Bill > S1249

This bill proposes to amend several chapters of Massachusetts law to prohibit discrimination based on a person's height or weight across multiple domains, including education and employment. Specifically, the bill would add "height or weight" as a protected characteristic in sections of law related to schools (chapters 71 and 76), employment practices (chapter 151B), public accommodations (chapter 151C), and other areas of civil rights law. The amendments would make it illegal to discriminate against individuals in contexts such as school admissions, employment, housing, and public services based on their physical size. Importantly, the bill includes a notable exception that allows height or weight discrimination if it is necessary to comply with established state, federal, or industry safety standards. This means that while blanket discrimination would be prohibited, there are still circumstances where physical requirements can be legally considered, such as in jobs with specific physical demands or safety requirements. The bill aims to protect individuals from unfair treatment based on their body size while maintaining reasonable safety considerations.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1249