Massachusetts places historic limit on families seeking homeless shelter

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a spending bill Tuesday that will enforce a time limit on stays in the state's emergency shelter system, reversing a 40-year-old "right to shelter" for families and pregnant women.

The legislation — which includes $251 million for shelters starting this fiscal year — will enforce a nine-month limit on stays in the system starting in June, but the law also allows for two 90-day extensions following that initial time limit.

Healey said the spending bill “dedicates resources to balance the budget and maintain critical services and programs,” in a statement to NBC News Wednesday.

“It also implements a length of stay policy for Emergency Assistance shelter, which is a responsible step to address our capacity and fiscal constraints as Congress has continued to fail to act on immigration reform,” the statement continued.

Healey added that her office is “finalizing details” in the coming weeks to “ensure that families and providers are informed of the requirements and the services that we have available to help them secure work and stable housing.”

The law also requires the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, which oversees the state's emergency shelter system, to establish a rehousing plan that includes case management for those leaving shelters. Families will be eligible to apply for extensions to their stays based upon things like whether they are pregnant or recently gave birth; their veteran status, employment status or participation in workforce training; their imminent placement in housing; or their need to avoid educational interruptions for children in public schools.

Extensions will also be considered for those diagnosed with a disability or medical