Rep. Xiarhos Offers Testimony on Housing Bills
October 17, 2025
BOSTON – Steve Xiarhos, State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District, offered written testimony today in support two bills pending before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing (committee co-chairs: Senator Julian Cyr and State Representative Richard Haggerty).
Dear Chairs Haggerty and Cyr,
I write in support of H1578, An Act relative to background checks for individuals in Massachusetts housing programs, which I was proud to co-file with House Minority Leader Jones.
This legislation is about public safety, accountability, and protecting vulnerable residents. It establishes a clear and consistent standard for comprehensive background checks for all individuals applying to participate in state-funded or subsidized housing programs. These background checks would include criminal history, identity verification, and other relevant information necessary to ensure that housing programs remain safe environments for residents, staff, and surrounding communities.
As someone who has spent a lifetime in law enforcement, from walking a beat to commanding serious crime scenes, I know that information saves lives. When public housing authorities and partner agencies have the right information, they can make informed, responsible decisions that protect the people we serve and the integrity of our housing programs.
This bill is not designed to punish or exclude those who are trying to rebuild their lives, but about ensuring transparency and safety. The legislation includes provisions for appeal and review, so that individuals with past offenses who have demonstrated rehabilitation can still have their cases considered. We believe in second chances, but we also believe in protecting families, seniors, and children who deserve to feel secure in their homes.
Additionally, this bill calls for improved cooperation between the Registry of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement agencies, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. These partnerships are essential to verifying identity, maintaining program integrity, and ensuring that no one falls through the cracks due to a lack of communication between agencies.
H1578 is a piece of common-sense legislation that strengthens public safety without infringing on anyone’s rights. It ensures accountability while preserving compassion, and it helps to build stronger, safer communities.
I want to thank Minority Leader Brad Jones for joining me in sponsoring this important measure, and I urge the Committee to report H1578 favorably. Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Dear Chairs Haggerty and Cyr,
I write in support of H1579, An Act relative to emergency shelter assistance for Commonwealth residents, which I filed to reaffirm a core responsibility of state government to care for and protect the people of Massachusetts first.
This bill simply ensures that emergency housing assistance, funded by the taxpayers of our Commonwealth, is made available only to Massachusetts residents who are citizens of the United States. It does not eliminate compassion or deny the humanity of anyone, but reestablishes fairness, accountability, and prioritization at a time when our emergency shelter system is stretched far beyond its capacity.
As a former police officer, I have spent decades responding to people in crisis. Between families with children sleeping in cars, veterans with nowhere to go, seniors facing eviction, and victims of domestic violence seeking safety, I have seen firsthand how limited our emergency shelter resources are and how devastating it can be when there are simply no beds left for those who call Massachusetts home.
This legislation is about making sure that our citizens, the people who live here, work here, pay taxes here, and have contributed to our communities, are not displaced or left behind when they need help the most. It is a matter of basic fairness and fiscal responsibility.
At a time when our housing and emergency shelter systems are under tremendous pressure, it is imperative that Massachusetts puts its own residents first. This is especially true for our veterans, families with children, and vulnerable seniors who depend on us for protection and support.
When shelters are full and people are forced onto the streets, our communities, first responders, and public resources all feel the strain. By ensuring that limited state-funded emergency housing assistance is properly prioritized, we help restore order, protect public health and safety, and ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
I respectfully urge the Committee to report this bill favorably and thank you for your consideration of these comments.
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