Bill > H2098

This bill clarifies and expands the legal standing of public interest organizations in employment discrimination cases by defining "public interest organizations" as non-profit entities organized to combat discrimination, safeguard civil rights, or promote rights under employment discrimination laws. Specifically, the bill allows these organizations to file complaints or civil actions if their purposes are impaired by alleged unlawful practices, if discriminatory actions are directed at the organization or its employees, or if the organization has a meaningful connection to the interests of those harmed by discriminatory practices. This means that public interest organizations will have more robust legal mechanisms to challenge discriminatory behaviors, even if they are not directly the target of the discrimination, thereby expanding the avenues for addressing potential civil rights violations in employment and housing contexts. The bill amends several sections of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B to codify these expanded rights and organizational standing.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2098