Bill > H1723

This bill eliminates the longstanding legal doctrine of charitable immunity in Massachusetts, which previously protected charitable organizations from being sued for negligence. Specifically, the bill removes Section 85K of Chapter 231 of the Massachusetts General Laws and replaces it with new language that explicitly states that an organization's status as a charity can no longer be used as a defense in tort (civil wrong) lawsuits. This means that charitable corporations, trusts, and associations can now be held legally liable for damages in court just like any other entity, removing a historical legal protection that had shielded these organizations from certain types of legal claims. The change could potentially make charitable organizations more accountable for their actions and provide greater legal recourse for individuals who have been harmed by their negligence, while potentially increasing the organizations' legal and financial risks.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1723