H1499 — An Act to establish community notification standards for group homes

Summary

An Act to establish community notification standards for group homes

Bill Text

• Full text Current

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• Chapter 40A

  Section 3A. (a) The following words as used in this section, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, shall have the following meanings:- “Group home”, any residential facility licensed or operated by the commonwealth or a contracted agency that provides housing and support services for individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, or other vulnerable populations. “Municipality”, any city or town within the commonwealth of Massachusetts. “Abutting property owner”, any individual or entity owning property directly adjacent to a group home. (b) Any entity establishing a new group home shall provide written notice to the host municipality and abutting property owners at least 60 days prior to commencing operations. The notice shall include: (1) the address of the group home; (2) the type of services provided at the group home; and (3) contact information for the operator or managing entity. (c) Any group home failing to comply with the PILOT or notification requirements may be subject to penalties, including but not limited to: (1) financial penalties up to $5,000 per violation; and (2) suspension of state funding or licensing. (d) The executive office of housing and livable communities shall submit an annual report to the legislature detailing: (1) compliance rates with the notification requirements; and (2) the number of group homes in each municipality. (e) The executive office of housing and livable communities shall oversee the implementation and enforcement of this section.

  This section establishes new definitions, notification requirements, penalties for noncompliance, reporting duties, and oversight related to group homes.

• Chapter 40A

  Existing group homes shall, within six months of the passage of this act, submit notification to their host municipality and abutting property owners in compliance with subsection (b) of section 1 of this act.

  This provision requires existing group homes to notify municipalities and property owners about their operations, aligning with new notification requirements.

• Chapter 40A

  This act shall take effect on January 1, 2026.

  This provision sets the effective date for the new regulations related to group homes.

• Chapter 40A

  If any provision of this act is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

  This clause ensures that if part of the act is struck down, the rest remains effective.

Sponsors

• Patricia A. Duffy · Primary

Subjects