MA H2261

Prohibits Massachusetts cities and towns from adopting or enforcing ordinances that impose monetary penalties or other sanctions on homeless individuals for trespassing, sleeping, or camping on public property

Defines "homeless individual" as a person lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence

Defines "camping" to include sleeping in a tent, under a tarp or canopy, in a motor vehicle, or in any other temporary outdoor shelter

Amends Section 21D of Chapter 40 of the General Laws (municipal non-criminal disposition of violations)

Filed on 1/16/2025 by Rep. Carol A. Doherty (3rd Bristol) with co-sponsor Rep. James K. Hawkins (2nd Bristol); referred to Municipalities and Regional Government committee