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H 1501

An Act to improve municipal equity within the emergency assistance shelter program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Finn

H 1501 - An Act to improve municipal equity within the emergency assistance shelter program OverviewBill Number: H 1501 Title: An Act to improve municipal equity within the emerge

Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1501

H 1501 - An Act to improve municipal equity within the emergency assistance shelter program

Overview

Bill Number: H 1501
Title: An Act to improve municipal equity within the emergency assistance shelter program
Status: Hearing scheduled for 10/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to address inequities in the distribution of state emergency assistance shelter funding across municipalities. Currently, the allocation of these funds disproportionately benefits larger cities, leaving smaller and rural towns with insufficient resources to adequately support their homeless populations. This bill seeks to establish a more equitable formula to ensure all communities have access to the shelter services and support they need.

Key Provisions

  • Requires the Department of Housing to develop a new funding formula for the emergency assistance shelter program that considers factors such as:
    • Municipal population size
    • Poverty and homelessness rates
    • Geographic distribution of shelter resources
  • Mandates that at least 35% of total program funding be allocated to municipalities with populations under 50,000 people
  • Establishes a competitive grant program to incentivize the creation of new emergency shelters in underserved areas
  • Directs the Department to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to smaller municipalities to help them access and utilize shelter program funds

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Municipalities of all sizes would be affected, with smaller and rural towns expected to see significant increases in emergency shelter funding and resources
  • Homeless individuals and families in underserved communities would gain improved access to emergency shelter and support services
  • The Department of Housing would be responsible for implementing the new funding formula and grant program

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, where a public hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2025. If reported favorably, the bill would then proceed to a vote in the full state legislature. If passed, the new funding formula and grant program would be required to be in place by the start of the next fiscal year on July 1, 2026.

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

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