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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1254 FILED ON: 1/19/2023
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 100
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
Robyn K. Kennedy
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act establishing a special commission to study women and homelessness.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Robyn K. KennedyFirst Worcester 1 of 2
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1254 FILED ON: 1/19/2023
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 100
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 100) of Robyn K. Kennedy for
legislation to establish a special commission to study women and homelessness. Children,
Families and Persons with Disabilities.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 82 OF 2021-2022.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
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An Act establishing a special commission to study women and homelessness.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 SECTION 1. There shall be a special commission, as established by section 2A of
2chapter 4 of the General Laws, to conduct an investigation and study regarding homelessness
3among women in the commonwealth.
4 The special commission shall consist of: two members of the house of representatives,
5one of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives who shall serve as
6co-chair, and one of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of
7representatives; two members of the senate, one of whom shall be appointed by the president of
8the senate who shall serve as co-chair, and one of whom shall be appointed by the minority
9leader of the senate; the governor or designee; the secretary of health and human services or
10designee; the commissioner of public health or designee; and the secretary of housing and 2 of 2
11economic development or designee. The first meeting of the commission shall take place not
12later than February 28, 2022.
13 The co-chairs of the special commission shall appoint seven representatives, including
14but not limited to: a representative of Health Care Without Walls; a representative of homeless
15shelters and agencies; a representative of housing advocacy organizations and agencies; a
16representative of a service provider with expertise in health care disparities, women’s health, and
17trauma-informed care; a representative of a service provider with expertise in serving survivors
18of sexual exploitation; an academic researcher with expertise in women’s homelessness; and an
19individual who has experienced homelessness.
20 The special commission shall conduct a community needs assessment regarding
21homelessness among persons who identify as women; and make recommendations regarding
22homelessness prevention, improving shelters for women and families, increasing permanent
23housing opportunities, collection and reporting of data regarding women experiencing
24homelessness and ensuring that homeless women have access to a full range of health care and
25social services.
26 The special commission shall submit its findings and recommendations to the clerks of
27the senate and the house of representatives, the chair of the house committee on ways and means,
28the chair of the senate committee on ways and means, the chairs of the joint committee on
29housing and the chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance abuse not later than
30July 31, 2023.