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Advocates press bill allowing temporary shelters on religious property; municipalities and building officials urge code clarity
Summary
Supporters said HB 7062 would let faith communities host temporary shelter units and offer fast, low‑cost options for people experiencing homelessness. Municipal officials and building‑code experts urged clarifications on definitions, health and fire code compliance and local control.
Witnesses at the hearing described House Bill 7062, which would permit temporary shelter units for people experiencing homelessness or refugees on property owned by religious organizations, as a pragmatic tool to expand emergency shelter capacity. Faith‑based organizations, housing advocates and practitioners said many congregations have underused facilities and are already offering seasonal shelter and food services; the bill would give legal clarity and facilitate short‑term housing solutions and conversions of underused institutional land into affordable housing in some cases.
Advocates who testifie…
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