MD HB1501

Department of Housing and Community Development must operate a certification program for homeless shelters, with a tiered system based on number of individuals served, type/duration of shelter, and intensity of services provided

Homeless shelters prohibited from operating without certification after their applicable deadline passes; shelters will be assigned into cohorts with staggered application and certification deadlines

Certification priority order: year-round shelters (including safe haven, transitional, medical/specialized care), seasonal shelters, motel/hotel-based shelters, then other shelters

Department must establish requirements for each certification class covering organizational documents, fiscal/administrative documents, inspections, renewal procedures, grounds for denial/suspension/revocation, and penalties for non-compliance

Department required to perform on-site monitoring and implement a grievance process for homeless individuals to report alleged violations; effective July 1, 2026