By Bob Katzen
The Senate 12-26, rejected an amendment that would expand the background checks that the state must conduct on emergency assistance shelter applicants by mandating universal criminal background checks that include criminal records at the state, federal and international levels as well as immigration or residency status. Without the amendment, the bill limits background checks to crimes committed in Massachusetts.
“[This amendment] was a bipartisan proposal to ensure that individuals in taxpayer-funded state shelters are not sex offenders and do not have criminal backgrounds in Massachusetts or anywhere else,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “The amendment would also ensure that the individuals in taxpayer-funded state shelters are U.S. citizens. It’s a commonsense proposal for public safety.”
“We need to put a stop to the dangerous crime in our state shelters,” continued Fattman. “We’ve seen countless cases of unvetted illegal immigrants committing heinous crimes in state shelters, and Gov. Healey is either unwilling or unable to address it. This amendment would have protected vulnerable residents of Massachusetts, who the shelters are intended for, and it’s a shame it did not pass.”
Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) said the Senate has already approved an amendment that would require the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police, to study the feasibility of conducting a National Crime Information Center background check for each adult or beneficiary applying for the emergency shelter program. He noted that once the results of the study are released, the Senate, armed with the results of the study, can vote on the broader background checks.
(A “Yes” vote is for the broader background checks. A “No” vote is against them.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen No