Amend. Art. XLVII
Food, necessaries and shelter in emergencies
Power
Taxes, Money & Commerce
Amendments · Articles of Amendment
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
The maintenance and distribution at reasonable rates, during time of war, public exigency, emergency or distress, of a sufficient supply of food and other common necessaries of life and the providing of shelter, are public functions, and the commonwealth and the cities and towns therein may take and may provide the same for their inhabitants in such manner as the shall determine.
Simplified explanation
Maintaining and distributing at reasonable rates, during war, public exigency, emergency or distress, a sufficient supply of food and other common necessaries of life, and providing shelter, are public functions; the commonwealth and its cities and towns may take and provide them as the general court determines.