HB 2734 Summary

• Establishes a Homeless Persons' Bill of Rights protecting individuals from discrimination based on homelessness and allowing civil action for violations, including attorney fees and damages.

• Creates a statewide eviction diversion and prevention program through the Administrative Office of the Courts providing tenant education, legal assistance, and support services including rental assistance information and criminal record expungement.

• Establishes an affordable housing pilot program through the Department of Housing to lease vacant commercial and hotel spaces for 36-48 months for individuals experiencing homelessness, with comprehensive services and job placement assistance, operating through December 31, 2027.

• Authorizes grants for sanctioned housing sites, multidisciplinary homeless outreach teams, mental health/substance abuse shelters, community homeless courts, and first responder teams to reduce unsheltered homelessness with specific reduction goals.

• Appropriates $50 million for the affordable housing pilot program, $150 million for sanctioned housing and outreach programs, $290 million for rental assistance (including $10 million for seniors 65+), and $6 million for eviction diversion programs.