Bill > S996

This bill aims to create access to justice by restoring enforcement of civil rights. It amends Chapter 12 of the General Laws to prohibit units of government from directly or indirectly excluding, disadvantaging, or discriminating against individuals based on their protected characteristics, such as race, disability, age, or familial status. The bill allows individuals or classes of persons claiming to be aggrieved by such discrimination to file civil actions to seek injunctive and other equitable relief, including damages. It also outlines the burdens of proof in these actions, with the plaintiff initially needing to prove a discriminatory effect, and the defendant then needing to demonstrate a legally sufficient justification for the challenged program, policy, or practice. The bill is intended to be interpreted broadly to achieve the goal of eradicating discrimination by government entities, whether intentional or through unjustified discriminatory effects.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S996