Signed by Governor Janet Mills

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to adopt an "ought to pass as amended" report for a bill that expands the definition for "homelessness" and declares it an emergency at any time of year.

Highlights:

• Defines “Homelessness” as a situation in which a person or household has no permanent of safe housing including when a person or household (Sec. 1):

• Living in a place not fit for human habitation;

• Living in an emergency shelter;

• Living in temporary housing, including hotels, motels, campgrounds, unlicensed campsites, and rehabilitation facilities;

• Exiting a hospital, institution or correctional facility where the person resided for up to 90 days;

• Losing the person or households primary nighttime residence and lacking the resources or support networks to remain in that residence; and

• Fleeing or attempting to flee violence and has no other residence.

• Specifies that an individual experiencing or facing homelessness shall be eligible for emergency general assistance (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text