Bill > H431

This bill aims to end housing discrimination in Massachusetts by making several key changes to laws governing real estate brokers and salespersons. The bill modifies the composition of the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons to include a member with expertise in fair housing and civil rights or a tenant from a public rental voucher program. It requires the board to publish quarterly reports detailing newly licensed members, complaints against licensed members, and disciplinary actions, with a specific focus on discrimination findings. The bill expands the ability to investigate housing discrimination by allowing other certified fair housing agencies to work alongside the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. It also introduces more stringent penalties for real estate professionals found to have violated fair housing laws, including mandatory license suspensions of 60 or 180 days depending on the frequency of violations. Additionally, the bill mandates that real estate salesman license applicants complete 40 hours of coursework, including at least four hours on fair housing law or diversity and inclusion, and requires ongoing licensed professionals to complete continuing education that includes hours focused on fair housing, equal opportunity, and related legal compliance topics. These changes are designed to increase accountability, education, and awareness about fair housing practices in the real estate industry.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H431