Bill > S859

This bill aims to promote fair housing by preventing discrimination against affordable housing. It amends Massachusetts' General Laws to prohibit local or state administrative, legislative, or regulatory bodies from engaging in "discriminatory land use practices." This includes enacting or enforcing land use regulations, policies, or ordinances; making permitting or funding decisions; or taking other actions that limit or exclude housing accommodations for families or individuals with low incomes, larger families with children, or based on protected characteristics like race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and others. The bill provides a mechanism for aggrieved parties to file civil actions and seek injunctive relief, damages, and attorney's fees, and allows the Attorney General to bring civil actions as well.