Bill > S953

This bill aims to create access to justice by restoring enforcement of civil rights. It amends Chapter 12 of the General Laws to prohibit any unit of government from directly or indirectly excluding, disadvantaging, or discriminating against a person based on their protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or familial status. The bill allows individuals or classes of persons claiming to be aggrieved by a violation to file a civil action for injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief, including actual and punitive damages. It also outlines the burdens of proof and standards for establishing a violation based on discriminatory effect, even without proof of discriminatory intent. The bill is intended to be liberally construed to effectuate the broad, remedial goal of eradicating discrimination by units of government.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S953