Overview

• The Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill limiting the maximum stay for homeless families in emergency shelters to nine months, with potential extensions for certain groups.
• The bill allocates roughly $850 million for the emergency shelter system, with provisions for a gradual reduction in funding over time.
• Critics argue the measure could lead to more families on the streets and emphasize the need for a more flexible approach to shelter exits.
• The legislation is part of a broader effort to address the migrant crisis in Massachusetts, which has seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking shelter.
• The bill now moves to a conference committee before expected approval by Governor Maura Healey.