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Bill > H597


MA H597

Increasing the penalties for unfair and deceptive actions perpetrated against persons with disabilities and senior citizens


summary

Introduced
01/22/2019
In Committee
01/22/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

Relative to deceptive actions perpetrated against elderly and disabled persons. Elder Affairs.

AI Summary

This bill aims to increase the penalties for unfair and deceptive actions perpetrated against persons with disabilities and senior citizens. It establishes the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Abuse Prevention Fund, which will be funded by revenues generated under Section 4 of Chapter 93A that exceed the amounts collected during each fiscal year. The fund will be used to educate senior citizens, disabled persons, and the general public about consumer protection laws and deceptive investment or marketing practices that have historically targeted these populations. Additionally, the bill amends Section 4 of Chapter 93A to allow the court to impose an additional civil penalty of up to $2,500 for each violation that was perpetrated against one or more senior citizens or persons with disabilities, based on factors such as the defendant's knowledge of the victim's status, the extent of the harm caused, and the victim's vulnerability.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H4401 (on 08/20/2020)

bill text


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