H.R. 7624: Safe Shelters for Survivors Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Safe Shelters for Survivors Act of 2026, aims to regulate the access of certain sex offenders to domestic violence and homeless shelters that receive federal funding.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on Services: Covered shelters, which are defined as domestic violence and homeless shelters that receive federal funds, are prohibited from providing services or shelter to a category of sex offenders known as "covered sex offenders".
• Eligibility for Federal Funds: If a covered shelter fails to comply with the prohibition against serving covered sex offenders, it will be ineligible to receive federal funds in the following fiscal year.
• Restricted Access: Covered sex offenders are not allowed to enter or use the services of covered shelters, except for the purpose of seeking information about non-covered shelters. Upon entering such a shelter, they must notify shelter staff of their status as registered sex offenders.
• Notification Procedure: If a covered sex offender informs a shelter staff member of their status, the staff may provide information about available non-covered shelters and the prohibition against using covered shelters.
• Punishment for Non-Compliance: A penalty is established for covered sex offenders who knowingly violate the access restrictions, which could result in fines or imprisonment for up to five years.
• Effective Date: The provisions related to the restrictions on covered sex offenders will take effect 180 days after the bill's enactment.

Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions for key terms:

• Covered Sex Offender: An individual who is required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry.
• Covered Shelter: A domestic violence shelter or a homeless shelter that receives federal funding.
• National Sex Offender Registry: The national database established under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.
• Sex Offender: As defined by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.
• Non-Covered Shelter: A domestic violence shelter or homeless shelter that does not receive federal funding.
• Homeless Shelter: A facility designed to provide temporary housing for homeless individuals.
• Homeless: Defined according to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Impact on Shelters

Covered shelters will need to ensure compliance with the new restrictions to maintain their federal funding. This may lead to operational changes, such as the implementation of stricter intake procedures to identify individuals categorized as covered sex offenders.

Conclusion

Overall, the bill seeks to balance the provision of safe environments in shelters for survivors of domestic violence and homelessness while imposing restrictions on certain individuals based on their criminal history.

Relevant Companies

None found