Republican lawmakers in Massachusetts are calling for major reforms to the state's shelter system, citing public safety worries and increasing costs. Their proposed legislation aims to change the 2017 Lunn decision, limit shelter stays, and enhance transparency and accountability.
Republican lawmakers in the Massachusetts House and Senate proposed a series of changes on Tuesday aimed at addressing concerns about public safety and escalating costs within the state's shelter system . They called on Governor Maura Healey to increase the frequency of her communication with legislators regarding shelter spending and crisis response.
At a press conference, GOP lawmakers outlined their omnibus legislation, which seeks to modify the 2017 Lunn decision by the Supreme Judicial Court. This modification would allow state courts and law enforcement to honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers in cases involving violent offenders. Additionally, the proposal includes a requirement for families seeking shelter under the state's right to shelter law to demonstrate lawful presence in Massachusetts for at least a year before being admitted to the system. This change would particularly impact newly arrived migrant families. Shelter stays would be capped at six months. The Republicans plan to file the comprehensive package before the Friday deadline for initial bill filings, along with separate bills that address specific aspects of the broader plan. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr emphasized the need to move beyond piecemeal solutions to tackle the system's issues. The bill also aims to curb rising costs by subjecting all shelter services to a public bidding process, expanding on last year's legislative mandate that mandated competitive bidding for food catering within the system. The proposal would establish a dedicated watchdog unit within Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro's office to oversee crisis response. The GOP caucuses will also send a letter to Auditor Diana DiZoglio, requesting a comprehensive financial audit of the program. Tarr cited a lack of transparency, highlighting the fact that key information, such as the retirement of the state's emergency assistance director, Scott Rice, at the end of December, was often revealed only during crises. House Minority Leader Bradley Jones Jr. echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for regular cost reports and monthly briefings with administration officials
Massachusetts Shelter System Republicans Public Safety Cost Concerns Immigration Governor Healey Transparency Accountability
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