MA H58

Appropriates $425,000,000 from the Transitional Escrow Fund for supportive services and safe shelter for unhoused families, including temporary respite sites available for up to 30 days upon arrival in Massachusetts

Limits emergency housing assistance program eligibility to 6 consecutive months for families with children and pregnant women, with hardship waivers available for veterans, families with children under 6, domestic violence victims, and individuals with documented disabilities

Requires adult applicants to disclose prior criminal convictions and undergo criminal background checks through the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services before placement in emergency housing

Restricts benefits to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or those permanently residing under color of law, with exceptions for families containing an eligible child; requires Massachusetts residency verification prior to placement

Caps total emergency housing assistance program capacity at 4,000 families from December 31, 2025 through December 31, 2026