph (H).

New requirement: At least one month prior to the opening of any overflow emergency shelter site, the director of the Emergency Shelter Program, or their designee, must hold at least one community meeting in the host community related to that site.

Notice requirements: The meeting notice must be posted on the website of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and a copy of the notice must be sent to the host community.

Governance: The requirement applies to the director of the emergency shelter program or their designee.

Effective date: The act states it takes effect immediately upon passage (Section 2).

Who is affected

Primary: The Commonwealth’s Emergency Shelter Program and its director (or designee).

Host communities: Municipalities where an emergency overflow shelter site is planned, as they would be the location for the required community meeting and receive formal notice.

The general public in the host community gains advance notice and an opportunity to participate in the meeting.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Timing: The meeting must occur at least 30 days before the opening of the overflow shelter site.

Notice: Mandatory online posting on the EOHLC website and dissemination to the host community.

Immediate effect: The act specifies that it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Potential implications and considerations

Transparency and engagement: Aims to involve local residents, officials, and stakeholders in planning for overflow shelters.

Local planning impact: Could introduce scheduling considerations or logistical planning for shelter openings, potentially affecting the speed of deployment.

Administrative burden: Requires scheduling, publicity, and documentation of meetings, which may have resource implications for the agency and host communities.

No funding mandate: The bill does not create new funding or staffing appropriations; it focuses on process and communication.

Status and context

Bill number: HD 3741 (House Docket).

Introduced/Filed: January 17, 2025 (House No. 1533; Representatives Jones and others), within the 194th General Court (2025-2026).

Status note: The provided material lists no status update beyond introduction; the act would become law if enacted by the Legislature and signed by the Governor.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to existing practice or similar transparency requirements in other jurisdictions.