Model Legislation – Taskforce or Study Committee on Homelessness

The Task Force or Study Committee model provides a legislative option for lawmakers seeking additional information or coordination before advancing policy changes related to homelessness. Under this model, legislation establishes a time-limited body charged with examining the causes, scope, and impacts of homelessness, including the effectiveness and costs of different policy responses. Membership typically includes representatives from relevant state agencies, local governments, housing and service providers, and, in some cases, individuals with lived experience. This approach is often used in situations where there is political pressure to act, but limited consensus on solutions. When structured appropriately, a task force or study committee can support cross-system analysis, data sharing, and the development of evidence-informed recommendations that reflect housing and services system capacity.