Bill > H1669

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to enhance municipal enforcement capabilities by making two key changes. First, it increases the maximum civil penalty for violating municipal ordinances from $300 to $1,000, which allows cities and towns to impose more significant financial consequences for infractions. Second, the bill provides new legal provisions for civil suits brought by municipalities to enforce local ordinances and by-laws, giving courts broader discretion in assessing penalties. Specifically, in equity suits filed by a city, town, or municipal agency, courts can now assess civil penalties, attorneys' fees, and costs, with the penalty amount determined by considering factors such as whether the violation was willful, the harm caused, economic benefits gained by the violator, compliance history, and the defendant's good faith efforts to remedy the violation. These penalties would be paid to the municipality and can be used at the city or town's discretion, in addition to any equitable relief the court might order. The bill aims to provide municipalities with more robust tools to enforce local regulations and deter violations.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1669