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S 1260

Limits tinted green and brown to compostable plastic bags for the purposes of bag waste reduction

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rachel May

Bars individuals charged with or convicted of violent felonies or sexual offenses from Emergency Assistance shelter benefits unless the program director issues a written waiver.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · S 1260

Summary — S.1260 (Massachusetts)

Note: the materials provided include conflicting metadata (titles, sponsors, and committee actions) that appear to mix several different bills. This summary focuses on the actual bill text filed in the Massachusetts Senate titled “An Act relative to violent or sexual offenses committed by those using the Emergency Assistance shelter system” (Senate Docket No. 172 / Senate No. 1260), as that text is the clearest legislative language provided.

Purpose

To prohibit individuals who are charged with or convicted of certain violent felonies or sexual offenses from continuing to receive benefits under Massachusetts’ Emergency Assistance shelter program, unless the director of the Massachusetts emergency assistance program issues a written waiver.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 30 of Chapter 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws by adding a new paragraph.
  • Establishes that any individual who is:
    • convicted of a violent felony or a sexual offense under Chapter 265 of the General Laws, or
    • charged with such a violent felony or sexual offense, while receiving benefits under Chapter 23B (Emergency Assistance) is not eligible to continue receiving those benefits, unless a written waiver is issued by the director of the Massachusetts emergency assistance program.
  • Waiver: The bill vests sole discretion in the program director to grant a written waiver allowing continued receipt of benefits despite the charge or conviction. The bill does not specify standards, process, timelines, or appeal rights for waivers.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Individuals receiving Emergency Assistance (shelter) benefits under Chapter 23B who have been charged with or convicted of violent felonies or sexual offenses (as defined by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 265).
  • Secondary: Emergency shelter providers, caseworkers, and program administrators responsible for eligibility determinations and implementation; victims and other shelter residents who may be affected by safety concerns; courts and law enforcement insofar as criminal charges are used in eligibility determinations.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public safety objective: Intended to protect shelter residents and staff by removing or restricting access for individuals charged with or convicted of violent/sexual offenses.
  • Due process and legal risk: Treating persons who are merely charged (not convicted) as presumptively ineligible raises potential constitutional and statutory due-process concerns and could invite litigation.
  • Administrative burden: Implementing the new disqualification and waiver mechanism will require procedures for criminal-status checks, documentation, waiver application/review, recordkeeping, and potential coordination with law enforcement and courts.
  • Vagueness/implementation gap: The bill does not define criteria or process for waivers, appeal rights, or timelines; these gaps will likely require regulations or agency guidance.
  • Housing stability: Removing shelter support for charged individuals could increase homelessness or lead to displacement; the bill does not provide alternative supports.

Procedural status (as provided)

  • Bill text filed/presented in Massachusetts Senate (Senate Docket No. 172 / Senate No. 1260), presented by Senator Bruce E. Tarr. The text shows referral to the Judiciary Committee.
  • Provided legislative-action entries and sponsor lists are inconsistent and appear to conflate multiple measures; verify status and sponsors with the Massachusetts Legislature website for authoritative updates.

If you want, I can:
- Draft a plain-language one-page explainer for shelter providers or clients; or
- Identify specific statutory definitions in Chapter 265 that would trigger disqualification.

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

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