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Committee hears testimony on shelter licensing and a sheltering commission amid reports of poor conditions
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony supporting bills to set licensing standards for emergency shelters (H 7225) and to create a committee to advise on shelter operations (H 7044). Witnesses described rodent infestations, overcrowding and cases of guests forced to sit overnight without beds and urged stronger enforcement and inclusion of people with lived experience.
Representative Lombardi introduced two related measures: H 7225 would establish rules and procedures for licensing emergency shelters and set minimum standards while prohibiting providers from charging fees to residents; H 7044 would create an advisory/working committee to recommend shelter operational standards and feed recommendations to the state's housing authority.
Multiple witnesses — including Bernie Beaudreau, a volunteer conducting outreach to people experiencing homelessness, and…
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